Would you pay $59 a year for overhead bin space? Delta is betting the answer is yes

Would you be willing to pay to have a better shot at overhead bin space? Delta Air Lines is offering that as a perk in a new subscription service to SkyMiles customers.

"Board sooner and find the perfect overhead bin space," reads a promotion for Delta's $59 annual SkyMiles Select plan, which buys you Main Cabin 1 boarding status.

While you would be among the first main cabin customers to board, Main Cabin 1 is currently the sixth group to enter the plane after pre-boarders, DeltaOne and Diamond Medallion members, first-class and Premium Select and then Delta Comfort+ passengers. Come Jan. 23, Main Cabin 1 passengers will be fifth in line.

"Customers have told us they want more ways to access benefits when traveling with Delta, and we know priority boarding is a valuable benefit as it gives customers more time to get settled before their flight," Delta spokeswoman Kathryn Steele told USA TODAY via email. "We’ll look to expand the types of benefits they can access through SkyMiles Select based on feedback from this test."

Delta is offering SkyMiles Select members earlier access to the overhead bins for $59 a year.
Delta is offering SkyMiles Select members earlier access to the overhead bins for $59 a year.

Subscribers would become eligible 24 hours after enrolling.The subscription also comes with eight free drink vouchers per year. They can be redeemed for beer, wine or cocktails, but you can't order drinks before takeoff in the main cabin.

Early reactions are mixed but so far, it seems passengers are underwhelmed.

"Got an email today from @Delta asking if I wanted to pay $59 for a handful of drink vouchers and to sit in a small seat before everyone else," wrote @rewardscard. "No free checked bag or anything worthwhile."

@tjo4 found the offer enticing – but only useful to people who were planning multiple Delta flights in a year.

@kurian_v lamented the increased importance of status: "#IMO other than for the 8 drinks - it's not worth it. Cabin 1 Boarding is actually the 6th Group to board - everyone's got a status these days!"

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Delta offers $59 annual subscription that buys you overhead bin space