Aircraft & Bins: How Plane Type Affects Carry‑On Fit
Key point: Overhead bin designs vary. Modern “pivot” bins on many narrow‑bodies fit standard rollers wheels‑first, but regional jets may require gate‑check.
Narrow‑body vs. regional jets
- Narrow‑bodies (e.g., 737/A320 families): Larger pivot bins; standard 22×14×9 in bags often fit wheels‑first.
- Regional jets (e.g., CRJ, ERJ): Smaller bins; even compliant bags may need gate‑check. Keep essentials in your personal item.
Orientation & packing
- Place rollers wheels‑first to use bin depth efficiently.
- Compressible soft‑sided bags are more forgiving than hard shells.
Overhead competition
- Boarding group affects space availability—late boarding increases gate‑check risk.
- Cabin crew may rearrange items to maximize fit; be ready to rotate or place handles inward.
Practical tips
- On small aircraft, move valuables and meds to your personal item before boarding.
- Expect stricter enforcement on full flights and busy routes.