There are a lot of factors that go into a day of airplane travel. A lack of overhead bin space is increasingly becoming one of them. If you arrive at your assigned seat and the nearby bins are already full, you may end up stashing your carry-on a few rows back. It may not seem like a big deal at first; however, if you do this, you’ll have to either wait for everyone behind you to get off or be that person that moves against traffic to grab your bag. It’s a rookie move that could derail your entire travel day.
The root of the problem is a lack of overhead bin space. The Los Angeles Times reports that when airlines added more seats and started charging passengers to check their luggage, the number of fliers and carry-ons increased. Consequently, this resulted in more demand for the limited overhead bin space.
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You may not be able to control a plane’s overhead bin space; however, there are several strategies you can employ to ensure you never have to store your carry-on behind you.
Pay for Priority Boarding
When you have a tight connection, purchasing priority boarding may be worth it. A United Airlines representative noted that “when flights are full, customers who board in groups one to three are most likely to find space for their bags.” Additionally, “customers are able to purchase priority boarding and board with group two to get on earlier to stow bags.”
Moreover, if you’re part of an airline rewards program, you may already have priority boarding.
Buy Luggage That Fits Under the Seat
You may have carry-on travel down to a science; however, there’s an even more minimal option. Traveling with luggage that fits under the seat in front of you ensures you don’t have to give overhead bin space a second thought. Fortunately, some of the best underseat bags are surprisingly roomy.
Volunteer to Gate Check Your Bag
If you’re on a full flight, chances are the gate staff will be looking for volunteers to gate check their bag. The staff will tag your bag and stow it under the plane with the other checked bags free of charge. You’ll pick it up at baggage claim upon arrival.
While it may not be as efficient as stowing your carry-on over your seat, it certainly beats waiting for the entire flight to deplane so you can retrieve your bag from behind you.
Stow Your Bag a Few Rows Up from Your Seat
If you’re on a full flight or boarding late, keep an eye out for available bin space as you approach your seat and stow your bag no more than a few rows up. Grabbing luggage that’s stored slightly ahead as you deplane is significantly easier than elbowing your way against traffic or waiting until everyone behind you has gotten off.
Ask the Flight Staff for Help
When it comes to the aircraft’s overhead bin space, the cabin crew knows the particulars and are experts at making sure everyone’s bags have a place. If you’re boarding late, inform the flight attendant of your seat and ask if they have suggestions on where to store your bag. They may be able to tell you if there’s bin space near your seat and provide tips on where to put your bag if the nearby compartments are already full.
