Discreet ''pressure pads'' could be used to weigh passengers upon checking in.
Several long-haul airlines in the UK are considering weighing passengers before they board flights as a way to cut fuel costs and emissions, reports The Sun.
Discreet “pressure pads” could be used as passengers pass through the airport.
The airline would then be able to determine how much fuel is required for the flight by calculating the collective passenger weight data.
Currently, airlines estimate using an inexact science based on the gender ratio of the passengers on board.
Many allow 88kg for men, 70kg for women and 35kg for children. But this method means airlines often use more fuel than they need to, British-based firm Fuel Matrix says.
Chief operating officer Nick Brasier told the Independent as much as 1 per cent more fuel is added for most flights than is needed.
Explaining his concept, Mr Brasier said: "We’re not suggesting people should stand on the scales, but airports could fit ‘pressure pads’ in the bag-drop area in front of each screen.
“After the bag has been checked in, the system can ask, ‘Are you standing on the pressure pad?’
“If the passenger taps ‘Yes’, then the weight can be recorded and passed confidentially to the airline.”
Talks are reportedly underway between Fuel Matrix and several long-haul airlines in the UK over implementing the system.
Fuel needs for planes can vary considerably depending on the total weight being carried. The heavier the load, the more fuel is needed and the higher the carbon emissions.
