With the continuous rise in luggage shipping fees, many travelers prefer to be satisfied with handbags, which increases the pressure on the upper luggage boxes inside the plane. These boxes are among the most competitive spaces, especially on crowded flights or on low -cost airlines. Although airlines seek to increase the number of seats to raise the capacity, they do not expand in return storage spaces, which leads to frequent chaos and friction between passengers. Hence, the commitment to the rules and etiquette of using these boxes becomes necessary to avoid delay and ensure a smoother and respectful travel experience for all.
Carefully choose the bag
Let’s start with the basic rule: If you plan to travel with a handbag, make sure it is suitable for the plane.
When traveling in a handbag, be sure to be compatible with the sizes of luggage for the airline (often not exceeding 56 x 36 x 23 centimeters), and it is advisable to visit the company’s website to verify the specified rules according to the type of ticket. Adhere to the number of permissible bags – usually two bags – and avoid obstructing the process of ascending to the attempts to organize luggage at the last minute. It is also advised to choose a flexible or pressure bag such as a back or sporty bag to facilitate storage and avoid annoying situations.
No guarantee of an area above the seat
Many passengers think wrongly that using the upper box over their seats is a guaranteed right, while most airlines apply the “priority for those who reach first”, which makes this space not guaranteed. Upon the films are full, passengers may be asked to hand over their bags at the climb gate, even if some places appear vacant, with the aim of accelerating the takeoff and organizing the movement inside the cabin. Therefore, it is important to keep precious or necessary purposes in a small bag that remains with you throughout the trip, to avoid losing or damage it when handing over the luggage manually.
Do not expect help from the flight attendant
The flight attendants adopt the principle “You pack it, you raise it”, meaning that the responsibility to raise the handbag to the upper luggage box is on your shoulders, and it is not their duty to help you. Although they may show cooperation with the elderly or people with special needs, the policies of most airlines do not require them to help, in order to avoid the risk of injuries. And if your bag is heavy to a degree that you or those around you cannot raise it safely, you will be forced to put it in the luggage store.
Use the closest box to you
To facilitate your flight on the plane, put your bag in the upper box over your seat or near it if possible, so as not to hinder the movement of passengers when going down. If you do not find a nearby space, wait for it to be given up after the passengers climb from the front rows to put your bag. First class passengers and businessmen usually get the priority of using nearby upper boxes, but there is no rule that prevents economic class passengers from using any space available after the rise of the higher categories. However, avoid putting your bag in places designated for higher categories during the climb, unless they are empty and available later without disturbing others.
Ask before transferring the purposes of someone
People deal with travel pressure in varying ways, so it is better to be careful and respect the privacy of others, especially when dealing with luggage. It is not permissible in any way to move or rearrange the bags of others without explicit permission, as this is an inappropriate behavior and may raise tension or unnecessary differences. And if you find yourself needing to adjust the place of a bag to provide space or organize the upper box, it is best to request the permission of the bag or use the flight host to avoid embarrassment or misunderstanding.
Make sure to close the upper luggage box
Before you sit in your seat, take a moment to make sure that the bag you put in the upper box allows it to close it tightly. Ask yourself: “Can the box be easily closed on my bag?”, Or best of that, check yourself quickly.
Sometimes, the bag may be placed unintentionally, or your bag may be greater than the permitted in the cabin. Ensuring the closure allows you to adjust the situation immediately, without the need for the crew to intervene or transfer the bag to the rear storage area, which may lead to delay or loss of easy access to your purposes during the flight.
Not for permanent use
It is necessary to adhere to the instructions of the crew and the “belts linking” signals, and not to open the upper boxes during takeoff or landing, to avoid the risk of luggage and passengers. Once your bag is stored in the upper box, considered it out of your reach until the end of the trip, especially if you are not sitting in the corridor seat. No one wants to watch passengers moving between seats or climb to reach their purposes. So, be prepared from the beginning: put your basic needs – such as earphones, neck pad, or eye mask – in the small personal bag below the seat in front of you to stay within your reach throughout the trip.
Keep the jackets for the end
Although one coat may not occupy a large space, the accumulation of passengers in the upper boxes speeds up their fullness and hinders the storage of basic luggage. So, it is preferable to carry or place the coat under the seat, as it can also be used as a category if you feel cold. Avoid using the upper boxes to store inflated winter jackets, or personal purposes such as computer bags and shopping, unless there is enough space after arranging bags. The priority is always to store the basic luggage.
Wait for your turn to empty your luggage
When the plane lands and listens to the jaws of the seat belt, no need for the wheel. Unless you face a narrow time between fastening trips, quietly keep your seat. Resist the automatic desire to stand immediately and rush towards the upper box, and wait for your turn to come.
Simple rule: Just move after the passengers leave in the rows in front of you, this contributes to an organized exit and avoids chaos and inconvenience to others.
Managing your bag in the upper containers is an art that requires perception, organization and cooperation, by understanding the rules, respecting others, and choosing appropriate luggage, travelers can reduce stress and achieve a more comfortable and smooth travel experience.