How to Lift a Carry-On Into the Overhead Bin by Yourself
You're in the aisle, people are waiting behind you, and your suitcase needs to go up over your head. If you're shorter, or the bag is packed full, that's the hardest part of flying with a carry-on. The good news: most of the fix happens at home, before you get to the airport.
Plan on lifting it yourself
Don't count on the crew to do it for you. Delta's carry-on page says its flight attendants are unable to proactively help customers put bags in the overhead bins. Air Canada says a carry-on must be light enough that you can store it in the bin without help, and it has no separate weight limit for that reason.
United, American and Delta don't list a weight limit for carry-ons on their carry-on pages. In practice, the limit is what you can lift.
Test the bag at home
The night before you fly, pack the bag the way you'll travel with it. Then:
- Lift it to above your head, the way you would in the aisle.
- Hold it there for a few seconds. On the plane you'll need a moment to line it up and push it in.
- If it's a struggle, take things out until it isn't. The ones to move first are below.
A luggage scale makes this easy to repeat. See how to use a luggage scale.
Pack so the bag goes up easily
- Start with a light suitcase. The case itself can use up a big share of what you can comfortably lift. The carry-ons on our page weigh 5.8 to 6.8 pounds empty; some hard shells weigh 8 or 9.
- Move heavy things to your personal item. Laptops, chargers, a power bank, books and toiletries add up fast. They ride under the seat in front of you, so they never need lifting. A front pocket makes this easy: you can pull the laptop out in the aisle, before you lift.
- Wear the heaviest shoes and your jacket instead of packing them.
- Pack heavy items near the wheels. The bag balances better when you tip it up, and the top end, the part you push in last, stays lighter.
Lift it in two steps
Going from the floor to above your head in one move is the hard way. Break it up:
- Stand facing the bin, close to the seat row, with the bag beside you, wheels down.
- Lift the bag onto the top of the seat back or the armrest and rest it there for a second. Hold the side handle and the top handle, one in each hand.
- From there, push it up and in, wheels first. Rest the bottom edge on the lip of the bin, then slide it in. Wheels-first usually leaves the handle facing out, so it's easier to grab when you land.
- Getting it down, reverse the steps. Pull it toward you until the near end tips down onto the seat back, then lower it.
Keep the bag close to your body as you lift, and turn your feet rather than twisting to line it up.
Board when you'll have room
You'll struggle more with a line behind you. If you can, board early, so you have a moment and a choice of bins near your seat. Ask the crew at the door if there's an option for early boarding if you need extra time. Don't take the first empty bin near the front: it often ends up far from your seat, and you'll have to carry the bag back against the crowd when you get off.
If you still can't lift it
- Ask the person next to you. Many people are happy to help, especially if you ask before they sit down.
- Gate-check it. When the bins are full, or the bag is over the size limit, the gate agent can check it. On United and American regional flights, some bags are tagged at the gate and returned on the jet bridge. Take medicine, keys, batteries and anything valuable out first.
- Check it at the counter next time. If you're packing a bag you can't lift, a checked bag may be less stressful.
- If you need help because of a disability, tell the airline ahead of time.
A light bag and two steps get it up alone
You'll get your carry-on into the bin on your own most easily with a light suitcase, the heavy things moved to your personal item, and a two-step lift via the seat back. Test it at home first. For four carry-ons that weigh under 7 pounds empty, see our best carry-on luggage for women. Our top pick, the LOVEVOOK 20-inch, weighs 6.8 pounds and has a front laptop compartment.