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Everything that flight attendants want passengers to know about overhead bins

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. want-passengers-to-know-about-overhead-bins.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 10:15 GMT by New York Post
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What Flight Attendants Really Want Passengers to Know About Overhead Bins

When you board a plane, the overhead bin is the first obstacle you face. Behind that simple, glass‑lined storage area lies a complex system of rules, physics, and human behavior that keeps airlines running on time and travelers safe. A recent New York Post article—“What flight attendants want passengers to know about overhead bins”—dives deep into the little‑known world of bin etiquette, pulling stories straight from flight attendants’ daily experiences and revealing the practical tips they hope every traveler will follow. Below is a comprehensive recap of those insights, enriched with additional context from industry sources and airline policies.

1. The Bin‑Packing Problem: Why It Matters

Flight attendants often describe the overhead bin as a “tiny universe” that must accommodate a wide variety of luggage while still leaving room for the crew to move safely during the flight. Two primary concerns shape their advice:

1. Weight Distribution – Overhead bins are not designed to hold heavy, bulky items. An uneven load can shift mid‑flight, creating a hazard for crew members and passengers in the aisle.
2. Space Efficiency – Airlines aim to minimize fuel consumption by packing the cabin as tightly as possible. A bin that is too full forces attendants to re‑arrange items, potentially causing delays or safety‑related mishaps.

To keep the cabin safe and efficient, flight attendants urge passengers to treat the bin as a shared space and follow the guidelines they’ll see in the article.

2. Packing Smart: The Three‑Tier Rule

The article outlines a straightforward “three‑tier” method that flight attendants swear by. Each tier addresses a different weight class and type of item:

By following this order, travelers ensure the bin’s load remains balanced and reduces the need for attendants to “shuffle” luggage during the flight.

3. What to Avoid in the Bin

Even the most carefully packed bag can become a hazard if it contains the wrong type of item. Flight attendants stress several prohibitions:

• Sharp Objects – Knives, scissors, or other cutlery should always be in a carry‑on pouch, not the bin.
• Large Liquids or Gels – Items larger than 100 ml (3.4 oz) are not allowed in carry‑ons. Even if they are smaller, placing them in the bin can cause spills.
• Excessive Padding – Over‑stuffed bags with excessive foam or inflatable items can jam the bin and make it difficult to open during an emergency.
• Electronic Devices with External Batteries – Attach batteries must be secured or removed.

The article references the International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines on luggage safety, noting that airlines often adopt stricter limits.

4. Children’s Luggage: A Special Case

Many families struggle with small child‑sized backpacks that are too light to sit in the bin but too bulky for personal pockets. The article quotes a flight attendant who says: “Kids’ backpacks are the most common bin‑messers.” She offers two tricks:

1. Use a Dedicated “Kid’s Bin” – Some airlines now provide a special bin for children's items that sits lower than the main overhead space.
2. Pre‑Pack a “Travel Kit” – Place snacks, toys, and essential items in a small, zip‑tight pouch that can go in the seat pocket. This keeps the bin free for larger items.

Airlines such as Delta and American Airlines have begun offering “Kids’ Carry‑On” sections, and the article links to their policy pages for travelers who want to pre‑plan.

5. The “Carry‑On Pocket” Myth

Many passengers believe they can stash all their essentials in the seat pocket because it’s easy to access. Flight attendants counter this myth:

• Size Limits – The seat pocket usually holds only a small bag, a phone, a wallet, or a tablet.
• Safety – Items left in the pocket can shift and obstruct the aisle during a sudden evacuation.
• Comfort – Passengers who keep large items in the pocket often suffer from shoulder strain.

Instead, attendants recommend leaving only the very light and necessary items (passport, boarding pass, medication) in the pocket and packing the rest of the carry‑on in the overhead bin using the three‑tier method.

6. The Role of Airlines: Policies and Enforcement

While flight attendants can provide advice, airlines ultimately enforce rules. The article links to United Airlines’ and Southwest’s official baggage policies, summarizing key points:

• Overhead Bin Capacity – Each airline specifies the maximum dimensions and weight for a bin item (e.g., United: 22 in × 14 in × 9 in; weight limit 15 lb).
• Security Screening – Items that violate TSA or airline restrictions are automatically removed before boarding.
• Penalties for Non‑Compliance – Some airlines impose fines or require re‑packing at the gate if the bin is overfilled or improperly loaded.

Flight attendants note that the airline’s Customer Service Representatives at the gate often assist in re‑organizing bins, but it takes extra time and can delay departure.

7. The Bottom Line: How Your Packing Affects the Entire Flight

The article wraps up by highlighting the ripple effect of improper bin use:

• Crew Efficiency – Flight attendants spend time clearing and re‑organizing the bin, detracting from passenger service and safety briefings.
• Safety Risks – An unbalanced bin increases the chance of a sudden shift, potentially causing injuries.
• Fuel Consumption – The tighter the cabin is packed, the lower the aircraft’s weight, which can save fuel and reduce the airline’s carbon footprint.

By taking a few extra minutes to pack correctly, travelers not only improve their own comfort but also contribute to a smoother, safer flight for everyone.

8. Takeaway Checklist for Your Next Flight

1. Use the Three‑Tier Rule – Heavy at the bottom, medium in the middle, light on top.
2. Avoid Sharp, Liquid, and Inflatable Items in the Bin – Keep them in a secure pouch or separate carry‑on.
3. Pack Kids’ Items Wisely – Either use a dedicated child bin or keep them in a small pouch.
4. Leave Only Essentials in the Seat Pocket – Small, lightweight items only.
5. Check Airline Size and Weight Limits – Review the airline’s policy before you pack.

Final Thought: The overhead bin is more than just a storage space; it’s a shared resource that requires cooperation between passengers and flight attendants. By following these simple guidelines—derived directly from the voices of flight attendants on the ground—you help keep the cabin safe, the crew efficient, and the journey smoother for everyone on board.