Airlines Adding More Carry-On Storage

As airlines charge more and more for checked luggage, passengers are trying to avoid these fees by packing bigger and bigger carry-on bags. This is leaving less and less space for passengers to fit their bags into overhead storage bins. Airlines are starting to expand the overhead bins to make room for growing carry-ons.

In 2008, airlines started charging passengers to check their luggage. Between 2008 and 2009, baggage fees doubled. However airlines are making less revenue from checked bags than they used to.

Passengers responded to checked-luggage fees by trying to get around them. Many are only bringing carry-on luggage now. This has left passengers fighting over limited storage space. Delta, United, American Airlines, and US Airways are now attempting to make more room for carry-ons.

The airlines started to realize that more storage space is necessary, so they are refitting older plans with new large overhead storage areas that are made to hold roll-aboard luggage. They're also purchasing new planes with more overhead space.

Some of these new airplanes include Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner and 737s. They are being built with pivot bins that are more accommodating for standard 9-by-14-by-22-inch roll-aboard bags. Bins are also being made with curved doors, which make it easier to fit bags with wheels.

Delta Air Line is adding larger bins to their fleet on 58 Boeing 767-300 aircrafts. These bins will be able to fit 36 more standard size carry-ons. Delta will introduce the first Boeing 737-900 with bigger bins in 2013.

United Airlines is creating curved bins, which can fit up to two-thirds more carry-ons. American Airlines new Boeing 737-800 can fit up to 48 more bags than previous aircrafts. US Airways is also equipping planes with bigger bins.

While these many airlines are working to make traveling easier for passengers who don't want to fight for overhead space, other airlines are fighting back. Some airlines are starting to add onto the endless airline fees by charging for checked bags. Starting in the fall, Spirit Airlines will charge up to $100 for a carry-on. Allegiant Airlines followed suit and will start charging a lower $35 per carry-on.