Airplane overhead bins are a shared space. Travelers have a lot of misconceptions about that, with some people (especially in premium cabins) thinking that they “own” the overhead bin space above their seats. That’s simply not the case… well, unless you’re flying Condor, it seems?
In this post:
How Condor lets passengers reserve overhead bins
A Fly Guy’s Cabin Crew Lounge notes how Germany’s Condor allows passengers to reserve overhead bin space on flights. It would appear that this program has been around for over two years, since September 2022.
As the airline markets this, the program allows you to “board your flight with no stress whatsoever,” and “with the certainty that there is guaranteed space reserved for your hand baggage.” This program is available in economy on a majority of flights throughout Condor’s network, from short haul services to long haul flights.
Overhead bins can be reserved up to 48 hours before departure through the “My Booking” feature, or while checking in online. Pricing starts at $18 (USD) per flight, and you can select the specific overhead bin that you’d like to reserve. As far as the restrictions go:
- Each passenger can only reserve one overhead bin
- Reserving an overhead bin doesn’t allow you to bring more luggage onboard, beyond your allowance
- If you reserve an overhead bin, your boarding pass will show exactly which bin you reserved
- Passengers in business class, premium economy, or those sitting in emergency exit rows, already have designated overhead bins, so can’t reserve them
Here’s how Condor’s previous CEO described this program back in 2022, when it launched:
“Many travellers are familiar with this situation: you are sitting at the gate, boarding begins and you wonder whether your hand baggage will still find a place in the overhead compartment. Condor guests can now relax and simply reserve their own baggage compartment online in advance – ideally directly in combination with a seat. This makes flying even more relaxed.”
I’m curious about the logistics of this program
A Fly Guy’s Cabin Crew Lounge made a video about the ability to reserve overhead bins on Condor, and I have all of the same questions.
How does the crew enforce this? Are the reserved overhead bins closed until the passenger arrives, or how does it work? Also, presumably if you reserve a bin, it’s not actually exclusively for you, but you’re simply guaranteed that you can put your belongings in it, along with those of others, right?
As much as this seems silly, I’ve gotta say, this kind of seems like a smart way to monetize something that passengers value, and it’s not something we’ve seen at many airlines. One of the primary reasons that boarding can be so chaotic on many airlines is because people are worried if there will be overhead bin space for their bag.
This plays into that fear, and is basically free money for airlines. If someone has a “guaranteed” overhead bin, then the crew can always just ask anyone else to move the luggage that’s in that bin, for those who didn’t pay for it.
A lot of airlines sell priority boarding, with many passengers buying it because they want to ensure they can get overhead bin space. Selling guaranteed overhead bin space almost seems like a better value, in terms of eliminating the stress of needing to board early.
Look, I’m not saying I want to see this expand, but it’s creative!
Bottom line
Condor is the only airline I’m familiar with that has an option for passengers to reserve overhead bins. Many passengers fear not having space for their carry-on, so it’s a smart concept. I’m still curious about the logistics. I just can’t believe this program has been around for over two years, and I wasn’t familiar with it.
What do you make of Condor’s program to reserve overhead bins?
Condor, being a German holiday carrier, allowed this to be possible.
Because it would be mainly Germans who would fly their flights.
In other words, no or less Americans on board on their flights to/from the USA.
Unfortunately but unsurprisingly most Americans' brain isn't smart enough to process this idea.
So at the end if someone without reserved space has to check a bag, can I offer them to lease some of my space for $20?
I am imagining a domestic U.S. airline trying to this. In the land where a "personal item" has become the size of a compact car and carry on is charged like checked luggage and the cultural attitude begins at rude and switches to hostile with the lease provocation, I see marshal arts skills being required of all FA applicants.
This is a cluster you know what waiting to happen. I could only imagine the drama that would occur, at least here in the US so hopefully no US airline is dumb enough to try to copy. What's next? A coin machine on lav doors?
Condor really needs to up the game on their operations if they are to be taken seriously. They offer a good long-haul J hard product (at least compared to LH) at competitive prices but all the horror stories one hears about travelling with Condor makes flying them a gamble.
Friend of mine used Condor when we skied in the Dolomites and flew biz class. Skis were delivered the last day we were there after being missing from the initial flight. After seeing this and hearing stories I don’t think I would ever fly this airline.
Condor is a mess of an airline. In the past 3 weeks, I took 3 long-haul flights (in Business Prime, Business, and Premium Economy classes). From chaotic boarding, to 1-hour+ bag delivery, to never being able to get online on any of the flights, even with flight attendant assistance, I am not likely to fly Condor again. The food and service were as one would expect of a budget airline, and there was plenty of room for bags overhead.
Is this really an issue on widebody flights?
Condor boarding time increases by 25% as overhead bin hassles multiply.