First major airline to roll out new overhead plane lockers next year – meaning way more room for your luggage
IF you’ve ever struggled to squeeze in your suitcase to the overhead locker on a flight, then you’re in luck.
Lufthansa is rolling out a modernised overhead locker style next year – the first major airline to so.
The new lockers were revealed by Airbus last year, called the ‘L bins’.
Most overhead bins require passengers to put their suitcases and bags into it while lying them flat, meaning wasted space in the top section.
But the new lockers will see passengers stack suitcases on their side instead – with 60 per cent more bag capacity.
This works out to an extra three bags into each locker, fitting suitcases up to 61cm x 38cm x 25cm.
Not only that, but it hopes to reduce the boarding and deplaning time, with many delays due to passengers struggling to find space for their suitcase.
The new bins will be rolled out in January 2025, with Lufthansa being the first airline.
The airline’s 38 A320 jets will be refitted with them.
Airbus Head of Commercial Services Europe Charbel Youzkatli said: “We know from talking with airline customers that bigger bins are a clear need to enhance the passenger experience.
“The L Bins provide more space with the added advantage of a plug and play retrofit.”
The bins are being made by EFW (Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH) with “ultra-lightweight and highly stable composite products” as well as reusing many of the old parts of the previous bins.
Other airlines are to follow in Lufthansa’s footsteps with the new bins.
Spanish airline Iberia will also roll out the new lockers in 2025.
British Airways also revealed they are to introduce new larger overhead lockers as part of their £7billion makeover.
The welcome move to larger storage on flights is likely to please most passengers, with many being hand-luggage-only travellers.
This is because most airlines now charge economy travellers to check in a bag, leading to travellers opting for smaller suitcases they can take onboard instead.
But some experts are saying airlines should ditch overhead lockers altogether.
Former Teague cabin designer David Young said airlines were at “breaking point”.
He added: “Maybe we don’t need carry-ons at all.
“Someone needs to step out and say, ‘We’re not doing this anymore.
“This isn’t the right experience for air travel.’”
Luggage Rules for Major Airlines
British Airways
- Cabin Baggage: 1 cabin bag (max 56 x 45 x 25 cm) and 1 personal item (max 40 x 30 x 15 cm), total weight up to 23 kg.
- Checked Baggage: Economy allows 1 bag up to 23 kg. Premium Economy, Business, and First Class allow more.
EasyJet
- Cabin Baggage: 1 small cabin bag (max 45 x 36 x 20 cm), no weight limit but must fit under the seat.
- Checked Baggage: Fees apply, up to 23 kg per bag. Passengers can pay for additional weight up to 32 kg.
Ryanair
- Cabin Baggage: 1 small bag (max 40 x 20 x 25 cm). Priority boarding allows an additional larger cabin bag (max 55 x 40 x 20 cm, up to 10 kg).
- Checked Baggage: Fees apply, options for 10 kg or 20 kg bags.
Virgin Atlantic
- Cabin Baggage: Economy and Premium allow 1 cabin bag (max 56 x 36 x 23 cm, up to 10 kg). Upper Class allows 2 bags.
- Checked Baggage: Economy Light has no checked baggage. Economy Classic, Delight, and Premium allow at least 1 bag up to 23 kg. Upper Class allows 2 bags.
Emirates
- Cabin Baggage: Economy allows 1 bag (max 55 x 38 x 20 cm, up to 7 kg). Business and First Class allow 2 bags (total up to 12 kg).
- Checked Baggage: Economy Class varies by fare type (from 20 kg to 35 kg). Business and First Class allow up to 40 kg and 50 kg respectively.
If you’re adamant in travelling with hand luggage, here is how to make sure you always find space in the lockers.
And a flight attendant has revealed why you should always put your suitcase in the lockers in front of you – not above you.