Truth In Satire

Airlines Announce Reduced Summer Fares For People Willing To Fly In Overhead Bins

New overhead class fares start May 1st with discounts as high as 75% — major carriers expect brisk sales for no-frills travel option

Darlene McGuire prepares for an upcoming flight from Boston to see her family in Ireland. She says she’ll save more than $500 by traveling in JetBlue’s “BinBlue” class. (Credit: www.doyouyoga.com/kino macgregor)

With rising airfares grounding many would-be travelers, major U.S. airlines, including American, Delta, United, Southwest and JetBlue, are offering a no-frills option for the summer with dramatically reduced ticket prices.

Josh Smotes of New York City said Southwest’s “Tight Tourist” promotion will make it affordable for him to visit friends in LA. “I’m not concerned about legroom at all.” (Credit: memegenerator.net)

“We realize that our new overhead class, ‘BinBlue,’ is not for everyone and may even cause minor joint dislocation,” said Jack Randall, a vice-president at JetBlue, “but it’s a great option for flexible flyers carrying only a single piece of luggage.”

Delta is calling its over-the-seat travel option, “Compactor Class,” while American is using “Scrunch Club,” and United has chosen the name “Packed Passages.”

Southwest is also joining the sardine can travel trend with their “Tight Tourist” option. All offer ticket prices that are 50–75% below standard coach fares.