Offload

Offload is the removal of cargo from an aircraft or from a confirmed booking when space, weight, or aircraft limitations prevent carriage on the originally scheduled flight. The process typically occurs when load planners determine that Unit Load Devices (ULDs) must be removed to comply with aircraft weight restrictions or capacity constraints. Cargo priority systems similar to passenger cabin classes determine which shipments are offloaded, with higher-priority cargo remaining on the aircraft. Offloaded cargo under a single Air Waybill is then transported on subsequent flights, creating split shipments.

A Lufthansa Cargo shipment with AWB number 020-12345678 is scheduled on flight LH8440 from Frankfurt (FRA) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD), but adverse weather requires additional fuel load, forcing two ULDs containing 4,200 kg of automotive parts to be offloaded and rebooked on the next available flight. An Emirates SkyCargo booking with AWB prefix 176 for 15 pallets of electronics from Dubai (DXB) to Los Angeles (LAX) experiences offload when passenger baggage exceeds estimates, resulting in 3 pallets being bumped to the following day's freighter service.

• off-load
• bumped cargo
• OFL
• load factor removal

What triggers cargo to be offloaded from a flight?

Weather conditions requiring additional fuel, passenger baggage exceeding weight estimates, and aircraft maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) restrictions are primary triggers for offload decisions. Aircraft cannot exceed their maximum takeoff weight, which includes the combined weight of the aircraft, fuel, cargo, baggage, passengers, and all other items.

How does cargo offload priority work compared to passenger service?

On passenger flights, cargo is the first to be bumped when weight restrictions occur. When maximum takeoff weight is reached, cargo is usually offloaded before passengers, though standby passengers may also be denied boarding. Cargo priority follows a system similar to passenger cabin classes, with premium services receiving higher priority for remaining on the original flight.