New service: airline staff loads carry-on bags

Boarding an aircraft takes time and may cause delays and stress. Tests have shown that placing hand luggage in overhead bins is a big time consumer. Delta Air Lines is testing a new boarding concept with staff handling all carry-ons before travellers get on board.

AIR FRANCE KLM’s Skyteam partner is conducting trials with its Early Valet service for streamlined boarding. The trial involves flights from Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, Minneapolis, Detroit, Seattle and Salt Lake City.

The Early Valet service is to streamline the passenger boarding process, as Delta’s employees can get baggage loaded-in more quickly and efficiently than passengers.

The service has multiple advantages. Reducing the time taken to turnaround aircraft by speeding the boarding process can help improve on-time flight departures, which can lead to reduced costs for airlines. It also lowers the number of missed connecting flights for travellers. Furthermore, many travellers find it physically challenging to put heavy bags in the overhead lockers. To them, the Early Valet service is a great relief.