Airline trials pre-loading hand luggage 'valet' service

The moment you board your flight (last) and realise your hand luggage has to go about a mile away from where you're sitting because there's no room left in the overhead compartment above you.

Delta Airlines is trying to alleviate the fight for overhead locker space by introducing an Early Valet service - essentially where its staff pre-loads passengers' hand luggage above their allotted seat before boarding begins.

As well as stamping out the awkward elbow-wars, the airline hopes it will also speed up the boarding process.

According to traveller.com.au, the valet bag service is being trialled on around two dozen routes out of Delta's busiest airports, including New York, Atlanta and Seattle.

Spokesperson Morgan Durrant said it would be rolled out further if successful.

Not only would the service be beneficial for passengers, but could also be a money-saving exercise, as researchers from Northern Illinois University found that every minute a plane stands idle at the gate costs $30 (£19).

However, others have pointed out the service would incur labour costs.

The service will particularly benefit travellers with a tendency to be the last to board, and those who struggle to lift their luggage.

Nick Gates, from aviation firm SITA's baggage team, told the Independent: "Having airline staff pre-load carry-on bags must be of interest, particularly for passengers who don't find it easy to put their bags into the overhead lockers, such as passengers with children and those that find it physically challenging to lift their bags.

"Reducing the time taken to turnaround aircraft by speeding the boarding process can certainly help improve on-time flight departures, which can lead to reduced costs for airlines."

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