United Airlines will install new, larger overhead bins on its Skywest operated Embraer E175 fleet, allowing the carrier to accommodate 29 more carry-on bags a flight – an 80% increase in space.
United Airlines confirmed that the time-saving, in-demand overhead bins will be fitted on 50 Embraer E175s with a 76-seat configuration by the end of 2024.
However, United said it may choose to expand the project and install larger overhead bins on more than 150 aircraft by the end of 2026.
“United is the first airline to offer these larger overhead bins on E175 airplanes and estimates this move will nearly eliminate the need for one million annual passengers to gate-check bags on more than 150,000 E175 flights,” the airline said.
United now has more than 200 mainline aircraft outfitted with bins large enough to fit every passenger’s carry-on bag and is in the process of retrofitting its domestic narrowbody fleet.
“Customer sentiment for the new overhead bins and signature interiors has been extremely positive. By helping to eliminate the need to gate check bags, we are seeing an increase in gate and boarding satisfaction,” Linda Jojo, United’s Chief Customer Officer, said. “This is just the latest way we’re working to create an industry-leading experience for all our customers – whether they’re on an international or regional flight.”
Every E175 aircraft outfitted with these overhead bins will also have braille and tactile placards that enhance accessibility, part of a larger initiative the airline announced in 2023.
United Airlines and United Express operate an average of more than 4,000 flights a day to over 350 airports across six continents.
SkyWest is the world’s largest E175 operator and flies more than 700 daily departures to more than 140 destinations as United Express.
