In a controversial move, Kenya Airways has decided to charge passengers based on the combined weight of their body and luggage. The airline says that this will help save fuel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as motivate passengers to pack less.
The new policy, which will start from November 1, 2023, will require passengers to step on a scale and weigh themselves and their bags at the check-in counter. The total weight will then be multiplied by the rate per kilogram, which will depend on the destination and the class of travel. For instance, a passenger flying from Nairobi to New York in economy class will pay 0.6 USD per kilogram, while a passenger flying from Nairobi to Kisumu in business class will pay 1.5 USD per kilogram.
Fair and Transparent
The airline claims that this policy is fair and transparent, as it reflects the actual cost of flying each passenger. It also claims that it will benefit passengers who are lighter and have less luggage, as they will pay less than the average ticket price. However, passengers who are heavier and have more luggage will have to pay more than the average ticket price, or choose cheaper alternatives such as taking a car or a boat.
The policy has triggered mixed reactions from the public, with some applauding it as a brave and creative move, while others condemning it as a discriminatory and rude measure. Some passengers have expressed worries about privacy and dignity, as they will have to disclose their weight in front of other people. Others have doubted the accuracy and reliability of the weighing scales, as they may not be calibrated properly or may malfunction.
Kenya Airways is not the first airline to adopt such a policy, as some smaller airlines in Samoa, Finland, and Uzbekistan have already implemented similar schemes. However, Kenya Airways is the first major airline in Africa to do so, and it remains to be seen how it will affect its image and profitability in the competitive aviation market.
Food rations
The new policy also affects the food service on board, as Kenya Airways will offer different portions and menus based on the passenger size. Passengers who weigh more than 100 kilograms will receive smaller portions and low-calorie meals, while passengers who weigh less than 50 kilograms will receive larger portions and high-calorie meals. The airline says that this will help passengers maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity-related health problems. However, some passengers have complained that this is unfair and intrusive, as they will have to eat what the airline decides for them, regardless of their preferences and dietary restrictions.
Some critics have also accused the airline of having a hidden agenda behind the new policy, as they claim that the airline is deliberately serving more food to passengers who weigh less than 50 kilograms, in order to make them gain weight and charge them more in the future. They allege that the airline is using high-calorie meals that are rich in sugar, fat, and salt, which can increase the appetite and cause weight gain. They also claim that the airline is using subliminal messages and hypnotic music to persuade passengers to eat more and feel satisfied. Critics say that this is a cunning strategy to boost the airline’s profits at the expense of the passengers’ health and well-being.
Free Ride for Children
The airline has announced that it will allow children under 12 years old to fly for free on all domestic and international flights. Kenya Airways said that this move was motivated by two factors: first, to reduce the fuel consumption and carbon footprint of its flights, since children are lighter than adults and therefore require less energy to transport; and second, to promote the African culture of hospitality and generosity, which values children as a blessing and a source of joy. The airline hopes that this policy will attract more families to travel with Kenya Airways and experience the warmth and friendliness of its staff.
