Michael Bahlo (Bockfilm GmbH)/Courtesy of Airbus
Manufactured by ST Engineering and Airbus subsidiary Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH, the new ‘Airspace L Bins’ promise to increase luggage space on board by 60%.
CNN
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In today’s not-so-golden days of domestic air travel, being able to check your suitcase for free is a luxury only a select few have. And those who check their luggage often worry about whether their luggage will be okay, making the whole trip stressful. actually scheduled to arrive Go to your destination with them.
As a result, more travelers than ever are choosing to pack their belongings into carry-on bags, many of which are bulky and have wheels.
result? Free boarding as nervous passengers milled around the gate wanting to board the plane before anyone else. All this was to free up a small amount of overhead space near the seats.
Unfortunately, these extremely popular trash cans weren’t designed with the average carry-on roller suitcase in mind. They have to be laid flat, leaving a small space above them that is of little use, and take up considerable space in the trash can.
Enter French aircraft manufacturer Airbus and its new ‘Airspace L Bins’.
First unveiled in May, these specially shaped overhead bins promise to offer 60% more luggage space on board than traditional systems. how? It simply allows travelers to load their carry-on roller bags vertically instead of laying them flat. (See photo above.)
This bin can hold bags 61cm high, 38cm wide and 25cm deep and is designed to be installed in 3-5 days.
Airbus said the renovation reused many parts of the original bin, including the side walls, ceiling and lighting, to reduce waste.
Flight attendants are also likely to agree to the new compartments, as they will be able to complete the check-in process with significantly fewer complaints from passengers about having nowhere to stash their luggage.
Provided by Airbus
According to Airbus, the new airspace L-bins are designed to be refurbished in three to five days.
One airline has already registered. Starting in early 2025, Germany’s flag carrier Lufthansa will add to its fleet of 38 A320 aircraft the new Aircraft, manufactured by ST Engineering and Germany-based Elbe Furgzeigwerke GmbH (EFW), a subsidiary of Airbus. We plan to begin refurbishing the Space L bin.
“From our conversations with our airline customers, we know that larger bins are clearly needed to improve the passenger experience,” Charbel Euscatli, head of European commercial services at Airbus, said in a statement. ” he said.
Baggage has long been a controversial and complex issue in the airline industry, and big bins or not, that’s not likely to change.
Not everyone brings a carry-on bag just to avoid extra checked baggage fees. Many airlines also charge extra if you want to bring your suitcase on board. As mentioned earlier, some travelers prefer the convenience of not having to wait for their suitcases on the merry-go-round upon arrival.
It’s also a political issue. Just this week, European Union lawmakers reported: voted to support the resolution It calls on airlines to stop charging passengers for “reasonably” sized carry-on bags.
But there is no doubt that baggage fees are a huge source of revenue for airlines.According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, U.S. airline revenues are Baggage fee revenue $6.7 billion In 2022.
Some airlines justify their fees by pointing out: Environmental impact – Lighter aircraft are more fuel efficient, so it’s good to prevent people from bringing extra weight.
And its supporters “Unbundling” of fares I can say that everything will be fine. Those who wish to pay extra fees, such as checked baggage, can do so, and the rest of us can enjoy cheaper fares.
But in the end, regardless of a traveler’s preferences, most would agree that if better-designed bins could save them time getting on and off planes, they’d agree.
