In a bid to tackle the carry-on storage squeeze, Tap Air Portugal is updating its A321neo cabins with overhead lockers that hold 60% more luggage. Olivia Palamountain reports

Tap Air Portugal has introduced new "Airspace" cabins featuring overhead bins that are 37% larger and can accommodate eight pieces of carry-on luggage instead of five, addressing one of air travel's most persistent passenger frustrations.

The Portuguese carrier's first aircraft with the updated cabin design, an A321neo named "António Sérgio", made its maiden commercial flight between Lisbon and Warsaw on September 16. The airline plans to integrate 20 new aircraft with the Airspace cabin configuration by 2029, including ten A320neo and ten A321neo aircraft.

The enlarged overhead bins allow for vertical loading of bags, making it easier for passengers to access and store carry-on luggage. The A320neo can now hold 130 pieces of luggage in overhead compartments, whilst the larger A321neo accommodates 194 pieces - a significant increase that could reduce gate-checking of bags on busy flights.Beyond storage improvements, the new cabins feature customisable LED ambient lighting that adapts to different phases of flight, from boarding through to landing. All seats include both USB-A and USB-C charging ports, reflecting the reality of passengers travelling with multiple devices.

Accessibility features include larger lavatories equipped with Braille signage, making the cabin more accommodating for visually impaired passengers. The design emphasises clean lines and interfaces accessible to all customers, representing a shift towards more inclusive aircraft interiors.

The A321neo carries 221 passengers across Business, Economy Extra and Economy classes. Tap operates one of the world's youngest fleets, consisting entirely of Airbus next-generation NEO aircraft including A320neo, A321neo, A321LR and A330neo models, alongside 19 Embraer regional aircraft.