DALLAS — A major airline on Tuesday unveiled Basic Economy Minus, a new fare class that seats passengers in the overhead bin, which executives called "the most exciting innovation in air travel since charging for the armrest."
"Customers told us they wanted lower fares, and frankly, that bin space was just sitting there full of luggage," said the airline's chief revenue officer. "Now it can be full of a customer, who will pay us $189 for the privilege, plus $45 to have the door closed."
Each Basic Economy Minus passenger receives 22 inches of vertical space, one complimentary pretzel slid through the latch at cruising altitude, and Boarding Group 11, which boards after the plane has pushed back from the gate. Passengers who exceed the bin's weight limit will be gate-checked.
Basic Economy Minus customers may not bring a carry-on, because they are the carry-on. "If they have a bag, it goes on their lap," the officer explained. "The fee for having a lap is $35."
Flight attendants have been trained on updated safety procedures. "Please use caution when opening the overhead bins, as contents may have shifted during flight," one said, reading from the new card. "Your fellow passenger may fall out and ask for a ginger ale."
Early reviews have been positive. "Honestly, it's roomier than my old seat," said Doug Pemberley of Tulsa, after a three-hour flight spent curled around a stranger's garment bag. "And nobody reclined into me."
At press time, the airline had announced Basic Economy Minus Plus, which, for an additional $60, lets passengers choose their bin.