You’ve finally made it to the airport from your home, checked in and through security. You found your gate and are now ready to board your flight. Before you can enjoy the movie of your choice, you have one last hurdle to overcome: storing your carry on luggage.
You may think it’s a simple job, but the crew wants you to understand a few important things.
How to store your carry-on luggage in the overhead bin.
Daniel Compton was a flight hostess with DeltaThe key is to research the overhead bins of your aircraft before you fly.
Compton explained that Delta has many different aircraft types in its fleet. “There is no one way to store your bag as they come in all shapes and sizes,” Compton stated. For example, on the A321 CEO, luggage should be stored on its side. On the A321 Neo, it is best to store your suitcase laying down. Ask a Delta flight attendant for their recommendation. Many of our planes have placards and announcements that provide information during boarding.
Kristine Eksteine NizkaA former flight attendant agreed and noted that, on smaller turboprops “it’s most likely to 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“The best place to put your carry-on is vertically and wheels-first, just like a bookshelf. It saves space, and it makes it easy for other people to store their bags. If that doesn’t work, you can lay the bag horizontally with wheels first, but be sure to keep in mind space and weight.
Not everything should be in an overhead.
Some carry-on items don’t belong in the overhead.
Compton said, “Make sure that you only place items in the bins above your head and make sure they are closed properly (you don’t need anything to spill out onto another passenger).” Nizka said that it is also a good thing to not put items that you’ll need on the plane in the overhead bins. Don’t put your water, medicines, snacks or entertainment in the overhead compartment. The reason is not just to bother other passengers. If the seatbelt signal is on you will be prohibited from standing up and getting those things.
Compton explained that, if you are carrying multiple items with you (such as a bag plus a purse, or a bag plus a souvenir), you should store one under the seat directly in front of yours. Compton stated that the items stowed underneath the seat of the person in front should be lighter or smaller items which may be hard to lift up in the overhead compartment. Compton said that any item stowed beneath the seat should be completely under the seat to ensure that it doesn’t interfere with the ability to access the aisle quickly in an emergency.
Asking for help is fine, but you shouldn’t ask an attendant to put your luggage in the overhead compartment.
Are you having trouble finding room? You can ask for help in finding a space to store your bag or advice on how to place it in the overhead. Compton says that passengers can ask flight attendants how to stow their suitcases. We are happy to answer any questions our customers may have. You are responsible for handling your own luggage unless you have an illness or a reason to be unable.
Yaghi said that due to safety rules, it is not possible for us to lift luggage on your behalf. We can help you with repositioning items or guide you. It is not surprising that the number one reason for requesting assistance with overhead bins was. injury among flight crew members. So, you have to pack and stack.
You’re not alone on that plane.
Compton explained, “The overhead bins share space so, ideally, your carry-ons would be placed above your seat. Though, sometimes, it may be necessary to stow your luggage away from the seating area.”
As Yaghi said, you should always be considerate of your fellow passengers when storing a bag. Yaghi stated, “Don’t take more space than necessary and always close your bin when you are done.” “If you are unsure of anything, our team is always available to assist in making your flight safe and comfortable.”
