A mortified passenger has shared her unease after claiming an airline weighed a fellow traveller on a baggage scale - to ensure she wasn't too heavy for the flight.
Lillian, who uses the TikTok handle @lilwessel, says she was left completely gobsmacked after sharing a clip of the woman, who appears to be weighed in front of everyone else boarding the flight.
The Mirror reports how in her post, she writes: "The whole airport trying to mind their own business as a woman is asked to step on the baggage scale because she claimed she was 130lbs." The 24-year-old says the "tiny plane" needed their passenger's correct weight for "safety reasons".
READ NEXT: Edinburgh OAP who went viral during pandemic facing care home eviction as funds run out
While most users slammed the unnamed airline for being so "cruel", others claim this is common practice. One user said: "Airports are out of control."
"Flying home from the Philippines and they weighed me… I have never been so embarrassed in my life," another user added.
A third user said: "That's not OK."
However, one user argued: "They care about weight limits on small planes because they need to have the centre weight in a certain part of the plane."
"I've seen exactly this at my job. I'm a medic intern and some meds are weight based so it's important we ask," another user said.
A sixth user added: "Weight and balance is really important on small aircraft."
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FFA), weighing passengers and their luggage before boarding could help ensure an aircraft does not become overloaded.
They say this is more critical for smaller aircrafts as it more accurately determines "balance calculations", rather than using estimates or trusting customers on their word.
A statement on NJ.com reads: "In lieu of weighing passengers, airline employees could ask how much a traveller weighs.
"To account for a traveller who might low ball their weight, the FAA advised 'the operator should make a reasonable estimate of the passenger's actual weight and add 10 pounds'.
"If an airline opted to weigh each passenger on a scale, it would take place before boarding the aircraft, the FAA notice said, advising airlines to protect the privacy of passengers by keeping the scale readout hidden from public view."
READ NEXT:
Scottish barber blows judges away following performance on Britain's Got Talent
Edinburgh local spots footage of balaclava-wearing youths riding his stolen bike
Frantic search launched for West Lothian teenager last seen three days ago
The pub owner revitalising popular bar with epic pizza and cocktail menu
Edinburgh mum shares chilling experience of racist abusing her family
