Space Bins Increase Overhead Storage on Alaska Airlines’ Boeing 737 Fleet

Alaska Airlines is to begin modifying in-service Boeing Sky Interior 737 aircraft with more spacious Space Bins in the coming year.

In total, the airline plans to modify 34 airplanes – primarily 737-900ERs (Extended Range) – with the new overhead bins.

Boeing’s new overhead bins increases the room for carry-on baggage by up to 50%, depending on the airline’s configuration.

A Space Bin can stow six bags, two more than the current pivot bins installed on Next-Generation 737s with the Boeing Sky Interior. That’s based on a standard size carry-on bag measuring 9 in x 14 in x 22 in (23 cm x 36 cm x 56 cm).

When opened, the bottom edge of a Space Bin hangs about 2 inches (5 centimeters) lower, so travelers can lift their carry-on bags more easily. The deeper bins now only allow more bags to be stowed, but also increase visibility into the back of the bins.

“Alaska is committed to making flying hassle-free and comfortable,” said Mark Eliasen, treasurer and vice president of finance, Alaska Airlines. “Many passengers want to keep a bag in the cabin and Boeing’s Space Bins make it possible for virtually everyone to stow a wheeled suitcase. That’s why Alaska is thrilled to be equipping 100% of our new jets with Space Bins and retrofitting all of our existing 737-900ERs.”

Alaska Airlines launched Boeing’s in-production Space Bins program last year and by 2017, will have almost half of its fleet outfitted with Space Bins. The airline celebrated its first 737 featuring Space Bins in October 2015, and will have nearly 30 Space Bin-outfitted airplanes in service by the end of the year.

Boeing’s Space Bins are available for retrofit on in-service Next-Generation 737s, and as an optional feature on in-production Next-Generation 737s and 737 MAXs.

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