We have read several messages where people mentioned they were bumped due to the plane being over weight. Are they asking people how much they weigh or are they able to weigh the plane as they load it? Are they knowingly carrying heavy cargo so they can't fill all the seats? Does anyone know the way they determine a plane is over weight before everyone even gets on?

Hi Chuck,

It’s extremely unlikely to get bumped off a big jet because of over weight. Basically all aircraft have a certain payload after it has been fuelled and the crew are taken into account. Big jets normally average the weight of passengers by using a set weight for adults and another for children. Baggage may be weighed or the individual limits used as long as it’s not over weight. The aircraft has to be balanced so that it stays within CofG limits.

However small aircraft have less latitude to play with and its is usual to weigh baggage and occasionally passengers if it looks tight.

What some times happens is that check-in or cabin staff use weight and balance as an excuse, whilst I don’t agree with the ploy, it can be less contentious than admitting they overbooked.

Hope that helps
Dave

I not so sure that they overbook the amount of seats. I have flown AA several times to see at least 12 or so empty seats ( and some passengers were bumped & told that the plane was overweight)) & only to arrive and not have our luggage. Divers tend to bring extra bags that weigh a bit more than a vacationers luggage
One thing that would solve this, is that a full size jet would be used. But then could we fill all the seats?

Two years ago we were almost bumped from the San Juan to Bonaire flight. They asked for volunteers to get off in exchange for a voucher but there were no takers. The agent told us that there was an unusual amount of dive equipment so the plane would be over weight. He also said they used a "standard" to determine passenger weight. We all arrived in Bonaire but our luggage was delayed 2 days.

We recently asked American Eagle why this is. This is what I was told: The SJU/BON flight is one of the longest they can do. The reason the flight is NEVER full is because of the weight of the fuel plus the luggage. I bet we could fill one large plane a week now that AJ isn't "the choice" of airlines! It is very frustrating.