An overhead bin is an enclosed storage compartment above passenger seats in an aircraft cabin. It is designed for approved carry-on items that fit securely inside while allowing the door to close and latch. Bin space is shared cabin storage, not a guaranteed private compartment attached to a particular seat.
The FlyAndCry definition
A shared property market that collapses during Boarding Group 4.
The overhead bin is where passengers discover that volume, timing and morality are flexible concepts. Your seat is 18A. Your bag’s assigned neighbourhood is apparently 31F, behind a winter coat travelling alone.
Who gets the space above a seat?
Airlines control cabin stowage under their carry-on programmes, and practices differ. A bin above your row may already contain other passengers’ bags, crew equipment or approved items with priority. Boarding early can improve the chance of nearby space, but it does not transfer ownership of the compartment.
What if the overhead bins are full?
Crew may rearrange suitable items, direct smaller belongings under seats or require some cabin bags to be checked. Follow crew instructions and do not force a bin door closed. Keep essential items that must remain in the cabin organised so they can be removed if a bag is gate-checked.
At FlyAndCry
FlyAndCry operates overhead storage as a live auction:
- the opening bid is included in fares not currently for sale;
- coats may reserve an entire bin through inherited privilege;
- your bag can travel above another passenger for a relocation fee;
- the final available space closes one group before yours.
Customers may purchase Bin Confidence, which guarantees that we will look upward before apologising. Actual cubic volume is sold separately.
See also
Carry-On Baggage, Boarding Group, Seat Assignment, Galley, Passenger Boarding Bridge.
Factual background
FAA guidance says carry-on items placed in overhead bins must fit securely and allow the bin to close. The FAA also warns that some aircraft have limited overhead space and advises heavy items to be placed under the seat rather than overhead.
FAA AC 121-29B: Carry-On Baggage — checked 13 July 2026.
FAA: Carry-On Baggage Tips — checked 13 July 2026.