Don't be a bin hog Remember the rules: Overhead compartments are primarily for carry-ons that don't fit under the seat. Everything else is extra and should be stored up top only when everyone has boarded and at least attempted to store those bigger bags first.

Overhead bin etiquette in 2026 is centered on the principle of shared space rather than personal ownership. The primary rule is that the bin space above your seat is not "yours"; it belongs to the entire section, and passengers should stow their largest carry-on there and place their smaller "personal item" (purse, laptop bag, or small backpack) under the seat in front of them. This ensures there is enough room for everyone's roller bags. Proper etiquette also dictates that you should stow your bag "wheels in" or "on its side" as directed by the aircraft type to maximize space. You should never move another passenger's bag without their permission, and you should aim to stow your bag in a bin that is at or slightly in front of your row, rather than behind it, to prevent "swimming upstream" and causing a bottleneck during deplaning. Lastly, flight attendants are there for safety and are often prohibited from lifting heavy bags to prevent injury, so if you cannot lift your bag yourself, you should check it at the gate.