Most frequent travels can attest to the tiny size of the bins. But on this flight the bins are even smaller than normal. I mean, I could barely fit my computer bag in one the bins!
Granted I'm an asshole for putting my computer bag up top, but why can't the airlines retrofit their planes to handle slightly larger bags?
This is a
ReplyDeleteWell I suppose airlines could retrofit the overhead bins if you the paying passenger would like to pay for the increased fare costs associated with having planes out of the air (not making the airline any money). Right now, the airlines can't afford to make improvements to their planes because of the high cost of fuel. Additionally, I am sure some airline has done a study of how much fuel is saved by having smaller overhead bins (less weight on the aircraft). Your simple request of larger overhead bins requires months of planning and coordination. This is something that the airlines aren't very good at:). So unless your suggestion for a capital improvement (essentially what this is) actually would add revenue to airline (let's admit that the airline isn't going to be able to increase fares to cover this cost)....the suggestion just simply won't happen. (eg. One thing that is happening is airlines are replacing business class seats because they can charge a huge premium for the business class cabin.) Interesting post and perspective though :)
Interesting thoughts Tim, much more detailed and insightful than mine (granted, I posted from the flight, at about 6:30 am with no caffiene).
ReplyDeleteA couple questions to your comment:
- why would the cost of fuel affect the airlines ability to make improvements? Airlines are pushing the costs of fuel unto us, so this isn't an issue
- Airlines are actually very good at coordination and logistics. What we see (as passengers) is a very small slice of what the major airlines do. Sending planes, people, cargo, and mini bottles of alcohol all over the world requires a certain level of planning that we probably couldn't comprehend
- everything being said, you are giving the airlines too much credit. I highly doubt that they did a study on fuel savings from smaller bins. In fact, they wouldn't save any money, because anything that cannot fit into a bin goes below, into the cargo hold. So, we are shifting weight around, which would only have a marginal effect on fuel. The only reason that airlines haven't increased the size of the bins is because they are still using mid-1950's era MD-Super 80s.
well I guess I'll finish my thought here cause I thought the original post was good enough. I think my original point about capital improvements needing to generate revenue is still valid, so explain how bigger overhead bins generate revenue? :) Additional points though:
ReplyDelete1) Airlines aren't increasing fares enough to offset the rising fuel costs. They are increasing fuel surcharges on international flights and adding additional charges, but this is not off setting costs or adding revenue. For example, NWA and Delta's post bankruptcy business plan was based on 60-65$ barrels of oil. Oil is almost double the price.
2) I think you're giving the airlines too much credit on saying they are good at logistics and coordination. How about the recent fact several airlines had to temporarily ground and cancel flights (thus causing passengers to be upset etc) because they weren't doing the required FAA maintenance checks?
3)As far as airline studies, you'd be surprised! I remember reading about the "cost savings" NWA published in the in-flight magazine talking about why pillows and blankets were removed from the main cabin. I can't provide a specific airline study, but I wouldn't be surprised if they did one for fuel as well.
4) I will agree on the MD-80s/DC9 point. but the reason airlines are operating these aircraft is because its still cheaper (on certain routes) to operate them (even with rising fuel costs) because they are owned by the company. The only caveat is the public is demanding shiny new airplanes with in-flight entertainment and greater frequency of flights. What this means is that the airlines are buying smaller regional jets that among other things have smaller overhead bins :).
Now what I think the airlines should actually do is have less frequency and larger aircraft to some markets. but that's a whole different discussion, and some airlines are doing that (eg. reducing capacity by grounding planes).
hello mr. mangalick, this is a lovely blog :)
ReplyDelete-akgoyal