5 . In today’s not-so-golden time of domestic air travel, checking a suitcase for free is a luxury afforded to few. And those who do check their bags often find themselves stressing out during the whole journey, wondering if their luggage (行李) is actually going to arrive at their destination with them. As a result, more travelers than ever are choosing to bring their belongings into a carry-on bag — many of them big and heavy, with wheels.
The result? A boarding free-for-all (混战), as nervous flyers wait around the gate hoping to be among the first to get on the plane — all to get a tiny piece of overhead space near their seat. Unfortunately, the older versions of those highly desired bins (柜) were not designed with your average carry-on roller suitcase in mind. They must be laid down flat, leaving a small space above them that is of little use, while taking up a good piece of bin space.
Enter French aircraft maker Airbus launches its new “Airspace L Bins” designed to be refitted in only three to five days. These specially shaped overhead compartments (隔层) promise to create 60% more cabin luggage space than traditional systems. How? Simply by allowing travelers to load their carry-on roller bags vertically (垂直地) instead of having to lay them flat. Made of ultra-lightweight composite (复合的) products, the refit reuses many parts of the original bin including the sidewall, ceiling and lighting to cut down on waste.
Flight attendants will likely approve of the new compartments too, knowing they can complete boarding procedures while hearing far fewer complaints from flyers about how they don’t have a place to store their bags.
Luggage has long been a contentious and complicated issue in the aviation world, and that doesn’t appear set to change with or without bigger bins. In the end, regardless of traveler preferences, most would agree that if better-designed bins can speed up the time we spend getting on and off the plane, we’re all for them.
1. Which of the following stops passengers from checking their luggage?
| A．Cost and security. | B．Habit and preference. |
| C．Character and personality. | D．Environmental issues and protection. |
2. Why are passengers eager to get on the plane first?
| A．To get a convenient luggage holder. |
| B．To occupy the most comfortable seat. |
| C．To check their luggage free of charge. |
| D．To make sure their luggage is safe. |
3. What can we learn about “Airspace L Bins” from the text?
| A．They are made of a single material. | B．They are all refitted under the seats. |
| C．Their parts are entirely newly made. | D．They allow luggage to be set vertically. |
4. What can we infer from the last two paragraphs?
| A．Bigger bins are not key to flights. | B．The luggage problem has been totally settled. |
| C．New bins can save time for passengers. | D．Travelers will change their preferences. |
