Boeing’s New “Space Bins” Offer 50% More Storage Space, Will Debut With Alaska

Alaska will be the first customer to take delivery of a Boeing 737 equipped with redesigned overhead bins that have 50 percent more storage space.

As fees for checked baggage grow more prevalent and become more expensive, the struggle to find overhead space for carry-on luggage is growing more and more contentious. Engineers at Boeing hope that larger, easier-to-use overhead bins will help to make gate-checked bags and territorial skirmishes between passengers a thing of the past.

Boeing recently unveiled plans to increase the size of the overhead storage space by 50 percent on new Boeing 737 models. The aircraft manufacturer gave frequent flyers a chance to test-drive the new roomier overhead storage units, dubbed Space Bins, last week at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany.

“Space Bins were created to add value for our airline customers, but being able to see the ultimate customer, our Boeing airplane passengers, get excited about something my team helped build is truly gratifying,” Boeing Interiors Engineer Steve Pickard said of the passengers’ positive reaction to the increased storage space. The company says the trial was met with universal approval from travelers.

In addition to accommodating more luggage, Boeing says the Space Bins will be more convenient. With a lower height and a less dramatic edge, the redesigned storage units will prove less of a reach for passengers stowing overhead bags.

Alaska Airlines will be the first airline to fly aircraft with the new Space Bins. Delta Air Lines will take delivery of 737s equipped with Space Bins shortly thereafter.

Because of the anticipated popularity of the roomier storage system, Boeing plans to make the Space Bins available to retrofit on select 737s already in service.

[Photos: Boeing]