Passengers are advised to exercise caution when stowing items in airplane overhead bins, as personal belongings can be damaged or pose safety risks to others. Experts recommend avoiding the placement of fragile items, valuable electronics, and lithium-ion batteries in shared overhead compartments due to the unpredictable nature of the space.
Stacey Wallenstein recounted an incident where a carried-on tagine, packed with padding, was crushed in the overhead bin by a heavier bag. Similarly, another passenger's wine bottle leaked after an impact. Jess Strange, chief customer officer at Southern Cross Travel Insurance, noted that claims data reflects these issues, stating, "The overhead locker is a shared space. Bags get moved, heavy items get squeezed in, smaller belongings can disappear from sight and liquids can leak inside a carry-on."
Electronics are also vulnerable. One traveler's MacBook Pro was reportedly crushed by a hard-shell carry-on forced into the bin above. "The biggest threat to your laptop might not be the baggage carousel," Strange said. "It might be the stranger trying to squeeze one last oversized carry-on into the overhead locker above your seat."
Fragile items, even when seemingly secure, can be a hazard. Meera Watts experienced her toiletry bag falling from an overhead bin upon landing. A glass bottle of lavender oil inside shattered, cutting another passenger, who required stitches. Lawyer Joseph Gutheinz, who has handled cases involving overhead bin injuries, noted that even a small, heavy briefcase falling from a suitcase can cause injury. "It was a head injury and we settled out of court," he said.
Beyond physical damage and injury, certain items present fire risks. Power banks, particularly, are a concern due to the potential for thermal runaway. International Civil Aviation Organization rules, effective March 2026, limit passengers to two power banks and prohibit their recharging in flight. United Airlines banned power banks from overhead bins in March after an incident on an Air China flight, and American and Delta have implemented similar restrictions, requiring them to be kept within passenger reach. Srinivasa Vanjari, a battery expert, emphasizes that early signs of a failing battery, such as swelling or heat, require immediate attention, which is difficult if the device is stored overhead. He advises passengers to check power banks for swelling by pressing a corner; if it rocks, the cell may be compromised and should not be brought on board.
For other items, such as laptops or cameras, Strange suggests using padded sleeves or protective cases and packing liquids in waterproof pouches. "It is not about telling travelers they can never put a laptop or camera in the overhead locker. Sometimes that is the only practical option," she stated.
Wildlife photographer Johan Siggesson advises, "The general mistake I see many passengers making is assuming that because something fits in the overhead compartment, it is safe to place it there. Fit does not equal safety."
Ultimately, a simple rule of thumb, as suggested by traveler Kyle, is: "If I couldn’t easily replace it during the trip, I don’t put it in the overhead locker."