Airlines' new overhead lockers design could mean more hand luggage for everyone

Airbus has unveiled the 'Airspace L Bins' which can fit 60% more cabin luggage than traditional systems - and could mean airlines relax their rules around hand luggage.

Passengers tired of the luggage tetris game might soon get relief with new aircraft designs promising much larger overhead bins, making it a breeze to comply with airline hand luggage rules and bring more gear on board.

The current ordeal often involves cramming belongings into one bag, which gets unceremoniously shoved under a seat to dodge steep fees and meet regulations. By doing so, holiday outfits suffer severe creasing, yet checking in baggage isn't an attractive option because of inescapable waits at the carousel and the not-so-slim chance of your possessions embarking on an unplanned adventure.

But there is good news on the horizon as Airbus introduces its 'Airspace L Bins', designed to revolutionise onboard storage with up to 60% more space than their ancestors, reported by CNN. These upgraded compartments allow for roller bags to be placed vertically, accommodating cases as tall as 61cm, as wide as 38cm, and as deep as 25cm. Flight turnaround won't be affected much as these cabin enhancements can be slotted into various aircraft in just three to five days.

Lufthansa takes the lead in embracing this development, poised to embark on the retrofit crusade starting in 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 for Europe, Charbel Youzkatli, commented.

The decision to reduce the cost of bringing additional hand-luggage onboard will ultimately rest with the airlines. Some may argue that despite having the space, the extra weight necessitates more fuel and should therefore be charged accordingly, reports the Mirror.

Presently, airlines such as TUI, easyJet, Ryanair and British Airways each have their own policies regarding what you can bring onboard flights for free, whether that's one small bag or two. Misunderstanding these rules could prove expensive, particularly if you end up having to pay to check-in a bag.

Join the Daily Record's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.

Airlines typically charge more if you bring an extra bag to the gate rather than checking it in advance, so it's always best to be prepared and understand the specific company's requirements. We've compiled a useful summary of all the different rules from the various airlines.

We also have a guide on what you can and can't take in your hand luggage - make sure to read this before packing or you could face delays at security. While some items are clearly prohibited on planes - such as explosives and sharp knives - others are less obvious.

For instance, a certain number of regular lighters is permitted, but one shaped like a gun is not.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.