Airlines Expand Overhead Bins

(photo credit: msnbc)

In response to checked-bag fees and more passengers boarding with larger carry-on bags, many airlines have replaced overhead bins with larger ones or will usher in new jets with expanded bins.

The Associated Press reports the following:

• United will replace bin doors on all of its Airbus A320s. The doors curve out more to let passengers slide bags into bins wheels first. These planes will hold 106 roll-on bags, up from 64.
• New American Airlines 737 jets will hold 48 more bags than the planes they are replacing. These planes however hold 24 more seats. Older 737 are getting new bin doors that curve out more.
• Delta Air Lines is adding new bins to 767 jets on international routes which hold 26 more bags than the ones they are replacing.
• Boeing is designing the bins on its new 787 Dreamliner to hold a standard 9x14x22-inch roll-aboard bag wheels in first. It you bought your roll-aboard from Costco, it should fit as bags from the retailer were used to test out the fit of the bins.
• US Airways had already enlarged bins in 2008 on its 757 planes flying long-haul routes that allow bags to be stowed wheels in first.

At the same time airlines may be getting tougher in enforcing carry-on bag rules. It is reported that if you cannot find space for your carry-on bag in an overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, you may no choice other than to check your bag. Be careful because airlines may still be able to charge you a checked bag fee even if you have to check it at the gate. In the cabin, flight attendants may or may not be available to help you search for space for your carry-on bag in the cabin.

Note: The MSNBC video below may not play on mobile devices.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Limiting Weight of Carry-On Bags for Safety

(photo credit: USA Today)

One of the effects of the common practice of charging for checked-bags by the airlines are heavier and an increased number of carry-on bags. These bags can be dangerous if they fall out of bins and most passengers are unaware that these bins have specific weight limits. If you damage the overhead bin, you'll receive the ire other passengers who can no longer use the bin either.

So far Hawaiian Airlines is the first among domestic carriers in enforcing a 25-pound weight limit for carry-on bags. Among other airlines, US Airways personnel may insist a bag be checked if it exceeds 40 pounds. Don't be surprised if Hawaiian personnel asks you to weigh carry-on bags at check-in or ask you to use the the luggage sizer (or portable luggage scales, if available) at the gate. One time on flight from Hilo, Hawaii to Honolulu, I noticed gate agents walking around the waiting area looking at passenger carry-on bags. They did have the courtesy to announce they would be doing so. However I have not seen this practice recently.

Foreign airlines are not immune either to the practice of limiting the weight of bags brought into the cabin. Some in fact have even more stricter carry-on limits:

• Emirates, 15 pounds
• Lufthansa, 17.5 pounds
• Qantas, 15 pounds
• Virgin Atlantic, 13 pounds

Click HERE to view each airline's carry-on weight limit from AirfareWatchDog.

Heavy carry-on bags presents a liability for the airline, the owner of the bag or the passenger who opens a bin should they be at fault for causing injury to another passenger. Also remember the flight crew is there for your safety and many flight attendants will not stow your bags for you. But on one American Airlines flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Philadelphia, the flight attendants played what I would call the carry-on bag shuffle as they walked up and down the cabin trying to fit bags or moving them from bin to bin to accommodate the abundance of carry-on bags. Finally for your well-being, no passenger should attempt to bring a bag on board they cannot lift themselves and risk getting injured.

For myself, I try to pack light for short trips so I don't have to check any bags. For longer trips, my carry-on will hold only the valuables and some basic necessities just in case (such as an extra change of clothes) and travel size of some toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush) for long layovers. But with the rising cost of checked-bag fees I don't blame passengers trying to save money especially in these days of rising airfares, fees and fuel.