A debate broke out on GMB today when the plus-size model and the broadcaster clashed over whether passengers should be weighed before a flight.
American actress and plus-size model Hayley Hasselhoff, 31, said “it’s a trigger for people with eating disorders,” while mental health activist and broadcaster Neev Spencer said “weighing yourself is a good thing, as it can highlight problems.”
The debate comes after Finnair announced it will begin weighing passengers with their carry-on luggage to better estimate the plane’s weight before takeoff.
Hayley said: ‘I’ve had friends go to airports in the last few hours and they don’t know they’re going to be weighed, that’s a trigger.
‘There are 3.4 million people in the UK who suffer from an eating disorder, whether they are suffering from it or recovering from it. So to go to an airline, check in, and find out you’re going to have to weigh yourself, to be in a vulnerable state, and to have to expose your weight, that’s a lot.”
A debate broke out on GMB today as a plus-size model and a broadcaster clash over whether passengers should be weighed before a flight. Hayley Hasselhoff, 31, said “it’s a trigger for people with eating disorders.”
‘There has to be a disclaimer, because if Finnair is going to say, ‘We’re doing it with a more affordable approach because it costs us less fuel,’ then of course people will book and not read the fine print.’
Neev argued that it is a safety measure and could be beneficial for nervous travelers.
She said: ‘For me as a nervous traveler safety is paramount, Finnair is forward thinking in what it does. “It is about operational strategy, if the engineers say this is safe, I support it.”
‘I’m sorry to say this, but if you’re bigger than me you’re invading someone else’s space. That is a whole question in itself.
‘I think they are doing it for operational efficiency. “But I will say this and it’s controversial: weighing yourself, whether you’re underweight or overweight, can be a good thing as it can highlight problems.”
However, Hayley said the airline must make sure to warn passengers before arriving at the airport that they will be weighed.
She said: “They have to take responsibility and say when you come to the airport we will weigh you so people know what they are getting into.”
“Your body is your choice, your flight is your choice, I’m here for someone to think it’s a better safety measure to be weighed, that’s fine.” However, they should have that option before arriving at the airport.
The debate comes after Finnair announced it will begin weighing passengers with their carry-on luggage to better estimate the plane’s weight before takeoff.
Broadcaster and mental health activist Neev Spencer said “weighing yourself is a good thing, it can highlight problems.”
“The concern is that it will continue and it will be a profitable margin and I think that’s something we’ve seen in the plus size community for a long, long time.”
Neev added: “I don’t make it public, I hear you, but they do make it private, that’s what they say.”
Viewers took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their own thoughts on the controversial topic.
One person said: ‘If you’re that sensitive about this, you’re probably overweight!’
Another said: ‘No way, absolutely unacceptable. Estimate it another way, my weight is a private matter.’
Viewers took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their own thoughts on the controversial topic.
Someone else joked: “I’ve struggled for years to find the motivation to exercise and eat healthier.” I have a flight coming up with Finnair. I’m writing this from a tape while making a salad! Thank you Finnair!!’
While a fourth said: “I agree, given the rise in obesity in society, it is the only sure way to ensure the plane is safe to fly.” It’s not about shaming, it’s about safety.’
The airline announced that it will begin weighing passengers with their carry-on luggage to better estimate the weight of the plane before takeoff.
Finnish airline Finnair told media they began “screening” passengers departing Helsinki on Monday.
“So far, more than 500 volunteer customers have participated in the weigh-ins,” said spokesperson Kaisa Tikkanen.
Finnair, which offers cheap flights to the United Kingdom from and to Finland, said in a statement that airlines calculate the weight of the plane, its interior and the passengers on board to balance the flight and ensure safe transit.
Airlines can use average weights provided by aviation authorities (supposed to be 88kg) or collect their own data, he said.
Finnair assured potential passengers in its statement that the data collected is not linked “in any way” to customers’ personal data.
“Only the customer service agent working at the measurement point can see the total weight, so you can participate in the study with peace of mind,” said Satu Munnukka, head of ground processes at Finnair.