On Wed, 22 Feb 2006 12:03:43 -0800, AES wrote:
>Bottom line: The basic, unsolvable problem, as always, is that modern
>jet aircraft can lift and transport _substantially_ more weight than the
>weight of passengers (and their baggage) that can be comfortably housed
>inside the aircraft hull. Result: the more passengers that can be
>crammed into the available space, the more revenue and more income (and
>lower fares).
>
>Ergo, the passenger carrying capacity for given modern jet is determined
>primarily by minimum acceptable passenger comfort, not by passenger or
>luggage weight (although added weight does of course mean some
>additional fuel consumption).
>
The above is incorrect. I have been on several flights where people
were denied boarding, or removed from the aircraft (along with their
luggage) to prevent the plane from being overweight. In addition,
cargo is a big moneymaker for the airlines. There are many long haul
routes where large aircraft such as the 767, 777, A330, A340 are
weight restricted and do not fill the cargo bays full. In slow
seasons, the airlines will allow more cargo because there are fewer
pax on the plane. |