8 tips for using the overhead airplane luggage compartment

To use the overhead luggage compartments effectively, passengers should:

• Board the plane quickly
• Keep their bags close
• Store essentials under the seat

Passengers are increasingly choosing to travel with carry-on bags instead of checking in luggage. After all, opting for carry-ons is typically cheaper and more convenient than checking in large suitcases.

If you’re traveling with larger or additional carry-on bags, it’s important to know the ins and outs of overhead luggage compartments.

When should you use them, and when should you not? How exactly should you stow your luggage? What if there’s no space left overhead?

We have the answers, plus eight tips on how to use overhead compartments effectively.

1. Learn the basics of bin etiquette

Like in any public space, there’s an unspoken etiquette for the dos and don’ts on a plane. Dealing with the overhead compartments is no exception, though getting this right can be tricky. Before you take off, it’s worth brushing up on your overhead bin etiquette.

Store wheels first and sideways

When placing your luggage in the compartment, it’s important to leave as much room as possible for other passengers’ bags – especially on busy flights.

To make sure your suitcase isn’t taking up unnecessary space, place it in the bin sideways. Put the wheels in first, so the handle is easily accessible upon arrival.

Place smaller items under the seat in front of you

With passengers increasingly opting to travel with carry-ons, overhead space is often scarce and should be reserved for bigger items. Smaller bags can be placed under the seat in front of you, as long as you’re not sitting in an emergency exit row.

Avoid putting open bags or loose items in the overhead compartment

Make sure your bags are zipped up before putting them in the bin, or else their contents might fall out during the flight.

You should also put any loose items like duty free purchases in a bag.

2. Board the flight quickly

Getting overhead space near your seat can be competitive. This means it’s in your best interest to arrive at your gate on time and board the flight as soon as possible.

Some airlines offer priority boarding with extra carry-on options, meaning you’ll be one of the first on the plane and won’t have to worry about where to stow your luggage.

3. Use a carry-on that fits

This one isn’t as easy as it sounds. Airlines have different policies when it comes to the size and weight of carry-on luggage. Some airlines permit larger or extra carry-on bags on specific fares, but the bags still have to fit within specific dimensions. If your carry-on is too big, you may have to pay an extra fee.

To ensure your carry-on is the right size, check the luggage policies of every airline you’ll be flying with during your trip. If you need to bring a bigger bag, then it’s best to pay for it when booking to avoid a more expensive rate later.

4. Don’t place your bags too far from your seat

For a stress-free flight, stow your carry-on bags in the bin above your head and under the seat in front of you.

Upon landing, passengers often stand up immediately to retrieve their bags, blocking the aisle. Typically, you’ll disembark from different doors, depending on where your seat is located.

If you’ve stored your carry-on away from your seat, you may have to wait for everyone to deplane before you can get it.

The best way to secure a convenient spot for your carry-on is by boarding as early as possible.

5. Know what to do if the bin is full

If the overhead bin above your seat is full, look for the closest options, such as across the aisle or slightly ahead of your seat.

If there aren’t any options nearby, let a member of the cabin crew know. They’ll either find a place for your bags in an overhead compartment farther away or—on especially busy flights—stow it with the checked luggage below. If your carry-on ends up getting checked in, you’ll have to grab it from the baggage carousel at the airport.

6. Store essentials under the seat in front of you

Keep the items you’ll need during your flight—like your phone, wallet, headphones, and book—in a small bag under the seat in front of you. This way you won’t need to stand up and disturb other passengers whenever you want to access your things.

7. Close the compartment properly

If you’re the last person to use the overhead bin, make sure you close it properly – you should hear it click. The flight attendants make sure all the compartments are shut before take-off, so don’t worry too much if you can’t close it yourself.

8. Ask for help if you need it

You may need a hand putting your luggage in the overhead compartment. If you’re concerned about your ability to lift your bag into the bin, don’t take the risk. Instead, ask another passenger for help. If no one’s around, simply ask a flight attendant.

FAQs

Can you reserve space in an overhead bin?

With most airlines, overhead luggage space works on a first-come, first-served basis. However, a few airlines do offer reserved overhead compartments, so it’s worth checking during the booking process.

What’s the difference between checked luggage and carry-on bags?

Checked luggage is typically larger than a carry-on bag and generally costs more, though not always. You check it in at the airport, then pick it up at the baggage carousel after you land.

Carry-on luggage refers to any bags you take into the plane’s cabin with you. Each airline has different restrictions for how many carry-on bags you’re allowed to bring. During the flight, these bags must be stored either in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you.

How to put luggage in the overhead bin?

Open the bin, lift up your bag, and slide it in wheels first and on its side. That way your bag isn’t taking up unnecessary shelf space.

Do I have to use the overhead compartment?

That depends on your bags. There’s generally no need to use an overhead compartment if you only have a small carry-on that fits under the seat in front of you. However, if you’re sitting in an emergency exit row, you may have to stow all your belongings in the overhead compartment for take-off and landing.