In addition to a famous marmot from the western half of Pennsylvania emerging from his burrow on the second day of February in search of his shadow, there is another four-legged creature in our Company’s history that also shares the special day. Back in 1998, a committee of Frontline Employees, along with Colleen, renamed Groundhog Day as Bin Hog Day to help kick off a campaign intended to promote awareness of our new carryon baggage policy. As our load factors grew throughout the ‘90s, it became evident that the overhead bin space shared by everyone was becoming a premium. In addition to contributing to delays, it was also against FAA regulations to exceed the capacity limitations of any onboard stowage compartment. So with the help of Employees throughout the Company, a new approach was adopted to enforcing the policy with the help of a pesky packer known as the Bin Hog.
With the help of our friends at marketing agency GSD&M, a friendly blue pig packed to the gill with just about everything (minus the kitchen sink) running with his yellow plastic boarding pass served as the mascot of the campaign. Jetway posters, luggage tags, and buttons worn by Employees helped encourage everyone “Don’t Be A Bin Hog!”
The Bin Hog may not adorn the sizing boxes at our gates today, but it’s still important for us all to do our part helping the boarding process and on-time departures. After all, we’re still the home of Bags Fly Free!