Schumer: “The Overhead Bin Should Be Free. Period.”
Joe Cortez January 24, 2017
New York Senator blasts American Airlines and United Airlines over “Basic Economy” overhead bin limitations.
Air transportation watchdog and U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) is lashing out against American Airlines and United Airlines over one of the key limitations of their new “basic economy” fares: zero overhead bin access. In comments to the Associated Press, Schumer expressed his concern that the fares will lead to charging for all overhead bin space.
The comments come as all three American legacy carriers prepare to expand basic economy service in the United States. In 2014, Delta Air Lines announced the launch of the low fares aboard select aircraft, allowing flyers to pay less in airfare charges in exchange for a lower number of benefits. United Airlines followed suit nearly two years later, while American Airlines waited until the beginning of 2017 to launch their basic economy service. Among the carriers, only Delta allows flyers to utilize overhead bin space.
“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,” Schumer said in a press release shortly after United announced their basic economy plan. “No matter the ticket price, the overhead bin should be free. Period.”
Under the basic economy fare rules on American and United, passengers are allowed to carry one personal item aboard the aircraft that fits under the seat in front of them. Any additional items are subject to checked luggage fees and a $25 gate handling fee. Both carriers have defended the option as a method to reduce costs and give flyers more choice.
“Our goal is to make sure that all customers have the opportunity to purchase a ticket on American that works for their specific needs,” American Airlines president Robert Isom said in a press release. “We will work hard to ensure transparency, provide clear explanations of these fares, and we look forward to continuing to offer a wide variety of services to our customers.”
[Photo: Shutterstock]
This is why we are $20 trillion (that's with a "T") in debt. Lack of jobs, failing schools, crime in our cities, world unrest, etc. have been allowed to exist by our leaders in Washington, while they grab the headlines about OVERHEAD BINS??
ljgordon is there a constitutional right to use the space under the seat? In fact, is there a constitutional law that states your seat must give you leg room or recline?
Why are tickets set at different prices? The airlines have a lot of experience in deciding how many tickets to sell at what fare levels to make a profit. On the other hand, it benefits a lot of people. The seat someone pays $200 for is only there because they can charge a last minute business traveler $1200 to purchase the seat next to them (obviously, this is a made up example, but its pretty similar). Otherwise, the guy who paid $200 would likely be unable to afford the fare they would have to charge otherwise. And why are people so caught up about the airlines charging different prices for the same seat, when all kinds of other businesses discriminate pricing based on various factors. Have a AAA membership, you get a discount here. Are you a senior? You get a discount there. Should movie theaters be unable to provide child, student or senior discounts? Its the exact same thing.
Schumer: “The Overhead Bin Should Be Free. Period.” Based on the headline I thought it was Amy Schumer.
When the airlines try and charge you to use the space under the seat in front of you, THEN you can complain. There is no constitutional right to the overhead bin, and there is no constitutional right to travel with three carry-ons. Come on Chuck.