Why It's Dangerous for Passengers to Use Overhead Bins as Seats

Airplane overhead compartments are where you'll find luggage of all shapes and sizes, the occasional coat, duty-free bags, and maybe even some dust. But passengers?

Recently, a video surfaced on TikTok showing a traveler peeking out from inside an overhead locker on a Southwest Airlines flight. The video went viral on social media, although the original TikTok post has been removed.

Another video has surfaced on the internet similar to this one. Back in 2019, a flight attendant on a Southwest flight was caught on camera poking their head out of an overhead compartment. The airline stated that the crew member was just having a "brief moment of fun," and clarified that it was not their usual practice.

A Southwest spokesperson informed CNN Travel that the airline is aware of the recent incident involving the locker and is currently investigating the matter.

Passengers should not climb into the overhead locker during a plane journey. It is important for passengers to stay seated with their seatbelt fastened for the entire duration of the flight.

British flight attendant Kris Major warns that the overhead bin is not a safe place for passengers. She explains that during turbulence, passengers could get hurt or even be blown out, potentially causing harm to others. Additionally, passengers in the overhead bin would not have access to an oxygen mask in case of an emergency.

Van Geenen, the vice president of corporate communications for overhead bin supplier Diehl Aviation, echoes the concerns raised by the aviation expert. He explains to CNN Travel that while the lockers are designed to hold a considerable amount of weight, they are not necessarily a secure spot for passengers.

These overhead bins are specifically created to safely store passengers' bags, but they are not intended for passengers to use as a makeshift bed.

Guido van Geenen, vice president of corporate communications for overhead bin supplier Diehl Aviation.

“Climbing in and out of an overhead bin may also be dangerous,” adds van Geenen.

To access a locker, you would need to climb onto the back of the airplane seat. However, there is a risk of the seat buckling under your weight.

It is crucial to note that lockers do not have a mechanism to open them from the inside. This means that if you are inside a locker and someone closes it from the outside, you will be in a difficult situation.

From a flight attendant's perspective, it is not advisable to use the overhead bins for taking a nap. These bins are meant to securely store passengers' bags, not for lounging or sleeping.

Anyone trying to climb into the airplane luggage compartment could cause injury to themselves or others.

Anyone trying to climb into the airplane luggage compartment could cause injury to themselves or others.

Richard Sharrocks/Moment RF/Getty Images

Flight attendant Major’s witnessed a lot in his 25 years of flying, but he’s never actually seen a traveler inside the luggage bin.

"It would take me a moment to process if I saw a passenger attempting to climb into an overhead locker," he mentions. Major acknowledges that he has come across photos of crew members inside lockers and acknowledges that while it is not encouraged, it does occur occasionally when the crew have the plane to themselves before passengers board.

Despite the increase in disruptive passenger incidents on airplanes, Major believes in giving the benefit of the doubt to someone found inside a locker. His main priority would be to safely remove them from the situation.

"If a passenger spots another passenger inside an overhead locker, Major advises they notify a crew member, rather than intervene themselves – this same advice applies if passengers witness any untoward or unusual behavior on board.

“It would depend on why they were up there as to my reaction,” says Major. “I would get them out, and then ascertain what was going on. I would assume that they were either under the influence of something, or mentally unwell.”

Passengers should be mindful not to accidentally cause a disruption on board, as conflicts can arise easily. The crew members are trained to handle such situations and prioritize de-escalation.

It is not advisable for passengers to film and share incidents like these on social media. Major warns that what may seem amusing and popular online could actually have harmful effects, especially if the individual involved is already in a vulnerable position.

Passengers and flight attendants were photographed aboard a flight from LaGuardia Airport bound for Kansas City International Airport on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 in Queens, NY.

Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

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Future of overhead lockers

While passengers are currently unable to access the airplane overhead locker, there are some innovative airplane cabin concepts that envision this space as a place for passengers to unwind and relax during the flight.

One example is Toyota Boshoku’s CLOUD CAPSULE concept, which transforms the area above the economy seat into an extra space for passengers to escape to once the plane is at cruising altitude. This design was even nominated for a prestigious aviation design award, the Crystal Cabin Award, in 2021.

Passengers using overhead locker space may sound like a futuristic concept, but it actually has a historical precedent. In the 1950s, travelers flying with Pan American Airways on the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser could sleep in overhead compartments during their transatlantic flights.

According to Major, flight attendants are constantly anticipating future changes in the industry. However, he believes that the focus is currently on making overhead lockers larger to fit more bags, rather than adapting them for passenger use.

Flight attendants often face challenges with hand luggage, according to Major. The issue arises when there is not enough space to store all the bags or when passengers refuse to comply with instructions to stow their belongings properly.

Major describes overhead locker space as being very limited on most flights. The bins are usually filled to the brim with travelers' bags and personal items, making it almost impossible for another person to fit in there.

Major emphasizes that even though the thought of someone trying to climb into the overhead locker may seem amusing, it is crucial to understand that an airplane cabin is a unique environment with safety regulations in place for a good reason.

He points out, "When you are flying at 35,000 feet, traveling at speeds of 500 to 600 miles per hour, causing any disturbance on the aircraft is not advisable. It is not the appropriate place for such behavior."

Editor's P/S:

The recent videos of passengers inside overhead compartments have sparked concerns about safety and the appropriate use of this space. While it may seem amusing, experts warn that overhead lockers are not designed for passengers and pose significant risks during turbulence or emergencies. Flight attendants emphasize that passengers should prioritize safety and remain seated with their seatbelts fastened throughout the flight.

Furthermore, the discussion highlights the challenges flight attendants face with hand luggage and limited overhead locker space. As airlines focus on accommodating more bags, the possibility of adapting overhead lockers for passenger use seems remote. However, innovative cabin concepts like the CLOUD CAPSULE propose futuristic designs that envision this space as a retreat for passengers. Ultimately, the safety of all passengers remains the paramount concern, and it is crucial to adhere to airline regulations and avoid disruptive behavior in the cabin environment.