Airline overhead bins...do you think they're assigned?

[investingdad]

Here's the summary.

Flight back home on Saturday, very full.

My wife and I carry an AAdvantage credit card. Why? Because when we book on American it automatically puts us in Group 5 for early boarding. A paid perk.

Why board early? Well, I always figured to make sure I get an overhead bin. I was with my wife and kids so we had three carry on items.

So, we board. We had 4 middle seats in a 2x3x2 seating configuration. I used the overhead bins above the outside 2 seats for two items (they were bigger) and one directly over me for the smaller item.

Last group boards.

Woman and her kid get to the 2 outside seats across the aisle from me. Sees the bin directly over her is full. Asks whose luggage, I respond it's ours. She says, nope...that bin is hers because it has the seat numbers on it. This is Coach, by the way.

I reply that's not how it works and I can see the huffy attitude starting to come my way. I tell her I'll move one bag into the bin over me if it fits but the other won't. I squeezes it in but the other wasn't moving.

She's not happy about this but finds a spot a little ways back. She then proceeds to tell her kid that some people have no consideration but you have to learn to deal with them and not sink to there level.

I choose to ignore her and bite my tounge while she continues to reprimand me via what she says to her kid.

So.... that's the straight story. Am I wrong to have understood overhead coach bins as community space, first come, first served? Isn't that a perk for which I'm paying Anerican to get on early? Or am I wrong here?

[KyleAAA]

You aren't wrong. It would be far better if airlines charged for carry on rather than checked luggage, but this is the system we're stuck with.

[Texanbybirth]

Yes, you are correct as far I know. (Tangential to your main train of thought, but I don't think it has anything to do with Economy Class either. There are just more bins/seat up front.)

[HomeStretch]

Overhead bins are on a first come basis. Buy a good pair of headphones to ignore other passengers when necessary.

[livesoft]

I'd press the flight attendant call button and when they came state, "This passenger would like help with their carry on. Thank you."

[Skinut]

You are 100% right. Now if you had put your bags in a first class or premium economy bin while flying in standard/basic/main economy, that's a different story.

[Fclevz]

Was she "Basic Economy"?
Apparently they aren't even supposed to have access to overhead bins.
https://qz.com/888333/american-airlines ... -to-board/

[investingdad]

I'd press the flight attendant call button and when they came state, "This passenger would like help with their carry on. Thank you."

I like this reply and will remember for next time.

[apex84]

Not assigned. Your luggage was where it belongs. If the other passenger has questions about bin space, they can address it with the crew.

[Cycle]

You are correct, first come first serve.

If someone asked nicely, I would of course try and accomodate then within reason

I always just bring a backpack, which could fit under the seat in front of me technically; however, I put it in the bin overhead.

A flight attendant once asked if I could put my backpack under the seat, to which I replied it was my one bag and she could check it if she needed to. She did not.

[retiredjg]

She says, nope...that bin is hers because it has the seat numbers on it.

I don't think overhead bins are assigned. It has always appeared to me the numbers are identifying the seat below, not identifying who the overhead belongs so. But I can see how she could have thought that if she doesn't fly much.

[Theratking]

You are absolutely correct. Bins are for everyone anywhere in Coach. Lifetime platinum Aadvantage member. 3+M miler.

I would have mentioned to the lady, possibly even her child “Some people have class and status.” While explaining how your family was smart enough to acquire upgrades that she can do on her next flight.

Make sure to remind them they are flying the friendly skies.

[squirm]

Lol, I sometimes have my stuff in overhead bins way in front of me. Sometimes I just throw it in the first bin I see empty. First come basis.

You did the right thing, just bite your tongue it's over now anyways.

[UpperNwGuy]

This is why I check my luggage, or sometimes gate-check it. I don't want to fight over the bins. I board with group 2 on United because I have their credit card, but I usually check my luggage anyway.

I agree with the earlier poster. The airlines should charge for carryon luggage instead of charging for checked luggage.

[Random Poster]

Perhaps this whole issue could be avoided if people didn't board planes with carry-on bags that just barely fit into an overhead bin.

[mptfan]

You are not wrong, she was wrong for feeling entitled to something to which she was not entitled.

[MrBobcat]

I'd have just played dumb when she asked.

[lazydavid]

The only bins that are reserved are the ones in Business/FC, and the ones above Main Cabin Extra, which are clearly marked as being reserved for the passengers booked in those sections. Everything else is a free-for-all. Those in the bulkhead rows (which are always in FC or MCE) are also entitled to put all their luggage in the overhead, as there is no seat in front under which a smaller bag can be placed.

And as another poster mentioned, if these folks were boarding in the last group (Group 9), that means they are Basic Economy, and are not entitled to the use of the overhead bins at all. Policy states they should have been denied boarding with any bags that would not fit under the seat in front of them. Larger bags must be gate-checked at prevailing rates.

Personally, I pay to check my rollaboard and board in Group 4 or 5 so that there is space for me to put my backpack in the overhead, because I'm tall and don't want anything under the seat in front of me. I board early enough that I could conceivably put both in the overhead, but this feels more "fair" to me.

[DarkHelmetII]

Not assigned at seat or row level, but at cabin level (e.g. first / business) or possibly sub-cabin level (e.g. American Economy Extra per signage within the overhead bin space itself). Giving benefit of the doubt, maybe this other passenger did now know how things work but I agree unreasonable expectation to have existing bags moved simply because space immediately above their seat was occupied with baggage.

[BuckyBadger]

This is why I like Southwest (I know some people hate it!).

By not charging for checked bags, Southwest flights board so much faster because people aren't trying to push the limits of what can be defined as "carry on baggage."

It's a real benefit, I think.

[investingdad]

I will give benefit of the doubt and suggest she may not have been last group / not economy basic and was permitted to have a bag. But well after Group 5.

[MotoTrojan]

I'd press the flight attendant call button and when they came state, "This passenger would like help with their carry on. Thank you."

I agree. Not only does it eliminate you from the situation, but it has a chance at teaching this poor kid that their parent is wrong.

[mptfan]

I agree. Not only does it eliminate you from the situation, but it has a chance at teaching this poor kid that their parent is wrong.

I agree, I feel sorry for that kid growing up and adopting a false sense of entitlement from the mother.

[Planner01]

I fly quite a bit for work and this is one of my pet peeves. I am usually on group 5 and towards the front of the coach seats. What happens is that the people that sit on those seats are usually groups 3 and 4 and take all of the overhead space above them. It’s usually men who refuse to put any of the items under the seat in front of them. So this leaves me with having to find space towards the back of the plane and then walk back to my seat. And then to off board I have to wait until the people in the rows behind me get off in order for me to retrieve my carryon.

My other pet peeve is when people sitting all the way in the back put the luggage towards the front so that they don’t have to drag them around the aisle of the plane. Again, not leaving room for the people that are actually sitting in that area.

[dm200]

Here's the summary.
Flight back home on Saturday, very full.
My wife and I carry an AAdvantage credit card. Why? Because when we book on American it automatically puts us in Group 5 for early boarding. A paid perk.
Why board early? Well, I always figured to make sure I get an overhead bin. I was with my wife and kids so we had three carry on items.
So, we board. We had 4 middle seats in a 2x3x2 seating configuration. I used the overhead bins above the outside 2 seats for two items (they were bigger) and one directly over me for the smaller item.
Last group boards.
Woman and her kid get to the 2 outside seats across the aisle from me. Sees the bin directly over her is full. Asks whose luggage, I respond it's ours. She says, nope...that bin is hers because it has the seat numbers on it. This is Coach, by the way.
I reply that's not how it works and I can see the huffy attitude starting to come my way. I tell her I'll move one bag into the bin over me if it fits but the other won't. I squeezes it in but the other wasn't moving.
She's not happy about this but finds a spot a little ways back. She then proceeds to tell her kid that some people have no consideration but you have to learn to deal with them and not sink to there level.
I choose to ignore her and bite my tounge while she continues to reprimand me via what she says to her kid.
So.... that's the straight story. Am I wrong to have understood overhead coach bins as community space, first come, first served? Isn't that a perk for which I'm paying Anerican to get on early? Or am I wrong here?

I understand, currently at least, the same thing. In terms of the "volume" you used, seems like you did not have an extraordinary amount.

Can be a challenge, but very wise to not get into a confrontation. If things had gotten worse, the thing to do is call for a flight attendant to deal with it.

I think I recall seeing something recently about changing the "first come" rules about carry ons in the overhead bins.

I have several "pet peeves" about passengers and the overhead bins:
1. Folks who try to get a large carry on into a bin that is too small. it just will not fit - and they block the aisle for a while.
2. Folks who do not put the carry ons into the overhead bin in an efficient way - limiting how much will fit.

[Artful Dodger]

We sometimes upgrade to main cabin extra, and I have seen signs in the bins above those seats that say "reserved for main cabin extra". Other than that (and the obvious first, business, premium economy), I think it's first come first serve. It's very common for people to use the bins on the opposite side from their seats (what you did). I often see later boarders take space where they can, even if it's several, sometimes many rows in front of where their seats are located. I have a miles card, and at least for the time being Gold status, and we board in Group 4. I joke with my wife that we're in the priority class basement. I usually check our bags, even when they're carry on size, just so i don't have to hassle with them when connecting, as well as on the plane. I often carry a back pack, and have never had a problem using the overhead bin.

[dm200]

Perhaps this whole issue could be avoided if people didn't board planes with carry-on bags that just barely fit into an overhead bin.

Or do not fit!!

[increment]

Anyone can look at the overhead bins and see that there is not room for every single coach passenger to put one bag in them (and of course bulkhead passengers may have two).

if these folks were boarding in the last group (Group 9), that means they are Basic Economy, and are not entitled to the use of the overhead bins at all.

On American, basic economy passengers are allowed to use the overhead bins.

[aerosurfer]

You aren't wrong. It would be far better if airlines charged for carry on rather than checked luggage, but this is the system we're stuck with.

My airline does..

Once you get past some of the dated reputation for marginal service and charging for everything, things like this work much better. We rarely have overhead bin issues, even on full flights. And According to marketing, at a cheaper price, but what do I know I just fly the plane

[dm200]

Occasionally, the overhead bin right above your seat may not be available for any carry-ons. Some have "permanent" airline stuff there. Also, as I recall, the seating configuration does not normally line up with the overhead bin configuration.

[Bobby206]

It's first come first serve except perhaps in higher level cabins.

Having said that I do get tired of people that carry on a ton of bags. Just check them. It's really so much easier.

Mostly unrelated I have had several recent encounters, on Southwest (first come first serve seating), where people are reluctant to let me sit in the middle seat. They aren't saving it but they act like it's their special space. One lady even told me that the pilot announced there were a bunch of empty seats. I assured her I had heard but I wanted to sit near the front. People....

[KyleAAA]

You aren't wrong. It would be far better if airlines charged for carry on rather than checked luggage, but this is the system we're stuck with.

My airline does..

Once you get past some of the dated reputation for marginal service and charging for everything, things like this work much better. We rarely have overhead bin issues, even on full flights. And According to marketing, at a cheaper price, but what do I know I just fly the plane

Which airline is that?

[deltaneutral83]

I fly quite a bit for work and this is one of my pet peeves. I am usually on group 5 and towards the front of the coach seats. What happens is that the people that sit on those seats are usually groups 3 and 4 and take all of the overhead space above them. It’s usually men who refuse to put any of the items under the seat in front of them. So this leaves me with having to find space towards the back of the plane and then walk back to my seat. And then to off board I have to wait until the people in the rows behind me get off in order for me to retrieve my carryon.

My other pet peeve is when people sitting all the way in the back put the luggage towards the front so that they don’t have to drag them around the aisle of the plane. Again, not leaving room for the people that are actually sitting in that area.

You shouldn't have issues in group #5 boarding on AA with overhead bin space on a regular basis?

[Planner01]

I fly quite a bit for work and this is one of my pet peeves. I am usually on group 5 and towards the front of the coach seats. What happens is that the people that sit on those seats are usually groups 3 and 4 and take all of the overhead space above them. It’s usually men who refuse to put any of the items under the seat in front of them. So this leaves me with having to find space towards the back of the plane and then walk back to my seat. And then to off board I have to wait until the people in the rows behind me get off in order for me to retrieve my carryon.

My other pet peeve is when people sitting all the way in the back put the luggage towards the front so that they don’t have to drag them around the aisle of the plane. Again, not leaving room for the people that are actually sitting in that area.

You shouldn't have issues in group #5 boarding on AA with overhead bin space on a regular basis?

It doesn’t happen often but it has happened a few times recently.

[DesertDiva]

It was probably her first time on an airplane

[2pedals]

Years ago when airlines started to charge for carry-on luggage the overhead bins got full on most flights. Charging for checked bags became a big money machine for airline companies while at the same time the airplane cargo area was underutilized. People didn't want to have to pay for checked luggage and some have found ways to avoid baggage fees by taking advantage of free checked bags at the gate or using their airline branded credit card perks. If you are trying to save money there is no reason why you can't ask for free bag check in at the gate. Others don't really care and don't want to use a overstuffed small suitcase so they pay the fees anyway to avoid the hassle.

[arf30]

In your situation I probably would have let the flight attendant handle things - however the airlines definintely love cramming too many people on a plane and putting their customers in situations where they have to fight over stuff like this.

[NJdad6]

Overhead bins are on a first come basis. Buy a good pair of headphones to ignore other passengers when necessary.

+1. You were 100% in the right. I also board early and put my bag in the bin across from my seat so I can see it when someone is in the bin.

[rkhusky]

First-come first served, but each person should just have one bag in the overheads until everyone has boarded and settled in. And, if there is room, the bags should go in the overhead above your seat(s) or across the aisle, otherwise as close to your seat as practical.

[J295]

Twitter and airline flights can show some pretty dark sides of human behavior.

[Jags4186]

The woman would hate me. I put my luggage in the first available space. If that means it’s over row 10 and I’m in row 20 oh well.

The goal is to have your luggage in front of you, not behind you.

[WhiteMaxima]

To be fair, if you use overhead bin above other passenger's seat. They have the right use it if their ask. in your situation, you would look other available bin or ask flight attendant for check in your bag. Think about youself if you in other situations, particular their have young kids. Think if there is fairness, there would be no hate.

[dm200]

First-come first served, but each person should just have one bag in the overheads until everyone has boarded and settled in. And, if there is room, the bags should go in the overhead above your seat(s) or across the aisle, otherwise as close to your seat as practical.

I believe the OP stated that there were three carry on bags they put in the overhead bins. The OP also stated that there were (at least) 4 passengers (the OP, his wife and kids - I assume at least two). So, that is 3 bags in the overhead bins and four passengers.

[Gort]

To be fair, if you use overhead bin above other passenger's seat. They have the right use it if their ask. in your situation, you would look other available bin or ask flight attendant for check in your bag. Think about youself if you in other situations, particular their have young kids.

All rights are left behind after passing through security.

[student]

For the OP, four of them with three carry-ons in total. So nothing wrong here. However, bags should be put in bin closest to the seats. So if your seats were not close together, then I would say the bags should go with the seats accordingly.

[RickBoglehead]

To be fair, if you use overhead bin above other passenger's seat. They have the right use it if their ask. in your situation, you would look other available bin or ask flight attendant for check in your bag. Think about youself if you in other situations, particular their have young kids. Think if there is fairness, there would be no hate.

There are no rights on overhead bins.

[Trader Joe]

Here's the summary.

Flight back home on Saturday, very full.

My wife and I carry an AAdvantage credit card. Why? Because when we book on American it automatically puts us in Group 5 for early boarding. A paid perk.

Why board early? Well, I always figured to make sure I get an overhead bin. I was with my wife and kids so we had three carry on items.

So, we board. We had 4 middle seats in a 2x3x2 seating configuration. I used the overhead bins above the outside 2 seats for two items (they were bigger) and one directly over me for the smaller item.

Last group boards.

Woman and her kid get to the 2 outside seats across the aisle from me. Sees the bin directly over her is full. Asks whose luggage, I respond it's ours. She says, nope...that bin is hers because it has the seat numbers on it. This is Coach, by the way.

I reply that's not how it works and I can see the huffy attitude starting to come my way. I tell her I'll move one bag into the bin over me if it fits but the other won't. I squeezes it in but the other wasn't moving.

She's not happy about this but finds a spot a little ways back. She then proceeds to tell her kid that some people have no consideration but you have to learn to deal with them and not sink to there level.

I choose to ignore her and bite my tounge while she continues to reprimand me via what she says to her kid.

So.... that's the straight story. Am I wrong to have understood overhead coach bins as community space, first come, first served? Isn't that a perk for which I'm paying Anerican to get on early? Or am I wrong here?

Overhead compartments in the cheap seats are open (not reserved directly above corresponding seat assignments).

Also, Group 5 is not early boarding.

[dm200]

To be fair, if you use overhead bin above other passenger's seat. They have the right use it if their ask. in your situation, you would look other available bin or ask flight attendant for check in your bag. Think about youself if you in other situations, particular their have young kids.

All rights are left behind after passing through security.

It is probably a good thing that guns and knives would have been seized when passengers were being screened.

These kind of "altercations" can sometimes "escalate" to ridiculous levels. People have been murdered over lesser altercations.

[KT785]

I'd have just played dumb when she asked.

Same here, and I've done so in the past in similar scenarios.

KT785

[dm200]

I'd have just played dumb when she asked.

Same here, and I've done so in the past in similar scenarios.
KT785

BUT - make sure to smile a lot while "playing dumb"