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?
Continue reading: Huh: Condor Lets You Reserve Overhead Bins?!
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
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.
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 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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
A step in the right direction.
Checked bags in the hold should be free, as they're faster to load and deplane. Airlines should be charging for carry-ons (beyond the personal item) who cost them a fortune as they slow airplane turns (and that make flying even more stressful so people end up driving, losing airlines revenue)
There should be an initiative where people can book "recline" on thier seats....and then the seat behind the one they book gets a small subsidy or discount, then airlines can clip a small margin.
Let's sell toilet rights too.
The Spanish government just fined several low cost carriers €179 million for applying fees to cabin baggage.
Several friends have been injured as fellow passengers moved a bag from overhead bin - one in flight, others on landing.
In First Class I feel I “own” the overhead bag- I usually check my bag.
Am defensive- trying to avoid an injury.
There is a danger that airlines will collect the overhead bin reservation fee and then not guarantee space. If it gets gate checked, you will get your money back. However, more likely, it will be passengers who didn't pay that will get their bags gate checked. At no time, will the airlines guarantee that you will actually get the bin over your seat reserved for you.
I'm flying Condor with my family next month in business. I wonder how this will affect things.
I would like to see the next airline with its creativity...I guess selling the armrest in ECO would be a great idea 😉
I don't think it is creative. I agree with the vlogger, I am not sure how this will be enforced and it appears tacky and annoying. It is interesting you complain to hotels about unnecessary fees but this one is "creative."
Apparently you don't have to reserve but you might not get the most convenient overhead space. If you don't reserve but there is no overhead space then you will have a free checked bag gate checked - perhaps a free way to check a bag...
Its absolutely scummy.
Its bad enough trash tier airlines like ryanair an wizz split passengers up if they dont pay to pick seats but making overhead storage chargeable is a new level of low.
Flew them a few times in business since they have the new airbus, FRA to various US destinations. Never a problem with luggage upfront, there was always enough space. But I always show up in FRA 2 hours before departure, after a year ago the lady at check in just could not find me in the computer for 45 minutes. Flight was booked with Alaska miles. I guess she was new on the job, supervisor fixed it in a minute. But it's always nice to have some time to enjoy the LH lounge in FRA.