Summary
The Right Way to Put Your Luggage in the Overhead Bin, According to a Flight Attendant
How to Position a Carry-on
“Wheels first,” said Heather Poole, a longtime flight attendant and author. Most passengers recognize that their large carry-on items should be placed in the overhead bin wheels first. Jackets and coats should be stored on top of the bag, while smaller bags ideally go under the seat. Utilizing the wheels-first approach simplifies retrieval, allowing passengers to leave the aircraft efficiently, which is beneficial for everyone involved.
Upgrade Your Bin Game
As planes evolve with changing travel demands, overhead bins are becoming larger, consequently altering the method for stowing luggage. “If you’re fortunate enough to board a plane with the newer, taller bins, you can store them in wheels first, but on their side,” Poole explained. This design enhancement leads to increased capacity, facilitating smoother travel experiences by allowing more bags to be accommodated in the overhead area.
However, it’s essential to note that the wheels-first rule may have exceptions. “There are still older planes in operation with bins too short for wheels first, necessitating a lengthwise placement,” Poole added. Nevertheless, this sideways arrangement can create significant space issues and hinder other passengers from bringing their bags aboard—creating a challenging situation for flight attendants.
How to Lift a Heavy Carry-on
Additionally, heavy bags can pose another challenge for flight attendants. “I might assist with lifting, but I won’t do it for them,” Poole stated. “If I were to assist everyone with their bags, I would quickly find myself in trouble—Chiropractors are not inexpensive.”
Even when passengers are disabled, flight attendants are not required to help lift bags due to safety concerns and liability. Therefore, if a passenger is unable to lift their bag, they may seek assistance from a flight attendant, but there’s no guarantee of help, especially if it poses risks to the staff.
What to Do When the Bin is Full
Poole expressed her frustration with certain overhead bin etiquette practices that are commonly overlooked. “Some passengers seem to assume they have exclusive rights to the overhead bin directly above their seat,” she remarked. “I often need to remind guests that we share these bins.”
Moreover, if the designated bin above your seat is full, it’s entirely acceptable to utilize another bin a few rows back, thus promoting a cooperative travel environment. However, removing another passenger’s bag to create space for your own is unacceptable behavior. “I’ve experienced this twice, and each time I insisted the passenger return the bag and find an alternative storage solution,” Poole concluded.
