Air New Zealand is to begin weighing international passengers before they board their flights from Auckland airport next month.

Passengers will be asked to step on the scales at the departure gate while holding their hand luggage.

The airline said this would help it to ‘ensure the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft’.

Air New Zealand began weighing passengers on domestic flights in 2021 but this is the first time it has weighed those on international flights.

Passengers can choose not to step on the scales, but knowing the total weight of passengers and their hand luggage will help the airline adjust its fuel to ensure it’s carrying the optimum amount.

Air New Zealand will weigh passengers throughout June, but it says there is no visible display on the scales so staff and other customers won’t be able to see an individual’s weight.

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