In an illustrative embodiment, a vertically stowable aircraft storage unit for providing additional storage in a cabin area of an aircraft includes a storage compartment, a vacuum lift mechanism, and a stowage container housing. The vacuum lift mechanism may include at least one vacuum actuator, and an air manifold in fluid communication with a vacuum source, the air manifold configured to provide vacuum and venting to the at least one vacuum actuator. The stowage container housing may be configured to receive the storage compartment in the stowed position and may be configured for mounting above a ceiling of the cabin area. The vacuum actuator may be mounted for lifting and lowering the storage compartment between the stowed position and a deployed position