The phrase "holiday weight" could take on a whole new meaning under new plans to reduce damage to the environment and save cash.
Under the plans flying holiday makers may be weighed before they board their flights.
The Mirror reported tech firm Fuel Matrix was talking with UK airlines about the installation of pressure pads at check-in desks.
The pads are understood to discreetly weigh a passenger as they pass through the airport, collecting date which is then passed to the flight deck.
Pilots would reportedly then use the data to calculate exactly how much fuel is needed for the flight and reduce the amount wasted.
Other options are believed to include security body scan machines which could record a person's weight.
The move is said to also help reduce carbon emissions by using up less fuel.
Currentl, airlines use an average weight of a man, woman and child to estimate their fuel needs.
For men they allow 13.8st, for women 11st, and for children 5.5st, reports the Independent .
However Berkshire-based Fuel Matrix reportedly claims this calculation results in fuel wastage.
Chief operating officer Nick Brasier told the Independent that most flights carry about 1% more fuel than they need and burn about 0.3 to 0.5% more fuel due to the extra fuel weight
Brasier said: “We’re not suggesting people should stand on the scales but airports could fit ‘pressure pads’ in the self-service bag drop area in front of each screen.
“After the bag has been checked in the system can ask: ‘Are you standing on the pressure pad?’
“If the passenger taps ‘Yes’ then the weight can be recorded and passed confidentially to the airline.”
