Bart Jansen , USA TODAY
Finding precious space in an overhead bin isn’t the only problem airline travelers face above their heads.
The Federal Aviation Administration is proposing that airlines collectively make nearly $27 million in improvements to the supports for the panels of equipment below the carry-on bins on a variety of Boeing 737 aircraft, according to a Federal Register post Thursday.
The panels called passenger service units typically store the reading lights, air vents and oxygen masks that deploy in an emergency. FAA is also concerned about the panels holding life vests.
Passengers have complained that the panels have become dislodged and have hit them in the head and face. FAA is also worried about debris in the aisles could hinder evacuation in an emergency.
The FAA is proposing that airlines install new support cords for the panels for the passenger service units and for life vests within five years.
The reason the fix is potentially so expensive is because of how popular the planes are, with 1,087 flying in the U.S.
The cost is estimated at $21,880 to fix each passenger service unit and $2,769 for each life-vest panel.
The proposal isn’t final yet. Boeing, airlines and others will have a chance to comment until Nov. 28.
USA TODAY
