Carry-on baggage

This regulation applies only to airplanes with more than 19 passenger seats. It restricts where passengers can stow their carry-on baggage.

Pilots in command of these larger aircraft must ensure baggage is stored either in designated baggage/cargo compartments (or as specified in §91.525), or under passenger seats with proper restraints. If baggage goes under a seat, it must be secured so it won't slide forward during a crash. The restraining system must meet specific crash force standards—the same ultimate inertia forces defined in the aircraft certification rules (§25.561(b)(3)).

The restraints must also prevent sideward movement and withstand the sideward crash forces in those same certification standards.

In practice, this means pilots of these aircraft cannot allow passengers to place unrestrained bags under seats or in aisles. Proper stowage prevents baggage from becoming projectiles or blocking exits during an accident or severe turbulence.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*