Tips To Get Overhead Bin Space

Boarding & Getting Bin Space: Flight Attendant Tips

Tony Hanseder

Updated: August 15, 2024

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Key Topics:

• Load Bag or Let others Pass?
• Perspectives from the Flight Crew
• What Happens When Bins Are Full?
• Tips for Loading the Bin
• FAQ: Boarding & Bin Space Tips

As a frequent flyer, I've learned that boarding the plane and securing overhead bin space can be one of the most stressful parts of any flight. You know the drill—you're waiting in the aisle, inching your way toward your seat, when you hear the familiar announcement: “Ladies and Gentlemen, please move into your row prior to putting your baggage away, which will allow the passengers behind you to pass and get us in the air faster.” This is quickly followed by a more urgent reminder as passengers continue to clog the aisle.

New to this game? Read-up on first-time flyer tips

Load Bag or Let others Pass?

Now, you’re faced with a choice: Do you find a space for your suitcase right away, or do you step into your row to let others pass? I’ve been in this situation more times than I can count, and trust me, there are pros and cons to each approach. If you choose to step into your row first, you might follow the rules, but you also run the risk of losing your overhead bin space to other passengers. I've been there—having to gate-check my bag after finding out that every bin near my seat is full. Not fun.

Plus, maneuvering your bag into the row can be a hassle. You end up having to lift your suitcase, which has probably been dragged through every part of the airport, including the bathroom, onto the seat you’ll be sitting in for the next several hours. And let’s not forget the awkward moment when you're the first one in your row. You either have to push your bag back into the aisle to let others in, or contort yourself against it like a human pretzel. If you and your seatmate aren’t exactly "compatible in size," this can get real interesting, real fast.

Traveling can be stressful, especially when it comes to managing your carry-on luggage and personal items. I used to struggle with overhead bin space until I watched this insightful video, which breaks down the essential rules and offers practical hacks to ensure you get the space you need on your next flight. From understanding what items should go in the overhead bin to tips on how to store your suitcase correctly, this video is a game-changer for both first-time flyers and frequent travelers. Don't miss out on these must-know tips that can make your flying experience smoother and more enjoyable. Check out the video below!

Perspectives from th eFlight Crew

Over the years, I’ve had plenty of conversations with flight attendants about this chaotic boarding process. They’ve told me that they often watch the scene unfold from the back galley, trying to suppress their laughter. Of course, they can only do this for a minute or two before jumping in to help with the stowing process. It’s a familiar scene for anyone who flies regularly.

So, is there any hope for making this process smoother? Why do airlines even ask passengers to do this? How can we, passengers and crew alike, work together to improve boarding and bin space issues? I’ve pondered this many times, and I want to share some insights that might help, including what I’ve learned from chatting with crew members.

During one of these chats, a flight attendant shared a chart with me that was based on FAA studies illustrating the stress levels of crew during pre-departure activities. Even after all these years of flying, that conversation stuck with me. Here’s my take on what we can do to make boarding a bit less stressful for everyone:

Okay, maybe my interpretation isn’t an official FAA diagram, but it definitely captures the reality: Flight crews don’t enjoy dealing with overhead bin space any more than passengers do. If it were up to them, every passenger would have ample room for their carry-ons, coats, gifts, and whatever else they bring onboard. But the reality is different. That’s why some airlines have started to increase overhead bin space to better accommodate everyone’s carry-ons, making the process smoother for both passengers and crew. However, not all airlines have implemented this yet, so it’s still crucial to board prepared.

What Happens When Bins Are Full?

One thing I’ve learned from both my own experiences and discussions with other frequent flyers is that sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may find the overhead bins full by the time you reach your seat. In these situations, it’s important to stay calm. If the bins are full, flight attendants are usually prepared to help you gate-check your bag, which, while not ideal, ensures your luggage arrives safely. I’ve found that being proactive and asking for assistance right away can make a big difference in how smoothly things go.

With airlines constantly updating their policies, it’s also worth keeping an eye on trends. For instance, some airlines are now enforcing stricter rules about the size and number of carry-ons to ensure there’s enough space for everyone. This is something I’ve noticed more recently, and it’s a good reminder to always double-check your airline’s carry-on policies before you fly.

Tips for Loading the Bin

Here’s what to do…

1. Pre-boarding prep: As soon as your boarding section is called, get ready. Remove the essentials from your carry-on that you’ll need during the flight—things like your book, headphones, or snacks—and hold them in your hand.
2. When you reach your row, toss those essentials onto your seat and, in one smooth motion, lift your carry-on and place it in the overhead bin wheels first. Then, quickly step into your row. This keeps you out of the aisle and speeds up the boarding process.
3. If you have two carry-ons (which I try to avoid), place the smaller one under the seat in front of you. Don’t be a bin-hog—save the overhead space for those who need it. Trust me, everyone will appreciate it.
4. Sit down, relax, and get ready for the flight. Once you’re seated, you can breathe easy knowing you’ve done your part to make boarding easier for everyone.

That’s how I do it when I’m boarding, and it’s worked well for me over the years.

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