Airlines test “light pack” perks to cut delays

Major carriers are piloting perks for travelers who bring only a personal item, aiming to speed boarding and reduce turn-around times, according to industry briefings shared with airport partners this month.

The trials include early boarding groups, drink vouchers and dynamic seat credits for passengers who skip overhead bins.

AIRPORTS SEEK FASTER TURNS Operations managers say overhead congestion adds several minutes per departure. “If we can shave even two minutes from boarding, we compound on-time gains across the day,” said a hub director involved in the tests.

Passenger groups back incentives over fees. “Rewarding light packing nudges behavior without penalizing families,” a frequent-flyer advocate said.

Data from early routes will determine whether the benefits roll out systemwide before summer scheduling.