PASSENGERS were asked to volunteer to get off an easyJet plane because it was too heavy, it has been claimed.

    The captain of the flight to Malaga, Spain, from London Southend Airport， said wind conditions meant the weight of the 156-passenger Airbus 319 made it dangerous to take off.

    Crew members asked for volunteers while the aircraft sat on the tarmac for more than an hour last week — and 10 people selected to leave were offered 250 pounds (US$403) compensation each.

    One flyer said Sunday: “They asked 10 passengers to leave, but some were fat, some were thin, some had luggage and some didn’t. How can they be sure this brought the plane down to a safe weight?”

    An easyJet spokesman said Sunday night: “EasyJet can confirm that some passengers on a recent flight were asked to take a later flight as weather conditions at Southend meant the aircraft would be too heavy to take off with all on board.

    “Like all airlines, we calculate weight using high average estimates for males and females, along with 20-kg baggage.”

    A similar incident occurred four years ago, when dozens of passengers were ordered off an easyJet plane and threatened with arrest by police if they refused — because it was too heavy to take off.

    When some passengers refused to budge they were told three officers were waiting in the airport terminal and would arrest them if necessary. Easyjet later apologized to all passengers affected. (SD-Agencies)