Some Airlines Starting To Get It, Installing Roomier Overhead Bins

After seeing countless passengers refusing to believe that their wheelie bag isn’t going to fit in closed bins, while others just will not listen to flight attendants’ pleas of “please don’t put your coat in the overhead bin,” some airlines are actually expanding the size of their overhead bins.

And, shockingly enough say the L.A. Times, they aren’t planning to stick passengers with a fee for the space. Well, so far, at least.

American Airlines has some new oversized bins on several of their Boeing 737-800s, which hit the friendly skies in May. They pivot down and out and can hold around 48 more bags per flight than the usual fare.

This April, United Airlines has plans to switch out bin doors on 152 of their planes with doors that curve out to allow for more bags to fit inside. Around 106 roll-on bags will now fit on the Airbus A320, instead of 64 bags previously.

Delta is also joining the roomy craze for its international flights flying long-haul routes on their Boeing 767-300ER planes, with a 23% space increase of 26 more bags.

The reason for this expansion? Seems the airlines are actually listening to passengers complaining over checked bag fees and the irritating boarding process. If passengers have a bad time shoving bags in bins or have to gate-check their luggage, they then feel negative about the entire flight.

“We want the boarding process to be so smooth that it is otherwise not memorable,” United spokesman Rahsaan Johnson said.

American Airlines echoed that sentiment.

“While we don’t release the exact figures, there is a revenue benefit to American to increase the overhead bin storage space,” said American Airlines spokesman Tim Smith. “American Airlines is committed to investing in its products and services to improve the travel experience for its customers.”

Overhead bins getting bigger on some airlines [Los Angeles Times]

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