First, take a look at this tweet.
OMG Air NZ announces to everyone in the terminal it's conducting a survey to weigh both passengers and hand luggage today. That won't be embarrassing AT ALL. 😂 (They also said it's a requirement they do it every 5 years.)
— Hilary Barry (@Hilary_Barry) April 14, 2021
The woman in question is Hilary Barry, a newscaster for New Zealand's national broadcasting station.
Oh my God! Air New Zealand announces that all passengers will be weighed and checked for carry-on luggage. There's no need to be embarrassed! (Apparently this is required every 5 years)
If you're planning on flying this week, will you be unable to board the plane unless you weigh yourself?
It's a bit embarrassing to have to step on a scale before boarding a plane.
The weight measurement controversy that occurs every five years
Air New Zealand quickly responded to Barry's tweet.
Kia Ora @Hilary_Barry 👋 It's a regulatory requirement to calculate the average weight of our passengers, crew and baggage every 5 years. All data is anonymous, so no need to feel embarrassed! Taking part isn't compulsory, but we really appreciate our customers helping out.
— Air New Zealand ✈️ (@FlyAirNZ) April 14, 2021
Kia ora! (a Maori greeting) This is a legal survey carried out every five years to calculate the average weight of passengers, crew and their baggage. The data is anonymous so don't be embarrassed! You are not required to take the measurements but we appreciate your help.
This survey, which measures the weight of not only passengers but also pilots and cabin attendants, as well as baggage, is conducted every five years and is a legal requirement. This is to calculate how much weight an airplane can carry. Of course, the survey is anonymous, and even the airline staff who take the measurements cannot see the weight.
A 2003 survey collected data from 15,000 people and found that the average weight plus carry-on baggage per person was 85.4kg. Based on this data, the average weight per person over 13 years old was set at 86kg, and the number of passengers that a standard large plane could carry was calculated.
▶ Air New Zealand's 'weigh week': Why the airline is weighing passengers
Cookie crime on an airplane?!
Another recent case that has been in the news is the scandal involving Air New Zealand.
Hello @nzpolice - I'd like to report a crime. Air New Zealand has switched out their cookies for SHORTBREAD. Send reinforcements immediately. pic.twitter.com/4WGfL6IYdI
— Matty McLean (@MattyMcLean) March 30, 2021
(To the Metropolitan Police) Hello. I'd like to report a crime. Air New Zealand has replaced cookies with shortbread. Please send the police immediately.
Matty McLean, a TV weather forecaster, tweeted this story after she was shocked to see Air New Zealand's in-flight cookies go from chocolate chips to plain, plain shortbread.
Cookie Time, the cookies served on Air New Zealand, is a New Zealand cookie brand. It was founded in Christchurch in 1983. At first, they sold a single palm-sized cookie, and it became popular to warm it up in the microwave before eating. Now, there are more varieties and sizes available, and you can buy them in Japan at their own store in Harajuku or at Natural Lawson.
Police and Air New Zealand immediately responded to McClain's tweet.
While this is extremely disappointing, we don't believe a crime has been committed here (debatable).
— New Zealand Police (@nzpolice) March 31, 2021
This is very unfortunate, but I don't think it can be called a crime (I'm open to counterarguments).
Don't go baking our hearts 💔 If you're not careful next time you'll get a milk arrowroot 🤪
— Air New Zealand ✈️ (@FlyAirNZ) March 31, 2021
Don't go baking our hearts. If you're not careful, you might end up with milk arrowroot!
To explain a bit about this tweet from Air New Zealand, "Don't go baking our hearts" is a play on the words "breaking" and "baking" in the famous duet "Don't go breaking my heart" by Elton John and Kiki Dee. Milk Arrowroot is a type of cookie made with a cheaper starch than shortbread.
On Twitter
Shortbread is 1000 times better than chocolate chip!
There were also people who gave positive opinions such as "I'm a big fan of shortbread."
By the way, the flavor of the cookies served on board changes regularly.
Air New Zealand served sweet cookies on board and had passengers weighed.
Article author
- She loves New Zealand, where she spent her high school and university years, and calls it her hometown. She buys 100% New Zealand wine, and always keeps SILENI Sauvignon Blanc on hand. She loves Marmite. More than half of her past boyfriends have been Kiwis.
- Director of Deck Corporation
