SWISS to install larger overhead bins on its planes

SWISS has announced that it will be installing larger overhead compartments on its planes from the end of 2025. The airline argued that larger bins would better suit modern travellers and help reduce delays.

SWISS to offer supersized luggage bins on its planes

Is the era of fighting over overhead bins at an end? Will planes no longer be stuck on the ground as the late and unlucky few hurtle up and down the aisle to find a space for their carry-on? SWISS certainly hope so, with the airline confirming that it will soon be installing larger overhead bins on its flights to and from Zurich and Geneva.

Starting in late 2025, those jetting off from Swiss airports on eight A320 and A321 aircraft will be given access to the larger bins. They measure 60 x 38 x 25 centimetres, according to official data from Airbus, offering passengers 60 percent more space than the older models.

Frequent delays are caused by hand baggage, airline admits

The airline explained in a statement that the measure is designed to reduce the number of delays caused by hand baggage. Practically every day, some passengers have to check their hand baggage in as they board the plane because it is either too large, they have gone over their baggage allowance or the plane is too full. 

This delay causes equal annoyance to both SWISS and its passengers. Therefore, with the addition of larger bins, passengers are happy because they will be able to travel without having to pay more for hold luggage, while it will make it easier for flights to take off and land on time. 

As it stands, SWISS allows passengers to travel with at least one piece of hand luggage that weighs up to eight kilograms. Regardless of whether the plane has large bins or not, on fully booked “critical flights”, staff will still patrol the gate ahead of boarding, to spot and check in oversized carry-ons ahead of time.