OK,
I'll take a second here to explain CHQ's W/B program. Each pax weighs 192 pounds summer/197 winter. This includes 15 pounds per person for any carry-on bags that make it into the cabin. If a carry-on goes into the bin, it gets counted as 22 pounds. Unfortunately, there is no credit for the person not taking it in the cabin. Checked bags count as 30 pounds each.
Now for the release restrictions. This is only slightly better than throwing darts. Our computer system calculates a payload number based on the most restrictive applicable weight of: Max Takeoff, Max Landing, Zero Fuel, or Field/Obstacle climb. From this payload number, the system comes up with a PAX/Bags figure. Something like 50/70. However, this is just one potential combination. Each 192 pound passenger can be swapped for 6 checked bags, 8 carry-on's, or any combination thereof up to the max bin limits. So a flight with a printed 44/40 could actually take 52 bags if only 42 pax are boarded. We may also be able to increse the payload due to changes in weather, runway in use, etc. BOS is a great example where RW 27 departures are restructive, but a short taxi delay for 22 or 33 might net us an extra 1000 pounds of payload. Furthermore, we can often improve the situation by shaving a bit of fuel. This is of course at the discretion of the captain, but can be an option if the dispatcher has been overly generous as is often the case.
In any case of a possible restriction, I strongly urge the gate or ops agent to consult with the captain before restricting the flight and wasting more of U's money by bumping pax or bags without need. I'll spare the board further gory details, but if anybody wants to dive into this indepth, please feel free to PM me, as I can provide a lot more specific info. Finally, when faced with restriction, please toss pax before bags. The cost of four vouchers or Z-class tix is a lot less than the delivery when we have to leave 25 bags to meet the restriction..
..CT