The Overhead Bin Rules Flight Attendants Wish Every Traveler Knew

So you’ve made it all the way from your house to the airport, through check-in and security, managed to find your gate, and now, you finally get to board that flight. There’s just one more hurdle for you to get through before you can sit down and turn on that movie you’ve been dying to see: successfully storing your carry-on luggage.

Sure, it may sound like an easy task, but there are a few ins and outs that crew members would like you to know.

Here’s how to actually store your carry-on in an overhead bin. 

As Daniel Compton, a flight attendant with Delta, explained, it’s key to do a bit of homework before your flight to understand the overhead bin capabilities of each aircraft. 

“Delta has a wide range of aircraft in our fleet, so there’s not just one right way to stow your bag in the overhead bin as they are all different shapes and sizes,” Compton said. “For example, in our A321 CEO fleet, your suitcase should be stowed laying down, but on our A321 NEO, you’ll stow luggage on its side. You can always ask a Delta flight attendant which way is best for the plane you’re flying on. There are also often announcements during boarding or placards with information on many of our aircraft.”

Kristine Eksteine Nizka, a former flight attendant, concurred, noting that on smaller turboprops, “it will most probably be horizontal. If the wheels are the extended ones, not the ones that go inside the suitcase, then it’s wheels out—otherwise, the suitcase might not fit in the locker.” 

But as a general rule of thumb, Denise Margrét Yaghi, a flight attendant with Play Airlines, shared, “The best way to store your carry-on in the overhead bin is wheels-first and vertically, like a book on a shelf. This saves space and makes it easier for others to store their bags as well. If it doesn’t fit that way, lay it wheels-first horizontally, but always be mindful of space and weight.

But remember, not everything belongs in an overhead.

Sometimes, your carry-on item might not belong in the overhead at all. 

“Be sure you’re only placing items that fit properly in the overhead bins, and ensure items are properly closed (you don’t want anything spilling out on another customer,” Compton shared. Nizka added that it’s also a good idea not to put anything that you will need during the flight in the overhead. “So, don’t leave your entertainment, medicine, snacks, and water in the overhead locker. It’s not only about bothering other passengers, but if the seatbelt sign is on for some reason, you will not be allowed to stand up and get those things.” 

Compton further explained that if you have multiple carry-on items (think a bag and a purse or a bag and a souvenir), one should be stowed under the seat in front of you. “Items that are stowed under the seat in front of you should be smaller or heavier items that might be difficult to lift in the overhead bin,” Compton said. “Any item that is stowed under the seat must be fully under the seat so that it does not impact the ability to quickly access the aisle in an emergency.” 

Yes, it’s OK to ask for help, but don’t ask the attendant to put your bag in the overhead.

Having trouble finding space? Go ahead and ask for assistance locating a spot to store your bags or ask for advice on putting it in the overhead. “You can always ask a flight attendant for tips on how to best stow your suitcase,” Compton said. “We are always happy to answer questions from our customers. We do ask that you handle your own suitcase unless you have a specific condition or reason you are unable.”

Yaghi noted that travelers should keep in mind that “we’re not allowed to lift bags for you due to safety policies. However, we can guide you or help you reposition items if needed.” This is because assisting with overhead bins is one of the most cited reasons for injury among flight crew members. So you pack it, you stack it. 

And remember, you’re not the only passenger on the plane.

As Compton added, “The overhead bins are a shared space, so ideally, you would be able to place your carry-ons above your own seat, though sometimes it’s possible you might have to stow away from your seating area.”

And as Yaghi stated, it’s essential to be mindful of other passengers when storing your bag. “Don’t take up more space than needed, and always close the bin when you’re done,” Yaghi said. “And if you’re unsure about anything, we’re always here to help make your flight smooth and safe.”