October 19th 2024.
As you approach the airport, you see people dragging their suitcases behind them, getting ready to embark on their journey. It's a familiar sight - one that often involves a bit of stress and chaos. After all, making sure your luggage is within the weight limit and then trying to fit it into the overhead bins can be quite a challenge. And if you happen to be one of the last to board the flight, it can feel like a game of Tetris as you try to squeeze your bag into the already packed overhead lockers. But fear not, because there may be a solution on the horizon.
Airbus, the leading manufacturer of commercial planes in the UK and Europe, has announced that they will be retrofitting some of their planes with new and improved overhead bins - the Airspace L bins. These new bins are more than half the size of the previous ones and offer a whopping 60% more space. This means that each bin can now fit three extra bags, which is great news for travelers who are always trying to pack as much as possible into their carry-ons. What's even better is that bags will now be stored vertically, freeing up more room and making it easier to stow them.
But when will we actually see these new bins in action? Well, it looks like Lufthansa will be the first airline to receive them in January 2025, just a few months from now. Other European airlines, including Iberia and Swiss, have also announced that they will be introducing the new bins on their planes. This not only means more space for passengers, but it could also lead to more generous luggage allowances or even reduced baggage fees.
And let's not forget about the potential for less delays. With more space for luggage, passengers won't have to waste time trying to find a spot for their bags, which could ultimately lead to a smoother boarding process. After all, time is of the essence when it comes to air travel.
Speaking of boarding, there's something that some passengers do that can be quite annoying to others. You know those people who rush to line up at the gate as soon as it opens? Well, it turns out that airline workers have a not-so-nice term for them - gate lice. According to Urban Dictionary, gate lice are "passengers, often inexperienced flyers in economy class, who crowd around or line up at a gate at an airport completely blocking the boarding area." Yikes.
But why do people do this? Is it just to make sure there's enough room for their bag in the overhead bin? Well, according to psychologist Dr. Audrey Tang, it may have more to do with feeling in control. She explains that for some people, queueing up early for boarding can help reduce stress and make them feel more calm. This may be especially true for those who have had previous experiences of being late or dealing with luggage and children. Of course, there are also those who simply want to be first - but overall, it seems to be a coping mechanism for many travelers.
So, what exactly can we expect from these new Airspace L bins? They will be able to accommodate roller bags up to 61cm high, 38cm wide, and 25cm deep, meaning they can now fit bags stacked vertically. While popular airlines like Ryanair and Easyjet have yet to confirm when they will introduce these new bins, it's safe to say that they will likely follow suit in the near future.
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