Next year, Boeing will begin retrofitting Alaska Airlines’ in-service Boeing 737-900ERs with larger overhead bins, increasing cabin storage and improving the passenger experience. Alaska Airlines is the first carrier to adopt Boeing’s retrofit Space Bins and plans to install them on 34 aircraft, bringing nearly half of its 737-900ER fleet up to the new standard by next year.
The new Space Bins boost carry-on capacity by as much as 50 percent compared with the original bins. Each bin can typically hold up to six standard carry-on suitcases—about two more than before—when baggage complies with typical airline size restrictions. The bins also extend roughly two inches lower than the prior design, making it easier for passengers to place and retrieve items.
“Alaska is committed to making flying hassle-free and comfortable,” said Mark Eliasen, treasurer and vice president of finance at Alaska Airlines. “Many passengers prefer 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 percent of our new jets with Space Bins and retrofitting all of our existing 737-900ERs.”
Boeing offers the Space Bins as a retrofit option so airlines operating existing Next-Generation 737s and Next-Generation 737 MAXs can upgrade their cabins without replacing aircraft. “Boeing works very closely with our customers to enhance its airplanes with features that improve the passenger experience,” said Mike Fleming, vice president of Boeing Fleet Services. “By providing our customers with a retrofit option for the Space Bins, we are allowing long-time 737 customers, like Alaska Airlines, the ability to keep their entire fleet current.”
The combination of increased capacity and improved accessibility aims to reduce gate delays caused by boarding and stowing carry-on luggage, and to make cabin travel more comfortable for passengers who prefer to keep their bags with them. With Alaska equipping all new aircraft with the bins and retrofitting a large portion of its current fleet, travelers on many routes can expect the enhanced storage to become commonplace.
The Space Bins are compatible with both Next-Generation 737 models and the 737 MAX family, giving operators a flexible upgrade path. Airlines that choose the retrofit can modernize cabin interiors, maximize overhead bin volume, and offer a more consistent passenger experience across older and newer aircraft.