Debate broke out on GMB today as plus-size model and broadcaster clashed over whether passengers should be weighed before a flight.
American actress and plus-size model Hayley Hasselhoff, 31, said ‘it’s triggering to people with eating disorders’, while Mental Health Campaigner and broadcaster Neev Spencer said ‘weighing yourself is a good thing, as it can highlight issues.’
The debate comes after Finnair has announced it will begin weighing passengers with their carry-on luggage to better estimate the plane’s weight before take-off.
Hayley said: ‘I have had friends going to airports in the last couple of hours and not knowing they are going to be weighed, that’s triggering.
‘There are 3.4 million people in the UK suffering with an eating disorder, either suffering or recovering. So going to an airline and checking in and finding out you will have to be weighed, being in a vulnerable state and having to put your weight out there, that is a lot.’
Debate broke out on GMB today as plus-size model and broadcaster clash over whether passengers should be weighed before a flight. Hayley Hasselhoff, 31, said ‘its triggering to people with eating disorders’
‘There needs to be a disclaimer, because if there is going to be Finnair saying: “We are doing it in a more affordable approach because it’s less fuel cost for us”, then of course people will book it and not read the fine print.’
Neev argued that it’s a safety precaution and could be beneficial for nervous flyers.
She said: ‘For me as a nervous flyer, safety is paramount, Finnair are forward thinking in what they do. This is about operational strategy, if the engineers say this is safe I am for it.’
‘Sorry to say this, but if you are larger than you are infringing on someone else’s space. That’s a whole issue in itself.
‘I think they are doing it for operational efficiency. But I’m going to say this and it’s controversial, weighing yourself, whether you’re underweight or overweight, can be a good thing, it it can highlight issues.’
However Hayley said the airline needs to make sure to warn passengers before they get to the airport that they will be weighed.
She said: ‘They need to take responsibility and say when you come to the airport we are going to be weighing you, to let people know what they are getting into.
‘Your body your choice, your flight your choice, I’m here for it of someone thinks it’s a better safety precaution for them to be weighed that’s fine. However, they should have that choice before they get to the airport.
The debate comes after Finnair has announced it will begin weighing passengers with their carry-on luggage to better estimate the plane’s weight before take-off
Mental Health Campaigner and broadcaster Neev Spencer said ‘weighing yourself is a good thing, it can highlight issues’
‘The concern is that it’s going to continue on and be a profitable margin and I think that is something that we have seen in the plus size community for very very long.’
Neev added: ‘Not making it public I hear you but they do make it private, that is what they are saying.’
Viewers took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their own thoughts on the controversial topic.
One person said: ‘If you’re so sensitive about this then you’re probably over weight!’
Another said: ‘No way, absolutely unacceptable. Estimate it another way, my weight is my private business.’
Viewers took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their own thoughts on the controversial topic
Someone else joked: ‘I’ve struggled for years to find the motivation to work out and eat healthier. I have a flight coming up with Finnair shortly. I’m writing this from a treadmill while preparing salad! Thank you Finnair!!’
While a fourth said: ‘I agree, given the increase of obesity in society, it’s the only safe way of ensuring the plane is safe to fly. It’s not about shaming, it’s about safety’
The airline announced it will begin weighing passengers with their carry-on luggage in order to better estimate the plane’s weight before take-off.
Finnish carrier Finnair told media they began ‘measuring’ passengers departing from Helsinki on Monday.
‘So far, more than 500 volunteer customers have participated in the weigh-ins,’ spokeswoman Kaisa Tikkanen said.
Finnair, which services the UK with budget flights to and from Finland, noted in a statement airlines work out the weight of the plane, its interior and passengers on board to balance the flight and make for safe transit.
Airlines may use average weights provided by aviation authorities – assumed to be 88kg – or collect their own data, it said.
Finnair assured potential passengers that collected data is not linked ‘in any way’ to customers’ personal data in their statement.
‘Only the customer service agent working at the measuring point can see the total weight, so you can participate in the study with peace of mind,’ said Satu Munnukka, head of ground processes at Finnair.
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