Cabin bags cause more small frictions than any other part of flying. The fix is simple: split your hand luggage into a bag that goes up and a pouch that stays with you.
The two bag system
The larger bag goes in the overhead bin, wheels first, so it takes the least space. The small pouch or backpack goes under the seat in front of you and holds everything you will want during the flight.
In the pouch
- Passport, boarding pass and wallet.
- Phone, headphones and a battery pack.
- Medication and glasses.
- Water bottle, snack and lip balm.
- Eye mask, earplugs and a thin layer.
When the bin is full
Ask the crew rather than opening bins several rows away. They know where space remains and they would rather move a bag than have passengers rearranging the cabin. If nothing is left, your bag will be gate checked or taken to the hold.
Before you hand it over, take out your documents, electronics, medication and any power bank. Spare lithium batteries are not permitted in the hold, and a gate checked bag counts as hold luggage.
Fragile and awkward items
- Ask the crew about a coat closet for a suit bag or a delicate garment.
- Musical instruments sometimes need a purchased seat, so confirm with the airline first.
- Duty free alcohol should stay in its sealed bag, upright, in the bin.
- Souvenirs made of glass are safer wrapped in clothing in the bin than under a seat.
During the flight
Open bins carefully after landing, since bags shift in flight and fall out surprisingly often. If you need something from the bin mid flight, do it when the aisle is clear and the seat belt sign is off, not during meal service.
Before you leave the aircraft
Check the seat pocket, the floor, and under the seat cushion. Phones, passports and glasses are the three items most often left behind. Once the aircraft is cleaned, retrieving something can take days if it is found at all.
Common questions
- Can I put my bag under my own seat instead?
- Under the seat in front is the correct place. The space under your own seat may be blocked and must stay clear for the person behind.
- Will I be charged for a gate checked bag?
- Not usually when the bins are simply full, but low cost carriers may charge if your bag exceeded the allowance.
- Are bins assigned to my row?
- No, though crews prefer you to use the bin near your seat so late boarders can still find space.
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