overhead compartment

Meaning

This term refers to the closed storage lockers located above passenger seats on an airplane or coach bus. It is used when boarding or deplaning to describe where carry-on bags and personal items should be stored. The tone is completely neutral and standard in travel contexts.

Examples

• Could you help me lift my carry-on bag into the overhead compartment?

  Could you help me lift my carry-on bag into the overhead compartment?

• Please ensure all larger bags are stored in the overhead compartment before takeoff.

  Please ensure all larger bags are stored in the overhead compartment before takeoff.

• The overhead compartment is completely full, so I'll have to put my backpack under the seat.

  The overhead compartment is completely full, so I'll have to put my backpack under the seat.

• Make sure the overhead compartment is securely closed during taxiing.

  Make sure the overhead compartment is securely closed during taxiing.

• I accidentally left my jacket in the overhead compartment when we landed.

  I accidentally left my jacket in the overhead compartment when we landed.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Put your bag in the high box.

  ✓ Put your bag in the overhead compartment.

  Learners often translate literally from their native language instead of using the standard aviation term "overhead compartment."

• ✗ I left my phone in the ceiling shelf.

  ✓ I left my phone in the overhead compartment.

  "Ceiling shelf" is not used in English; "overhead compartment" or "overhead bin" is the correct terminology.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Excuse me, is there any space left in the ___ for this small suitcase?

  💡 The closed storage space above your seat.

  Show answer

  overhead compartment

• Please close the ___ after placing your jacket inside.

  💡 The storage locker above passenger heads.

  Show answer

  overhead compartment