One of my pet peeves when flying is not being able to fit my carry-on bag in the overhead locker. And it’s not because my bag is too big. Is it because people are bringing on too many bags? No, that can’t be. Airlines are stingy when it comes to carry-on. They’re even stingy with the available room for what is meant to be the alotted number of bags allowed in the cabin.
Well there’s finally one airline that’s turned its focus towards ensuring more storage and convenient travel onboard.
Airbus’s latest innovation, the Airspace L Bins, will roll out on Lufthansa A320 planes by January 2025. These revamped overhead lockers increase accommodation for carry-on luggage by 60 per cent.
Airbus says its Airspace L Bins design will not only accommodate more bags but will also increase boarding efficiency and reduce hassle during boarding time for A320 fleets. Makes sense. Why hasn’t someone thought about this before?
The L Bins allow for vertical placement of bags with wheels and can be retrofitted within three to five days. The renovated lockers use various components from original bins, including the sidewall, illumination, and ceiling.
“We know from talking with airline customers that bigger bins are a clear need to enhance the passenger experience,” stated Airbus head of commercial services Europe Charbel Youzkatli.
Travelling with carry-on baggage only is becoming increasingly popular. More Australians are packing light in a bid to post-flight waits for baggage. And it’s not just on domestic flights, either. More Aussies are leaning towards carry-on only international travel. However, dissimilar carry-on baggage rules and potential hidden fares from various airlines, complicates travels for Australians overseas.
Reportedly, airlines profit hugely from extra luggage charges (yes, we know what you’re up to Jetstar), generating more than $6.7 billion in the US alone in 2022.
The European Parliament’s Committee on Petitions investigated irregular standards surrounding carry-on luggage. The committee found considerable adverse costs and price comparisons, and anecdotal evidence of passengers experiencing ‘distinct confusion’ about baggage rules when changing airlines or tweaking travel plans.
The committee proposed to amend EU laws concerning air passenger rights.
“The court found that airlines should not charge a supplement for hand baggage ‘on condition that such hand baggage meets reasonable requirements in terms of its weight and dimensions, and complies with applicable security requirements’,” the committee press release said.
“New legislation should also address other hidden costs, for example fees related to seat allocation.”
Regardless, the Airspace L Bins will enable a more unproblematic packing experience and improve airline efficiency across the board. Again, why hasn’t anyone thought of this sooner?
What’s your biggest baggage peeve when flying? Tell us in the comments section below.
Also read: Australia’s best and worst baggage allowances
