Being told a flight is "weight restricted" is frustrating, especially when you can see empty seats on the plane. But this is a fundamental safety limit dictated by physics and the Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW).
An aircraft's weight consists of the Empty Weight, Payload (passengers/bags), and Fuel. If the combination of these exceeds the MTOW-which is lower at high-altitude airports or in extreme heat-the airline must reduce payload. Because fuel is non-negotiable for safety, bags and passengers are the only things that can be removed to stay within legal limits.
New routes pushed to their limits, new aircraft, and features as they land.
