Internet divided after United passengers argue over who 'owns' which overhead bins

The internet is divided over who 'owns' an airplane's overhead bins.

Users on Reddit have fiercely debated the contentious topic as travelers take to the skies for the holidays. 

Multiple users expressed their opinions after a United Airlines passenger claimed that a fellow flier had called dibs on an overhead bin.

'The woman in 7A says, "That's my bin, and you can't use it because I'm going to put my purse in there,' the Reddit user wrote.

Several commenters disapproved of the 'entitled passenger's behavior.' 

'The fact that she claims it’s her bin like she owns it smh,' a Reddit user wrote. 

'Why can't she put the purse under the seat where it's supposed to be. 

'I'm glad you put your bag in the same bin.'

'Bins are open season, proven by the fact that flight attendants will go through, rearrange, and anything that doesn't fit gets checked,' another commenter wrote. 

'She should be happy you didn't take hers out and move it to a bin in the back one you got yours in there after that snarky comment.'

More than one user insisted they would not give up their legroom for the sake of someone else's baggage.

'I pay to check baggage, make sure my baggage fits in the box, I'm not taking my legroom so someone else can fit their massive bag in the bin,' one wrote.

Another United flier created a separate Reddit post earlier this year and countered that placing carry-ons bag under a seat is the 'kind thing to do.' 

'I'm a flight attendant & I wish more people understood this. It would make our jobs a lot easier,' a commenter wrote in post.

Various X users were not as understanding, with one person posting: 'Nobody owns anything on a plane. It's public transportation. 

'You want ownership fly private.'

Multiple Reddit users shared what they do when boarding flights so they can be guaranteed bin space.

'I check a full-size suite case at the gate and wait the annoying amount of time at baggage claim so I can specifically put my backpack in the overhead bin. That way, I'm comfortable,' one said.

California-based etiquette expert Rosalinda Randall told Fox News what she thinks passengers should do.

According to Randall, 'overhead bins are for carry-on luggage, not your jacket, handbag, a book or snack you’ll later get up to retrieve.' 

'If boarding early or in the first couple of boarding groups, you will probably have a spot in the overhead bin directly above your row, where your carry-on belongs,' she explained.

She added that other fliers may need to place their bag several rows behind their assigned seats due to limited space in overhead bins.

'If the inconvenience of waiting once you reach the gate is too much for you, politely request they check it. Instead of waiting on the plane, you'll wait for it at baggage claim,' Randall said.

No matter the situation, the expert noted that rude decisions fliers may want to avoid making include placing bags in a class a flier hasn't paid for or placing them in the front of the plane.

She added that fliers should be cautious when putting luggage in an overhead bin instead of 'carelessly [shoving] shopping bags or crushing them to fit your carry-on, the items could be fragile.'

Like most airlines, United enforces baggage rules for travelers looking to bring a carry-on bag on board the flight.

Carry-on bags on a United flight must fit in an overhead bin with an ideal size of 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches, according to the airline's website.

The bag's wheels and handle must be included when a traveler is measuring their carry-on.

United considers things like purses, backpacks and laptop bags good examples of personal items that could fit under a seat in front of the flier.

Travelers who aren't sure if their carry-on bag is suitable for an overhead bin can get it measured at the airport.

Daily Mail has reached out to United Airlines for comment.