Plus size model Hayley Hasselhoff slams new Finnair policy to weigh passengers before flights – claiming it is triggering for people with eating disorders

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 that 'it is triggering for people with eating disorders', while mental health campaigner and broadcaster Neev Spencer said that 'weighing yourself is a good thing because it causes problems can bring to light.'

The debate comes after Finnair announced it will weigh passengers with their hand luggage to better estimate the weight of the plane before takeoff.

Hayley said: 'I've had friends in the last few hours going to airports not knowing they were going to be weighed, that's triggering.

'There are 3.4 million people in Britain who are suffering from, or are recovering from, an eating disorder. So going to an airline and checking in and finding out you have to be weighed, you're in a vulnerable state and you have to carry your weight, that's a lot.”

“There needs to be a disclaimer because if Finnair says, 'We do it in a more affordable way because it means less fuel costs for us,' then of course people will book it and not read the fine print. .'

Neev argued that it is a safety measure and could be beneficial for nervous flyers.

She said: 'As a nervous flyer, safety comes first, Finnair is forward thinking in what they do. This is about operational strategy, if the engineers say this is safe, I'm for it.'

'Sorry to say, but when you're bigger you're encroaching on someone else's space. That's a whole issue in itself.

“I think they do it for operational efficiency. But I'm going to say this and it's controversial. Weighing yourself, whether you're underweight or overweight, can be a good thing, it can reveal problems.'

However, Hayley said the airline should ensure passengers are warned before they arrive at the airport that they will be weighed.

She said: 'They need to take responsibility and say when you come to the airport we are going to weigh you, to let people know what they are getting into.

“Your body your choice, your flight your choice, I'm here because someone thinks it's a better safety measure to be weighed, that's fine. However, they must have that choice before arriving at the airport.

The debate comes after Finnair announced it will weigh passengers with their hand luggage to better estimate the weight of the plane before takeoff.

Mental health campaigner and broadcaster Neev Spencer said: 'Weighing yourself is a good thing, it can reveal problems'

“The concern is that it will continue to be that way and deliver a profitable margin, and I think that's something we've been seeing in the plus-size community for a long time.”

Neev added, “I'm not making it public, I understand that, but they're making 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 so sensitive to this, you're probably overweight!”

Another said: 'No way, absolutely unacceptable. Think differently: my weight is my 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'm planning a flight with Finnair soon. I'm writing this from a treadmill while preparing a salad! Thank you Finnair!!”

While a fourth said: 'I agree that with the rise in obesity in society this is the only safe way to ensure the plane can fly safely. It's not about shame, it's about safety

The airline has announced that it will weigh passengers with their carry-on luggage to better estimate the weight of the plane before takeoff.

Finnish airline Finnair told the media that it started 'measuring' passengers departing from Helsinki on Monday.

“To date, more than 500 volunteer customers have participated in the weigh-ins,” spokeswoman Kaisa Tikkanen said.

Finnair, which serves the United Kingdom with budget flights to and from Finland, noted in a statement that airlines calculate the weight of the aircraft, its interior and the passengers on board to balance the flight and ensure safe transit.

Airlines may use average weights provided by aviation authorities – believed to be 88kg – or collect their own data, the report said.

Finnair assured potential passengers in their statement that the data collected is 'in no way' linked to customers' personal data.

“Only the customer service representative working at the measuring point can see the total weight, so you can take part in the survey with confidence,” says Satu Munnukka, head of ground processes at Finnair.