B1 – Intermediate
When we travel by plane, we have to be mindful about how much our luggage weighs.
Airlines set strict weight limits on our baggage allowance to ensure their planes do not go beyond the maximum weight so that they take off and land safely.
Read the article about Finland’s national airline’s plans to weigh their passengers on their flights. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.
https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2403/240304-weighing-airline-passengers-4.html
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “exceed” mean, “Airplanes should not exceed the maximum weight for safe take-offs and landings.”? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “exceed” in your own sentence.
- What does “to step on scales” mean, “Volunteers are stepping on scales at Helsinki Airport’s departure gates.”? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “to step on scales” in your own sentence.
- What does “to have peace of mind” mean, “It said travellers could have “peace of mind” about their personal information.“? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “peace of mind” in your own sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What is your opinion on weighing passengers on flight?
- What are the pros and cons of weighing airline passengers?
- Would you agree to be weighed in at the airport? Why or why not?
- Share your views on this statement, “Weight is a personal topic.”.
- What are other ways safety standards on flights can be met?
4 replies on “Airline to Weigh Luggage and Passengers”
Vocabulary Questions:
1. Overcome or go over. The excellent results exceeded my expectations.
2. Measure weight. Proffesional boxers needs to step on scales to certificate his weight.
3. Keep calm. I need to read a lot of information about this trip so that I will have peace of mind when we arrive.
Discussion Questions:
1. It worries me to think that we are at a point where passengers need to be weighed, when they are then sold the ability to put in as much luggage as they need, as long as they pay for it.
2. The pros are that you know the weight of the trip, and you can probably save fuel, and the cons are that many people will not want to weigh themselves to get on a plane.
3. No, because it does not seem to me a data that they need for security, if it really is a security problem, that they do not allow to fly with more than one suitcase.
4. I completely agree, I don’t think it’s a piece of information that has to be given to the airlines.
5. By following the indications of the onboard officers
Good work practicing your writing. Remember to be as expressive as you can in your answers. Add more details or explanation.
Here is a way to elaborate a bit more on your idea in this sentence:
Keep going with this exercise to continue improving.
**Vocabulary Questions:**
1. What does “**exceed**” mean, “_Airplanes should not **exceed** the maximum weight for safe take-offs and landings.”_? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “exceed” in your own sentence.
– Exceed is not pass the limits
– Drivers may not exceed the blood alcohol limit
2. What does “**to step on scales**” mean, “_Volunteers **are stepping on scales** at Helsinki Airport’s departure gates._”? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “to step on scales” in your own sentence.
– be weighed
– I usually step on scales every saturday
3. What does “**to have peace of mind**” mean, “_It said travellers **could have “peace of mind”** about their personal information._“? Give 1-2 synonyms or similar expressions and use “peace of mind” in your own sentence.
– not be concerned
– If you act according to your principles you can have peace of mind
**Discussion Questions:**
1. What is your opinion on weighing passengers on flight?
In my opinion it is not neccesary because every trip is different and people who travels too, therefore the sample could be taken from any research about random people and I think that the limits are wide
2. What are the pros and cons of weighing airline passengers?
PRO: know exactly the weight and be able to approach the limit
CONS: People are not comfortable giving information about something personal
3 Would you agree to be weighed in at the airport? Why or why not?
Depends on my mood. Perhaps if it were rewarded, like a soda on the plane, to be able to choose a seat for free or similar people would be more willing to do so
4. Share your views on this statement, “Weight is a personal topic.”.
I totally agree. It’s like age, there are people who don’t mind saying it but other people don’t feel comfortable
5. What are other ways safety standards on flights can be met?
Limit luggage weight in cabin and hand luggage, mobile disconnection
You were able to answer your lesson’s discussion questions well. Nicely done!
Check out how this sentence can be improved a little:
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