Posted on 12/06/2016 1:14:37 PM PST by T-Bird45
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) - The coveted carry-on bag. Not checking your bag has its perks--avoid waiting around at baggage claim at the end of your flight, or worrying about losing it, and it's cheaper.
Or, at least, it used to be.
United Airlines just announced a new ticket option called "Basic Economy," banning the use of overhead bins for luggage.
So now you're stuck with either paying for a checked bag, or paying for a more expensive ticket to bring it on the flight with you.
According to a release from U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer's office, United expects the plan to raise $1 billion for the company by 2020. Other airlines are waiting to see if this policy sticks before implementing it themselves.
Schumer (D-New York) says this proposed fare increase is one of the most restrictive policies airline passengers have seen in a long time.
"The overhead bin is one of the last sacred conveniences of air travel and the fact that United Airlines - and potentially others - plan to take that convenience away unless you pay up is really troubling," said Schumer. "Already, airlines charge extra for checked luggage, pillows, peanuts and headphones and now you'll have nowhere to store them. United Airlines should reverse this plan and allow the free use of heh overhead bin for all."
The new "Basic Economy" ticket would only allow travelers to bring one small item on board - 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches - and could only store them below the seat in front of them and pay for checked bags.
While other airlines have a restrictive "Basic Economy" ticket option, none restrict the use of the overhead bins. Some do, however, restrict your ability to choose your seat.
United's "Basic Economy" tickets will also automatically assign seats at check-in and not guarantee that travelers on the same reservation will be seated together, similar to Delta's "Basic Economy" fare. Delta's ticket limits seat assignments, giving seat assignments after check-in. Both options could separate family members until the FAA creates a policy to allow children to sit with a family member at no extra cost.
Schumer says the loss of the overhead bin use is a lose-lose for fliers and could change the policy of free use of the overhead bins for all airlines.
I wish!!
Maybe a vintage DUKW or Amtrac with a small barge of fuel could do the job but I’d rather not undertake a voyage in either.
-PJ
Ahhhhh,for the good old days when greyhound was a great option...I’m talking at least 40 years ago....
Would that really count as driving, though, even if you made it?
Afraid you’re right.
I wouldn’t but it would be a feat though ala a misguided interpretation of Kon Tiki.
If it were me, I’d want an escort craft just in case I got in trouble.
Observations as a frequent flyer...
Inexperienced flyers will buy a ticket that saves $10 but takes an extra 6 hours. These inexperienced travelers and never bother looking at the actual fees. SO, the will bring 25 grocery bags, like they are going on a 2 week safari in Zimbabwe when it’s a 2 hour flight, and 3 gigantic “carryon” bags that don’t fit in the overhead and will stuff every spot available on both sides of the aisle. They will block the entire line running up and down aisles looking for space. The more experienced cheapskate flyer will stop way at the front of the plane and take the spots when they are sitting way in back. I wouldn’t mind one bit ‘punishing’ these types of people with a fee. AND if it guarantees me the actual space above my seat I would pay a little extra.
But it won’t work. The flight attendants aren’t going to be enforcing these rules, they have enough to worry about.
The regular coach fair won’t change. Buy this ticket and get your bin space. This fare will likely be much cheaper than their regular base fare, thus making an attractive product to people who don’t need the extras. This is a bit similar to what the low cost carriers offer, but with United’s network and metal.
I personally think it’s a great idea; it’s not just another “nickel and dime” deal but another decent option.
I’ve learned the value of Quick Drying clothes for packing for a long trip. I literally do my laundry in the shower using the excess shampoo, and the clothes dry overnight. No matter how long the trip is, I can pack the same number of clothes that all fit in a carry-on.
It’s simple: advise your friend not to buy the cheapest fair. He’ll then be able to find bin space. This product may actually benefit him in that less people are using the overhead bins, thus leaving more space for guitars. Win-win for all.
I only carry on stuff that I can shove under the seat. My laptop, DVD player, a novel and a book of Sudoku puzzles are all that I need when I fly.
I did use the overhead bin recently, when I went shopping and needed to put my purchases somewhere.
Effective when?
Good question since the article doesn’t say specifically. Probably as soon as they schmooze the right politicians.
Not retired yet but it’s in sight.
My hiking boots alone are bigger than that.
This is okay. But with checked baggage there will be more lost luggage. Maybe it would be appropriate for Congress to implement a lost baggage fine, payable immediately at the termination point - let’s say $1000 per missing bag.
Or charging or water. Like Allegiant Air.
The overhead bins come with the airplanes-—NOW we don’t get to use them???
Checked luggage gets items stolen, and you can never recover what was lost.
Another reason to fly Southwest.
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