Good to Know : Offered Load (CMO)
Why do some seats remain empty on a full flight ? The answer lies in the strict maximum weight and safety regulations that apply to every aircraft.
Why are there sometimes empty seats on your flight ?
An aircraft may appear to have empty seats…
… while actually being fully booked.
The reason: the maximum authorized weight
Every aircraft must comply with a maximum authorized total weight, known as the Offered Maximum Load (CMO).
This weight includes:
- Passengers
- Baggage
- Cargo
Depending on several factors, this limit may be reached even if not all seats are occupied.
Factors influencing the maximum load include:
- Flight distance
- Weather conditions
- Airport characteristics (runway, altitude, temperature, etc.)
Confirmed bookings… but no‑shows
It also happens that some passengers do not show up for boarding despite having a confirmed reservation.
As a result, even a flight that is fully sold may still have a few empty seats.
This is not a commercial choice.
It is a safety requirement.
The safety of passengers and crew remains, under all circumstances, the top priority
