Why airlines could start charging for an overhead locker

THE delay as passengers vie to find space for their hand luggage in the overhead lockers is just one of the frustrations of boarding a crowded flight.

This could soon be a much smoother and quicker operation, however, if a trial by one airline is a success.

From this week, US carrier Delta started an Early Valet service on busy routes. Passengers give in their hand luggage when checking in so that the bags or suitcases can then be stowed in the lockers by cabin staff before they board.

The airline, which is not charging, hopes to cut delays as flight attendants should be able to load the luggage more quickly than passengers crowded into the aisle.

Cutting turnaround times will also save money as research shows that each minute a plane waits at the gate costs the airline £20.

Budget airlines could follow Delta’s example but with passengers having to pay for the privilege as another ‘ add on’ promoted as making flying less stressful.

Some have already acted to try to reduce embarkation times. Several UK carriers, including easyJet and Ryanair, encourage passengers to buy their own approved carryon luggage which fits in the lockers.

In 2012, easyJet launched allocated seating to make boarding smoother. With Ryanair, passengers can pay £5 to sit together. Raymond Kollau, founder of Amsterdambased research agency Airlinetrends, told The Independent: ‘This is another example of how airlines are looking for creative solutions to this issue as no magic solution has been found yet.

‘For example, other airlines have come up with algorithms to determine the best sequence of boarding or let passengers without hand luggage board first.’