From 2025, Lufthansa’s A320 passengers will be taking off with new overhead lockers that provide 60 per cent more bag capacity.
Back in May, Airbus first released the design of Airspace L Bins, promising they would minimise boarding hassle and stress on A320 fleets.
The Airspace L Bins allow for vertical loading of carry-on luggage with wheels, meaning more bags can fit overhead and are made out of “ultra-lightweight and highly stable composite products”.
The new bins were specifically designed to meet the “Airspace cabin design language”. The bins can be retrofitted in just three to five days and they re-use many parts of the original bin including the sidewall, ceiling and lighting.
German airline Lufthansa will be the first to carry the new overhead lockers and they will roll out from January 2025.
“We know from talking with airline customers that bigger bins are a clear need to enhance the passenger experience,” Airbus head of commercial services Europe Charbel Youzkatli said in a statement.
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No standard luggage rules
From wanting to pack light, to avoiding having to wait for baggage on the carousel, there are plenty of reasons why people opt to travel with carry-on baggage only, and Europe might soon make it easier and cheaper to do so.
Australian travellers don’t usually have to worry about hidden fares associated with carry-on luggage, as most airlines allow for two carry-on items, with a weight total.
However, overseas it’s a different story and it can be difficult for Australians travelling abroad.
Airlines all have different rules, requirements and dimensions when it comes to carry-on luggage and that can be difficult for passengers.
According to CNN, baggage fees are a huge way for airlines to make money and in 2022, US airlines made more than $6.7 billion in baggage fee revenue alone.
Earlier this month, the European Parliament’s Committee on Petitions took citizens concerns around inconsistent standards.
“Different airline rules on hand luggage create hidden fees and make it more difficult to compare prices,” the European Parliament said in a press release.
“Also, when passengers use different airlines or need to change their plans, inconsistent rules create confusion.”
Taking into consideration the “inconvenience and discomfort” suffered by passengers, the committee decided that EU legislation on air passenger rights should be revised to offer a solution.
“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 press release said.
“New legislation should also address other hidden costs, for example fees related to seat allocation.”