A Clever Airline Baggage Solution

Whether it’s the “checked-bag fee,” the chance of lost luggage or the hassle of the carousel, most of us will do anything to take our baggage on the plane.

Where are we going? To the impact of a better bin.

The Baggage Problem

During May 2008, American Airlines was the first legacy carrier to impose the “checked-bag fee.” Because they charged us $15 for the first bag, we had the incentive to check less and carry more on the plane. You know the results. There just was not enough room. And the airlines were not so happy with the bins either. Trying to squeeze a bag into a stuffed compartment, we delay the entire boarding queue.

The Baggage Solution

Boeing has designed a new compartment that holds 50 percent more bags than the bins we use now. Two inches lower, the bins are easier to reach and bring the air vent and overhead light closer to passengers. You can see below that standing the bags up rather than placing them on their sides is what makes the difference.

Old Bin                                                            New Bin

From: Wired

The new bins can be retrofitted in older 737s and will be a feature in the 737 MAX. This year, Alaska Airlines will be the first to take delivery of the new design.

For the best picture, you can get a fast firsthand look from this Boeing video:

Our Bottom Line: Productivity

The 737 Space Bins are a perfect example of how physical capital can add to an airline’s productivity,

• By expediting the boarding process, they diminish turnaround time.
• By creating more space for baggage, they let airlines add seats.

So yes, we will still have the incentive to board with a bag. But now, the process might be less painful.