Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Weight And Balance; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown
General None Reported / Taken
Company Policy; Procedure; Human Factors
Following passenger boarding; the Flight Attendant was observed inspecting the cabin and opening all the overhead bins. From my seat in row 1; I overheard her tell the ramp agent that he should bring up 6 bags. As the ramp agent struggled to carry the oversize bags to the rear of the cabin; the Flight Attendant announced to the passengers that the aircraft is overweight and they are putting bags in the cabin so they don't count towards the total weight; and that we will be leaving shortly. To help rectify the situation; I elected to leave the aircraft. As I gathered my belongings; I observed the ramp agent and Flight Attendant unsuccessfully try to fit one of the bags under a seat. The ramp agent asked if he can just strap it to the seat; because there was 'no way it was going to fit anywhere back here.' Prior to exiting the aircraft; I notified the Captain that I was removing myself due to the overweight condition. He responded 'suit yourself'. I collected my baggage and proceeded up the jetway. The Gate Agent asked me if I was leaving. I told her that as the aircraft was overweight; my leaving would bring it back into compliance. As I left the gate area to find alternate travel; the Gate Agent was boarding another passenger.I do not know what the [air carrier's] procedure is for this situation; but I was given the impression that it is quite common. At least the crew did not seem to attach any special significance to it. I was unable to get in contact with anyone through Professional Standards and other unofficial channels to find out. My main concern is how this type of situation is handled. I have not found anything in the manuals that supports this procedure. While I found relief in specific circumstances (e.g.; count adult passengers as children when appropriate and necessary; gender specific weights for crew members when using ACARS to calculate the aircraft index); I did not find anything that allows us to discount baggage weight. As I was making my inquiries; I was surprised how many pilots that I spoke with did not see this as an issue. It may even be a common technique to deal with an overweight aircraft. If so; some clarification from the FAA and Union Safety as to the proper method and circumstances for its use would help our pilots apply the technique safely.Specifically:1. How many bags may be discounted? Is one bag acceptable? Ten?2. Are there size restrictions that allow this? Are bags over a certain size too large to ignore?3. At what point after the valet baggage has been counted can the count be adjusted? Is it OK as long as the bag hasn't been loaded; or is sitting in the jetway?4. Why do they have to be moved to the cabin? The benefit to our CG is maximized if they stay in the cargo compartment. Is it possible to dismiss the number of bags that we need to; and leave them in place?In addition; the announcement that the Flight Attendant makes should not mention that the aircraft is overweight; as moving bags around does not actually change the aircraft weight; and a passenger might notice the logic fault and become concerned.
A CRJ-200 First Officer deadheading in the cabin questioned the airline's procedures for dealing with weight and balance issues.