Flight attendants across carriers are urging passengers to follow a few clear rules when using overhead bins to speed boarding, reduce damage to luggage and avoid injury.
Crew members said the most important points are to know that overhead bins differ by aircraft, to stow carry-ons wheels-first when possible, and to keep heavy items and anything passengers may need during the flight beneath the seat in front of them.
Daniel Compton, a Delta flight attendant, told Travel + Leisure that different models in an airline’s fleet have differently shaped and sized bins and that passengers can ask the crew which orientation works best for the specific plane. Compton cited Delta’s A321 CEO fleet, where suitcases are usually stowed lying flat, and the A321 NEO fleet, where bags typically go on their side. Airlines often make announcements during boarding or post placards showing how carry-ons should be placed, he said.
Denise Margrét Yaghi, a flight attendant with Play Airlines, recommended storing carry-on bags wheels-first and vertically "like a book on a shelf." If that orientation does not fit, she said, place the bag wheels-first horizontally. Flight attendants emphasized being mindful of space and weight so that bins can accommodate everyone’s luggage.
Former flight attendant Kristine Eksteine Nizka warned passengers not to leave items they may need during the flight — such as medicine, snacks, entertainment or water — in bags placed in overhead bins. She noted that if the seatbelt sign is lit or passengers are required to remain seated, they will not be allowed to stand and retrieve items from the overhead lockers.
Crew members also said heavy items and small personal bags such as purses should be stored under the seat. Carrying heavy bags into the cabin and attempting to stow them in an overhead compartment can be difficult or dangerous for passengers and other travelers.
Flight attendants said they can offer advice on how best to stow a bag but generally will not lift or place carry-ons into bins for passengers. They cited safety rules and scheduling practices that affect when attendants are considered on duty. Crew members said they are not allowed to lift passenger bags for safety reasons and that attendant duties and compensation are tied to the time when doors close and the aircraft is secured, a factor that can influence handling policies.
Passengers are also reminded that overhead bins are shared space and that it may be necessary to store a bag above a different row than the passenger’s own seat. Crew members advise passengers not to take more space than necessary, to ensure bags are properly closed so items do not spill, and to close the bin after stowing luggage. If passengers are unsure about the best way to stow a bag on a particular aircraft, attendants said they are available to provide guidance.
Following those basic steps, flight attendants said, can reduce boarding time, minimize disputes over space and help keep the cabin safer for crew and passengers alike.