Yesterday. I was up early to call into Bob Sirott’s morning drive on WGN in Chicago. We discussed a wide range of topics including the recent airline crashes, my fear of flying, advice on how to cope with aerophobia, Spring Break deals and the battle for overhead bin space.
The latter was inspired by a Wall Street Journal article titled: The Battle for Overhead Bins Is Raging. These Are the Rules to Play By. Because I’ve flown thousands of times and millions of miles, I know the so-called rules. However, as the article points out, not everyone does know the rules nor does everyone agree on them … and I’m one of those people.
Most frequent fliers and business travelers do everything they can to avoid checking a bag. By traveling with carry-on only, you:
1. Skip the hassle of arriving at the airport early for check-in since you can do it online and head straight to security.
2. Have the flexibility to switch to an earlier or later flight if your original flight is delayed.
3. Don’t have to worry about whether your bag will make it to your destination.
4. Avoid the risk of baggage handlers stealing items from your bag.
5. Eliminate the need to wait at baggage claim, which is often the most frustrating part of flying.
6. Make it easier to use public transportation since you’re traveling light.
I never really thought twice about overhead bin space until May 2008, when American Airlines started charging for checked bags. Other airlines quickly followed suit (except Southwest Airlines). This shift led more passengers to carry on their bags to save money and suddenly, finding overhead bin space became a priority. My strategy of being the last to board flipped to wanting to be among the first, to ensure I had a spot for my luggage.
This change has created tension among passengers, especially since many believe the overhead bin space directly above their seat belongs to them. As one of the people interviewed in the WSJ article pointed out, “People have this idea in their head that the space directly above their seat is theirs and they own it.” However, that’s not true—even in first class.
But passengers shouldn’t just drop their bags in the first available bin. Ideally, your bag should be stowed near your seat for convenience and security. It’s easier to retrieve items, and more importantly, you can keep an eye on your belongings to prevent theft. RELATED: In-flight theft is real: Here’s how to protect your stuff
Mind Your Manners
Another issue is passengers putting both their carry-on bags in the overhead bin. According to the WSJ, “First, don’t be selfish, even if no one is looking. The rule on most airlines is to put your larger carry-on in the overhead bin and the smaller personal item under your seat.” I agree with this rule, except when seated in a bulkhead (or emergency row on some airlines), where passengers aren’t allowed to store bags under their seat. It’s also challenging to fit a laptop bag under the seat in many aisle seats on American Airlines planes due to their large entertainment system casings.
Proper Bag Placement
A common frustration is passengers failing to properly stow their bags in the overhead bin, especially on planes with the new Space or Airspace XL bins. These larger bins can hold more bags if packed correctly.
Don’t Move Others’ Bags Without Permission
The most contentious issue I’ve observed is passengers rearranging others’ bags without permission when bins are full. Some passengers bring fragile items onboard, like cakes or heirlooms, and don’t want their bags moved. If you see a smaller item stowed in the bin, don’t just toss your bag on top of it without asking the nearby passengers or flight attendants for permission.
Another issue arises when a passenger with only a small bag is asked to stow it under the seat to make room for someone else’s larger bag. The WSJ highlighted a comment from a Delta passenger who shared their frustration: “On an @delta flight and brought only one small carryon—no personal item. Delta forced me to put it under my seat, removing my legroom, so that someone who brought a huge hardshell carry-on and boarded well after me could fit their bag. So, I got penalized for bringing less. Got to love corporate customer service.”
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The Flight Attendant Dilemma
One final issue, which the article didn’t mention, is when flight attendants stow multiple bags in overhead bins. This often occurs when passengers are among the first to board (especially on smaller planes) but find their space already taken by crew members’ bags. Some passengers believe flight attendants should refrain from stowing multiple bags, as it seems like an unfair perk of the job. Others argue it’s a misuse of the overhead bin rules since flight attendants often bring more than one large bag onboard.
Understanding and respecting overhead bin etiquette can make a significant difference in ensuring a smoother and more pleasant flight experience for everyone. By being mindful of where and how we stow our bags, being considerate of fellow passengers, and adhering to airline policies, we can reduce the stress that often accompanies boarding and deplaning.
KEEP READING
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–How to get a full bottle of water through airport security
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One other thing to consider is whether or not you yourself can put your bag in the overhead. Carry on luggage is just that…it’s a bag you can carry and deal with yourself. If you need someone else to put it up there for you it’s no longer your carry on and perhaps you should think about checking it.
Great point!
The article mentions putting bags under one’s seat and how it cramps that person’s leg space. Never saw anyone bend their legs backwards under their own seat.
LOL. I think we all know what he meant
When airlines start enforcing the stated limitations on allowed carry-on sizes & number of carry-ons then I’ll be more likely to put my single carry-on bag under my seat. It’s quite aggravating to see numerous passengers lugging on 3 large bags and putting them all up in the bins. Then you expect me to put my ONE carryon under my seat??? I don’t think so.