United Airlines has announced the introduction of new, larger overhead bins for its Embraer E175 fleet, operated by SkyWest. This initiative, marking United as the first airline to equip the E175 airplanes with expanded overhead storage, aims to substantially reduce the necessity for passengers to gate-check their carry-on luggage.
By the close of this year, 50 aircraft, each with a 76-seat configuration, are expected to feature these upgraded bins. United Airlines projects the potential expansion of this upgrade to encompass over 150 aircraft by the end of 2026, aiming to benefit nearly one million passengers annually across more than 150,000 E175 flights by nearly eliminating the need for gate-checked baggage.
The new overhead bins are designed to increase the carry-on bag capacity by 80 percent, allowing for an additional 29 bags in the regional jets. This enhancement not only promises to improve customer convenience but also to streamline the boarding process, thereby elevating the overall passenger experience.
«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,» said Linda Jojo, United’s chief customer officer. «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.»
In addition to the Embraer E175 fleet upgrades, United has already equipped more than 200 of its mainline aircraft with overhead bins large enough to accommodate every passenger’s carry-on bag. The airline is also retrofitting its domestic narrowbody fleet to ensure a consistent and seamless experience for travelers, especially those connecting from regional to international flights. Moreover, each E175 aircraft featuring the new bins will include braille and tactile placards, enhancing accessibility as part of United’s broader initiative announced in 2023.
United Airlines, together with United Express, operates an average of over 4,000 flights daily to more than 350 airports across six continents. With SkyWest being the world’s largest E175 operator, this collaboration extends United’s reach, offering more than 700 daily departures to over 140 destinations. In 2023, United Airlines achieved the milestone of becoming the world’s largest carrier by seat-miles, serving more than 150 million passengers.
