Airplane etiquette might be complicated at times, but for one TikToker, it’s a surefire litmus test on whether you’re a decent human being or not. The test is simple: do you put backpacks and coats in the overhead bin on a flight?
On TikTok, videos documenting passenger pet peeves from the point of view of airline staff are common, but this recent viral clip comes from the perspective of a fellow passenger.
In the clip, a TikToker filmed himself waiting for his bag in an airport. Addressing the camera directly, he said, “The easiest way to tell if someone is a good person in an airport is to see where they put their luggage when they get on the plane.”
What Was His Litmus Test?
The creator said, “If they put their carry-on luggage in the overhead compartment, and they put their personal item like their backpack or their purse under their seat, they’re a good person, and they’re aware of their surroundings.”
He continued, “If they put their backpack or their purse or like that little small item, if they put that on the overhead compartments that no one else can put their carry-on luggage on and they have to check it and they have to wait by baggage claim to get their stuff, they are the worst type of person and they deserve a jail sentence for life.”
The clip has garnered 1.2 million views.
While this account is attributed to the handle @jaydenarlo, it seems to predominantly post videos by various other people. Many of these videos appear to promote a business called GlocalMe in the description. BroBible reached out to the account holder via TikTok direct message and GlocalMe via email.
How Did Commenters React?
While this particular piece of travel etiquette is often debated, viewers’ response to this video was mostly negative. “My backpack IS my carry-on and it’s going in the overhead compartment,” one wrote. “Why do you get more space than me? Especially when my luggage takes up less space.”
A second added, “Everyone gets one space in the overhead bin. What they fill it with doesn’t matter.”
Similarly, a third person agreed, writing, “I only bring a backpack as my carry on, so I’m going to use the overhead bin. It’s not my fault that other people pack so much stuff for a plane trip that they need to take two different bags on the plane.”
As a fourth bluntly put it, “My backpack is my carryon. Sorry I’m not selfish and bring 3 suitcases. I’m actually using less space. Do the math.”
While a fifth opined, “If their backpack is their only item because they don’t have a carryon, they shouldn’t be judged for placing their backpack in the overhead compartment.”
Meanwhile, a sixth said, “Sorry, I pay for comfort + to board sooner and have the overhead space guaranteed. If you care so much about potentially waiting for your bag at the carousel pay to board sooner.”
Is It Rude To Put Jackets, Backpacks In The Overhead Bin?
This TikToker isn’t alone in how they feel. Back in 2023, travel influencer @onmylisttravels went viral with a very similar request. “It’s an absolute waste of space, they could sit on your lap or most airlines have hooks,” they said.
Travel blogger Live and Let Fly gave a more expansive view on this issue. They said that good etiquette involves waiting for the overhead bin to be filled with larger bags. Then, you put your coats around them. “Overhead storage space is intended for larger items for a simple reason,” they wrote. “Large bags cannot be place under your seat but coats can.”
They added, “I think we can all remember a time when we had to board late and check our bag at the gate or jet bridge. Wouldn’t it have been nice if there wasn’t a need for that because selfish travelers did not needlessly fill overhead bin space with their coats or small bags?”
@jaydenarlo Airport Wi-Fi causing delays? GlocalMe keeps you online, helping you stay productive on the go.#GLLife #GLWiFi #glocalme #AirportWiFi #TravelHotspot
More recently, a Redditor took to the r/PetPeeves subreddit to vent their frustration. “It’s incredibly self centered and selfish,” they wrote. “It means someone else has to have their bag checked in cause you were inconsiderate or ignorant. Keep your coats/sweaters/jackets on your lap and your small bags under the seat in front of you.”