In the contemporary landscape of the aviation industry, where free checked luggage is a privilege enjoyed by few, the stress of whether your suitcase will make it to your destination has become an all too familiar companion for travelers. In response, an increasing number of passengers are opting to squeeze their belongings into bulky carry-on bags, many of which come equipped with wheels.
The outcome? A chaotic scramble at the boarding gate, as anxious flyers jockey for prime overhead storage space near their seats, all in a bid to secure their precious cabin luggage. Regrettably, these coveted bins were not originally designed with the typical roller suitcase in mind. They required bags to be laid flat, leaving a small and inefficient space above them, while occupying a substantial portion of the bin’s capacity.
This is where Airbus, the renowned French aircraft manufacturer, steps in with its innovative “Airspace L Bins.” Initially unveiled in May, these specially designed overhead compartments boast the remarkable capability of increasing cabin luggage space by a whopping 60% compared to conventional systems. The secret? Allowing travelers to load their carry-on roller bags vertically rather than forcing them to be placed flat, as illustrated in the image above.
These bins are tailored to accommodate bags measuring 61 centimeters in height, 38 centimeters in width, and 25 centimeters in depth. What’s more, Airbus has prioritized sustainability by constructing the retrofit bins from ultra-lightweight composite materials, reusing various components of the original bins, such as the sidewalls, ceiling, and lighting, to minimize waste.
Flight attendants are likely to welcome this innovation as well, as it will significantly reduce passenger complaints about inadequate space for their bags, enabling smoother boarding procedures.
One prominent airline has already jumped on board with this advancement. Starting in early 2025, Germany’s flag carrier, Lufthansa, plans to retrofit 38 of its A320 aircraft with these cutting-edge Airspace L Bins. These bins are produced by Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH (EFW), a Germany-based subsidiary of ST Engineering and Airbus.