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American Adding More Overhead Storage for Carry-Ons, More Seats on 737s
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There's good news from American Airlines for those who are trying to avoid check-in baggage fees by bringing on carry-on. The carrier is doubling the capacity of its overhead bins as part of a major retrofit of its Boeing 737s.
But at the same time, American is also increasing the number of seats on the planes.
The new overhead bins will have doors cleverly curved outward so the compartments will be able to handle as many as six roller bags each as opposed to the current three, ABC News reports. The bags will go in wheels first, and be at a slight tilt to "magically" create additional space.
The retrofit also includes adding two extra rows of seats on each plane, increasing passenger capacity from 148 to 160. But the airline says passengers won't notice the increase in seats because rear galleys are being removed and bathrooms moved to make room.
In addition, American is installing new seats that it says allow for more knee-room, though the pitch will narrow.
Among other features being added to the jets is Wi-Fi.
American is expected to complete the retrofit on 76 of its 737s by the end of next year.
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Photo, abdallah, flickr
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I remember distinctly. The flying public said that to keep fares low, they wanted to pay for only what they used. You don't check a bag. Why should you pay for someone else's to be checked? You don't eat. Why should you pay for someone else's meal? You don't drink. Why should you pay for someone's free beer, wine cooler, cocktail? I think you get my point. Fares to travel are at 1985 prices with 2010 costs. Why is it that everyone thinks that the airlines should provide everything for free. You don't go into Starbucks for a coffee and expect a muffin for nothing. How is that any different?
September 02 2010 at 11:06 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replywow lets retro fit a plane and spend Millions. When all you had to do was quit this silly ass baggae fee. And now that its come out that the planes weight has to be balanced with sandbags for the lack of checked luggage.. Time for a passenger bill of rights which includes 2 bags at 50 lbs each included in your fare!!!
September 01 2010 at 5:45 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyAs American retrofits and removes the rear galley, does that indicate that beverages and snacks will be kept in a cooler in the front of the plane?
WARNING: Passengers in the back will have a longgg wait to get their pretzel and drinkee-poo. Wonder where the toilets are being re-located? Plastic curtain's and a pee hose is next glamorous retrofit? Just put me in the new big overhead bins and shut the door, wake me up when we get there American!
Wow. I'm still floored about more seats. I even forgot that the article was geared towards "more room".
September 01 2010 at 1:24 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyHow many are taken in by more seats? More seats just means less room.....
September 01 2010 at 1:00 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyIt only makes sense that AA and other airlines help
TSA in hiring/paying "more" competent personnel to
get the job done efficiently and quickly to scan, load and unload the luggage.
By permitting all that damm luggage on board means,
less personnel (less jobs) the more money the airlines will make by cramping seats. As well as the
more dangerous it will become as terrorist are getting more and more sophisticated in concealing weapons. And more commotion upon boardidng, to late departures. Believe me.
As an ex-flight attendant, I can tell you O'Hare is one nightmare airport.
Remind me not to fly American Airlines again.
This is a reat stupid idea to bring in more
luggage into the airplane. It already takes
hours to get settled with 1 piece. What a
nighmare.
All airlines should require NO CARRY ONs.
All luggage should be checked in and have
the airplanes take off on time.
Except when you carry your bag on board, it won't get lost. And you don't have to wait at the baggage carousel.
My wife gave up checking her bags on American Eagle flights into Chicago-O'Hare, because it can take up to 60 minutes from when the plane parks before the bags show up on the carousel.
By the same token, prohibiting checked bags won't make for on-time departures. My wife was on a United Express flight departing O'Hare that left 30 minutes late, because TSA was being especially slow in screening bags. The manifest showed approximately 30 bags were to be in the hold at departure time. Yet 5 minutes before pushback, the ramp supervisor radioed that only 10 bags were in the hold, and the sorting room didn't have an ETA for the remaining bags.
what does 'narrowing the pitch' mean? thanks ahead of time
August 31 2010 at 10:00 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply"Pitch" means the amount of space between the seats (front to back). Now there will be less leg room.
September 01 2010 at 12:02 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyHot 5 Deals
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