These days, it seems like airlines want to charge you for just about everything.
It used to be that you could bring a checked bag, a carry-on, and a personal item to your destination without issue and without cost. Now, you’re lucky if you only get one of those things included in your ticket.
Not only that, but airlines have all kinds of rules about what you can and cannot bring onto the plane. These rules are often strictly (and controversially) applied. For example, Frontier Airlines has repeatedly come under fire for the inconsistent enforcement of its baggage policies.
Recently, a TikTok user went viral after sharing one method airlines are using to make customers stick to their rigid baggage policies. Is this normal?
What’s Going On At This Airport?
In a video with over 848,000 views, TikTok user Zanthy Diner (@zdiner) shows the gate of an airport.
At the gate are two workers pushing a scale. The video shows the airline workers weighing flyers’ bags, then tagging them appropriately.
“Pov you ruin broke ppls day for a living,” the TikToker writes in the video’s overlay text.
According to the Jetstar website, a fare may allow a passenger to carry as few as seven kilograms, or around 15 pounds, aboard their flight. If your baggage is over that, you’re going to have to pay more—which explains why the act of weighing the bag might result in some “ruined days” for cash-strapped people.
Why Do Airlines Do This?
At this point, we’re all used to weight restrictions on baggage. However, it didn’t always used to be this way.
In fact, while we may think of a 50-pound checked bag as standard, many airlines used to offer 70-pound checked bags as a standard. Furthermore, some airlines didn’t stop accepting 100-pound and over bags until 2003.
The stated reason for this switch was the safety of baggage handlers. Many in the industry have noted that lower weight limits mean fewer injuries for workers. Additionally, it does necessarily mean that passengers can take fewer items. Instead, these items can simply be spread across multiple bags.
What About Carry-On Bags?
Weight limits for carry-on luggage, however, are a bit different. While there are some concerns about balance and safety issues, weight limits on low-cost carriers are often seen as a way for the airline to make extra money.
The argument is that low-cost carriers charge low prices for tickets. Then, they make their money by charging for everything else—seat selection, food, and, of course, additional baggage.
However, as airlines around the world have looked for further ways to increase their profits, this practice is no longer limited to budget airlines.
After getting rid of included checked baggage, airlines in the United States and elsewhere are attempting to remove other included amenities as well. For example, a domestic flight on United Airlines is likely to not include a carry-on bag if one is flying basic economyconomy.
For airlines that restrict a carry-on’s weight, bags may also be weighed at the airport, as shown in the TikToker’s video. If the bag is found to be overweight, the flyer could be charged.
In an email to BroBible, Jetstar directed viewers to its baggage policy, which lays out the fees for overweight baggage and more.
Commenters Are Divided
In the comments section, some users supported the actions of the workers measuring bags.
“Oh no they are doing something you agreed on by booking a flight ticket,” a user sarcastically stated.
“POV they are just doing their job,” added another.
Others questioned their actions.
“Don’t understand why they make you pay,” wrote a user. “it doesn’t change anything. the weight of the bag still stays [the] same.”
“Stop charging extra for heavier luggage and charge for heavier passengers,” shared a second.
A few said there were ways to avoid having your bag weighed.
“Thats why u get to the gate as late as possible,” declared a commenter.
BroBible reached out to Jetstar via email and Diner via TikTok comment and direct message.