I don’t think efficient overhead space usage is an end game for anyone. The airline, I assume, would prefer you to check your items. The cabin space was clearly never meant for such large roll-ons (seriously, we should stop calling them carry-ons. the number of times I have had to help someone haul their suitcase into the bin is outrageous). What you lose on efficient space usage you gain on boarding time optimization and, I posit, improvements in customer satisfaction.
Or fix all problems at once – split the overhead bins into sections – one per seat. I paid the same price as the guy next to me – why do I have to gate check my bag because he decided to bring a suitcase on board? In this scenario I have an allocated space to store my small carryon and nobody else can use it. Everybody is guaranteed X amount of overhead space with their ticket. Bringing on a bigger bag is futile because if it doesn’t fit into your pre-allocated space you’re out of luck.
I was always surprised that they didn’t do this before launching the netflix prize to improve their algorithm. I only assume it was a large enough change to their system that it wasn’t feasible at the time. Otherwise, I can’t see anything improving their recommendation accuracy as much as this will.
I wonder how long it’ll be before we see the first accidentally self-inflicted death from one of these things. Whatever about the 2nd amendment, the lack of safety protocols and standards is extremely worrisome.
