Why is overhead bin space so limited?

I have a couple of questions about it like, with the introduction of basic economy fares which prohibit the use of overhead bins, why are the overhead bins so full? And, if you have a regular economy ticket, are you guaranteed overhead bin space even on full flights?

The airlines do have a system to stop basic economy fare ticket holders at the gate to check that they do not have a full size carry-on bag, but not necessarily on the plane. While these special fare ticket holders aren’t allowed a full size carry-on bag, they can have a carry-on bag that fits underneath the seat in front of them. Part of the problem is that the flight crew may not police it on the aircraft because they are too hurried to get the flight loaded and away from the gate. Therefore, some of them are putting their bags in the overhead bin.

But basic economy fare ticket holders aren’t the only problem. There are coats – fortunately that season is ending, shopping bags and bags that are larger than the standard Carry-on bag. Really people? I think by now we all know that a carry-on bag is defined by size as 22 x 14 x 9.

Of course, if the flight and overhead bins are full and you must check your bag, you probably won’t have to pay for it as long as you don’t have a “Basic Economy Fare Ticket”. But for most, that defeats the purpose. Most people carry on their bag to avoid having to check it and not because of the fee but for convenience or fear of the airline loosing your bag. While the airlines have improved in this area, it still happens.

To answer the second question, you are not guaranteed overhead bin space. It’s really a “space available” thing. The best way to avoid the dilemma of not having a space to put your bag is to have privileges and early boarding or plain ole luck.

Luggage companies have renamed bags and are designing new bags, now called, “Basic Economy Fare Bags”, “Necessity is the mother of invention”.

FYI, the standard under seat dimensions of an economy seat are 17 x 10.5 x 20. The “Basic Economy Fare Bag” should be no larger than 7.5 x 13 x 16 for maximum comfort. Please note that not all economy seats are the same so, it would behoove you to check the airline you are flying on for their “under seat dimensions”.

Ja’Vonne