Why cabin-bag storage is about to change for the better

Airbus’ new ‘L-Bins’ could finally be about to revolutionise the nonsensical world of cabin-bag regulations

What annoys you most about boarding a flight? Of all the wrinkles in the boarding process, one stands out as particularly irritating: placing your baggage in an airline luggage sizer as a stern-faced attendant assesses whether you have to pay an extra fee or not.

Anyone who has faced this potentially costly predicament may be relieved to know, with a bit of luck, the ultra-strict baggage-sizing checks might be on their way out before long – thanks to a big change to the way that some planes store our luggage.

After announcing the change last year, Airbus – currently the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial planes – has now unveiled its clever new “L-shaped” bins, which the aviation giant says will increase the locker space on flights by an impressive 60 per cent.

While the dimensions of the locker – 61cm x 38cm x 25cm – might not sound particularly palatial, Airbus says that the new shape will mean that bags can be stored both horizontally and vertically: meaning that suitcases can be placed upright, and larger holdalls can be stored sideways.

In short, it means that the average plane will be able to store much more luggage, without passengers having to play Tetris to make everything fit. Hopefully, that means airlines will have much less cause to be stringent about the size of your carry-on bag – and may not need to measure it to the nearest centimetre.

Wishful thinking? Admittedly, it’s hard to see budget airlines giving up their right to slap an unexpected charge on any bag that exceeds their own unique luggage allowance (particularly given that extra charges account for one-third of Ryanair and easyJet’s revenue, and 45 per cent of Wizz Air’s).

But even if the airlines keep their stingy charges, bigger lockers should lead to a more pleasant flying experience all around – and that goes for passengers who prefer to travel lightly, as well as those who plan on taking a large bag.

For when it comes to the great luggage struggle, the problems start well before boarding. Anyone who has flown Ryanair will have spotted the phenomenon where passengers rush immediately to the gate – usually within seconds of it being announced – in order to get first dibs on the limited locker space.

Why the desperation? I assume some have learned from bitter experience, having casually boarded a flight in the past only to find that the only available locker space is ten rows or so behind their seat. Maybe some had to store their bag under the seat in front instead, spending the flight with their knees pressed to their chins.

But the scramble for locker space creates issues for other passengers too. Have you ever found yourself sitting peacefully on a Ryanair flight only to suddenly have someone’s midriff inches from your face, as they rifle through the bag they stored in the locker above you? Needless to say, it isn’t pleasant.

Then there’s the inevitable tutting at the end of the flight as certain passengers insist on pushing past everyone in order to get their baggage from its locker, often causing a hold-up for other travellers. After a cramped, early morning flight from Stansted, it’s the last thing you need.

Perhaps it’s no surprise, then, that arguments over lockers have become one of the most common causes of air rage. Last autumn, a passenger was removed from an American Airlines plane after a row about locker space. In 2021, there was a full-blown fight on a flight to Turkey.

It doesn’t help that no-one appears to know for sure who is entitled to what. On TikTok, Gen Z travellers debate the correct etiquette back and forth. As for the experts, the advice seems to be that space is available first-come, first-served, but passengers should be reasonable when it comes to how much they use. In other words, it’s as clear as mud.

Let’s rejoice, then, that Airbus has picked up on the fact that we could all do with a bit more storage space on board. Hopefully it won’t be long before their great rival Boeing makes a similar move (particularly since they supply most of Ryanair’s planes).

The upgrades are due to start next year, with the German carrier Lufthansa amongst the first airlines rolling out L-shaped lockers across their fleet. Will the budget airlines find a way to spoil the party somehow? Hopefully they’ll be smart enough to realise this benefits them too.

All three of the big budget carriers (Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air) charge extra for customers to bring on a 10kg carry-on bag, something that most passengers have made their peace with. If bigger lockers mean more people can take them up on their offer – i.e. more money for their coffers – surely that’s good for everyone?

And if it means fewer blazing rows about who has a claim to the last scrap of locker space, even better.