This is according to a leaked internal memo from the carrier, which cannot yet be named due to a pending court interdict.

The memo, issued by one of the airline’s top executives, discusses a new restructuring plan suggested by airline consulting company AviationSOS.

It states: “Due to the impact weight loads have on the consumption of jet fuel, AviationSOS has recommended that passenger tickets be sold on a bodily weight basis, with passengers exceeding their specific weight category paying per kilo of extra weight, much like the policy for overweight baggage currently in use…We believe this plan will significantly contribute to achieving greater revenues from loads and, as such, help pull the airline out of its financial crisis.”

The memo goes on to say that AviationSOS recommends the passenger weight categories be divided as follows: 0 – 30 kilograms (male and female infants and children under six years); 30 – 60 kilograms (male and female children over six-years and teenagers); 40 – 60 kilograms (adult females); and 60 – 80 kilograms (adult males).

Ticket prices for each class will be based on the weight and gender category the passenger falls under, with those exceeding the weight allowance “paying between R15 and R20 per kilogram over the specified weight restriction”.

On how the airline would implement this policy, the memo states that passengers would have to indicate which weight category they fell under when booking their ticket.

'Liars' made to step on scale

While “each and every passenger would not be weighted (sic) at check-in”, the airline executive suggested that “those who look like they lied about their weight must be put on the scale at check-in” and charged for “any additional weight they carry on their person”.

He added: “The aim of this exercise is not to embarrass our passengers, but they must know they will be caught out if they fib about those extra kilos.”

Asked about the new restructuring plan, the airline refused to confirm or deny that it is considering implementing the consulting firm’s suggestion.

"Heavy people weigh down aircraft" : spokesperson

AviationSOS spokesperson, Obie East, confirmed that the company had been contracted to consult on a new restructuring plan for the airline, but would not say whether or not the weight policy had been included in its list of suggestions.

Pressed further, Mr. East said: “Hypothetically, I believe that such a policy would be extremely viable, as heavy people weigh down an aircraft and make it use more fuel. At a time when fuel costs are so high, I don’t see why people who weigh more than the average 55 kilos for ladies and 75 kilos for gents should not have to pay more.”

“But,” he hastily added, “I am not at liberty to divulge whether or not this has been one of our suggestions to the airline.”

Other airlines slam ticket-by-weight policy…

However, of all airlines canvassed on whether they had considered implementing a similar policy, only Kenya Airways admitted to having done a ticket-by-weight trial, using its Johannesburg sales executives.

“We found it was simply not feasible, especially as one sales exec was pregnant and tipped the weight scale considerably, resulting in penalties of over R1000,” said Regional Marketing Manager, Glenn Lewington.

Even the domestic low-cost carriers contacted said they had not and would not consider implementing similar policies.

Gidon Novick, kulula’s joint Chief Executive, said he found the concept “ridiculous and discriminatory”.

“Airlines that have their own fat to trim should focus on that before taking it out on their chunkier passengers,” he said.

“I think they are crazy to even be thinking about it,” said Desmond O’Conner, 1time Commercial Manager. He added that the plan would probably backfire, much like RyanAir’s plan to charge passengers to use in-flight toilets had backfired on the UK carrier.

Phyllis Stein, spokesperson for obesity support group PHAT (Professional Help All the Time), also views the policy as discrimination against overweight people.

“If (the airline) does follow through on this, I can tell you now we will stage protests at every airport and may even take them to the Human Rights Commission,” she said.

The SA Human Rights Commission was not available at the time of going to press to comment on whether the weight policy would, in fact, constitute discrimination.

What do you think of the new policy? Post your comments below…