Boeing’s new ‘space bins’ give travelers more room for carry-ons
Oct 13, 2015, 10:16 AM | Updated: 10:31 am
The new space bins are lower and sing up into the storage space, rather than forcing flight attendants to slam the bin doors shut. Boeing hopes the "space bins" will make it easier on passengers and airline staff alike. (photo courtesy of Boeing)
(photo courtesy of Boeing)
You may have a little less head room on your next flight.
Boeing has redesigned 737 interiors to take out two inches of head room and add new “space bins.” The first of the roomier planes were delivered to Alaska Airlines on Monday.
“And it increases the overhead capacity by 50 percent,” said Brent Walton, Boeing 737 interiors manager. “That allows each bin to hold six bags, which is two more than our current bins installed on the “Boeing Sky” interior.”
Every single passenger on a 737-900 will get a spot for a carry-on bag in the overhead bin.
“And I think for most passengers, that will reduce the stress and anxiety when they board the airplane; wondering if there will still be room for a bag when they get on board,” Walton said.
He says Boeing was already considering interior improvements when they were approached by Alaska Airlines representatives, who asked how they could upgrade the passenger experience. They focused on more carry-on space because so many more customers are bringing the maximum number of bags on flights.
“It’s a balance of airlines making revenue from charging for carry-ons, but at the same time I think airlines also want to balance that with the passenger satisfaction,” said Walton. “And I think space bins provides that right balance. If you want to check your bag, that’s fine but (maybe) you want to carry your bag with you, (maybe) you’re a business person or someone who’s in a hurry and does not want to wait to pick up your luggage when you get to the airport.”
KIRO Radio travel expert Steven Danishek says Alaska has already made moves to add in-flight entertainment and more snack offerings, and this perk could give the airline an edge on the competition in the battle for market share as Delta and Southwest expand their offerings at Sea-Tac Airport.
“Traditionally, Alaska is a trendsetter here. And I’d expect that that’s what’s going to happen, is you’ll see other carriers retrofitting or buying new planes and making sure they have larger overhead bins in them,” Danishek said. “I think ten years down the line, that’s what it’s going to look like on all airplanes.”
