Extreme heat impacting flights, weight reductions at Harry Reid Airport

LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Extreme heat caused multiple flight delays at Harry Reid International Airport over the weekend, including an unusual scene in which a flight crew asked 32 passengers to voluntarily deplane before takeoff.

Video of the incident circulated widely online, showing a flight attendant asking passengers already seated on the aircraft to volunteer to give up their seats.

MORE ON FOX5: Las Vegas cooling stations activated during extreme heat warning

Passenger describes the moment

Jared Guynes was traveling home to Texas when he found himself in the middle of the situation Saturday.

“So it’s either 32 people decide to, you know, alter their plans, or all of us are going to alter our plans, because the plane literally cannot take off without 32 people getting off,” Guynes said.

He described the experience as unexpected.

“This is like sensational. Like this is crazy,” Guynes said.

Why heat affects flights

An FAA spokesperson said in extreme heat, air becomes less dense, making it harder for an aircraft’s wings to generate lift. While a plane can still fly, it may require a longer takeoff roll. Maximum takeoff temperatures vary by aircraft make, model, weight and airport altitude.

Airlines and flight crews are responsible for following the aircraft manufacturer’s operations manual, which specifies the maximum temperatures under which a plane can be operated. The FAA does not cancel flights or restrict operations based on temperature.

The spokesperson added, when weight reduction is needed, airlines can offload cargo or passengers, or reduce the amount of fuel loaded — which may require an added fuel stop en route. In cases where temperatures exceed the limits outlined in the operations manual, the aircraft cannot be flown.

The Harry Reid Airport said each airline has its own operational policies.

American Airlines cites heat, aircraft performance

American Airlines confirmed the extreme heat prompted the weight reduction request. In a statement, the airline said: “When temperatures are especially high, we — like other airlines — may need to reduce the weight of an aircraft to ensure it can operate safely.”

The airline said reducing an aircraft’s weight during extreme heat is a standard industry practice when conditions require it, and that it works to minimize the impact on customers whenever possible, with safety remaining its top priority.

Flight eventually departed

The flight did take off after the delay. Guynes said the experience also led to an unexpected connection with a group of travelers attending an Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority conference in Las Vegas.

“For a town where a lot of people come and end up losing, I actually ended up walking away a big winner. Big winner there in Las Vegas. And it wasn’t anything to do with money. It was everything to do with the amazing ladies I was able to be exposed to and to learn more about,” Guynes said.