Boeing Increases Overhead Bin Size by 50 Percent

— -- Travelers with carry-on luggage can soon breathe a sigh of relief.

Boeing announced this week it will introduce a new overhead bin design to its 737s featuring 50 percent more space than previous models, which means less time in the aisles cramming bags for passengers and flight attendants.

"They're enormous compared to the other bins," said Daniel Jones, a frequent passenger on the 737, who was at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany, where Boeing debuted the roomier luggage holds and quoted him in a company statement. "I won't have to gate check my bags anymore.

“Boarding will be a lot quicker plus I won't have to help my girlfriend load her bags because she can reach these bins a lot easier."

The larger space bins will hold six standard sized bags, which is two more than the Boeing Sky Interior pivot bins now used on many Next-Generation 737s.

As Jones pointed out, the bin lip height has also been lowered, making it easier to access from below and offering a deeper visibility of the back of the bin. So you're less likely to leave things behind.

"Space Bins were created to add value for our airline customers," Steve Pickard, interiors engineer at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said in a statement.

The new space bins will launch with Alaska Airlines, with Delta placing an order not far behind. Older models of the Next-Generation 737s will also be retrofitted with the upgraded design.