PASSENGERS flying on British Airways planes this year could be able to take advantage of a slight cabin tweak that makes travelling much easier.
A brand new feature has been introduced onto eight new planes set to be launched this year and, despite it being subtle, it’s going to relieve a lot of stress for those on board.
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There’s nothing worse than being among the last to board the flight, only to find that the space in your overhead bin has been taken up by other people’s luggage.
It leaves you scrambling to find a spot elsewhere on the plane, which then takes ages to find once you’ve landed.
BA’s new tweak will prevent that from happening, ensuring there’s enough room in each overhead bin for everyone’s luggage.
Now, instead of passengers having to lay their cases flat to fit into the overhead lockers, they can instead be stowed on their side.
This way, a load more bags can be slotted into the bins, allowing for each passenger to have their own luggage above their head.
The new bins could prevent arguments from occurring – with Sun Travel’s resident flight attendant saying there are always squabbles caused by people not following the rules when it comes to getting off the plane.
They said: “People who try and push their way to the front when getting off the plane are idiots.
“You should just wait in your seat until it’s your row’s turn to get off the plane, it’s much more orderly and, if everyone follows the rules, it’s more efficient.
“If your luggage is elsewhere because there isn’t enough room above your head, you should wait until the plane has been cleared. Then you can go and find it.
“If it’s behind you in the plane cabin, you’d just have to push your way past everyone else in the aisle before you can find it.
“That’s just going to cause problems and hold ups and you won’t be getting off the flight any quicker than if you’d waited.”
The bins are one of several changes being rolled out in new short-haul cabins.
They will first feature on eight Airbus A320neo and A321neos aircraft, all of which will be carrying passengers by the end of this year.
Seats will also be fitted with USB-A and USB-C charging ports, allowing passengers to keep their devices fully charged during their flight.
What Sun Travel made of the new planes
The Sun’s Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski, flew on one of the new planes earlier this year, and this is what she made of it
“The airline’s shiny new A320neo and A321neo aircraft – there will be eight joining its fleet this year – have been fitted with sophisticated leather seats and adjustable headrests perfect for mid-flight snoozing.
“Best of all, extra-large overhead bins allow you to carry a normal cabin case with you at no extra charge.
“This revamp is part of a £7billion transformation project and now Britain’s flagship carrier is taking things back to its national roots.
“Every element of the A321neo aircraft I travelled on to Rome is British.
“The leather is from Muirhead in Scotland, with stitching from High Wycombe.
“The curtains and carpet are the only outliers, sourced from Ireland’s capital Dublin.
“However, it still feels typically BA with red and navy blue motifs that match updated cabin crew uniforms, introduced seven months ago.
“For me, it’s the addition of USB-C power ports above the table in the back of every seat, that’s most beneficial – a nifty idea that came from cabin crew.
“With just one of these new aircrafts currently flying, it’ll be down to chance as to whether you’ll get on it.”
Brand-new herringbone-patterned seats have been made from Scottish leather, and will also come equipped with adjustable headrests too.
Earlier this year, the airline also improved its offering for Executive Club Members, who are now able to send messages for free using the airline’s WiFi, where possible.
The free messaging service is included on every WiFi-enabled aircraft as of April this year – allowing passengers to stay connected.
While Executive Club membership may sound exclusiv, it’s open to any passenger – they simply need to sign up on the airline’s website for free.
Meanwhile, this is the dangerous reason why you should always stow your luggage properly.
And this is why you should always be careful about bringing your phone on planes.
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