United Airlines is installing new, larger overhead bins on its Skywest-operated Embraer E175 fleet, which will provide more room for passengers’ carry-on bags. The new bins will be available on 50 aircraft with a 76-seat configuration by the end of this year. United may expand the E175 larger overhead bins offering to more than 150 aircraft by the end of 2026.
United is the first airline to offer these larger overhead bins on E175 aircraft 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 new bins will accommodate up to an extra 29 carry-on bags on the regional jets, which is an 80% increase in space.
“Customer sentiment for the new overhead bins and signature interiors has been extremely positive,” said Linda Jojo, Chief Customer Officer, United Airlines. “By helping to eliminate the need to gate-check bags, we are seeing an increase in gate and boarding satisfaction. 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.”
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 narrow-body fleet. The new overhead bins in the regional fleet will provide a seamless connecting experience for customers. 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.
