Traveling with hand baggage is a familiar format for most airline passengers.
According to estimates by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), 52% of passengers worldwide prefer to travel only with hand baggage, while 48% choose to check in their baggage, DKNews.kz reports.
Among low-cost carriers, this figure is traditionally higher. For example, 3 out of 4 FlyArystan passengers prefer to travel with hand baggage only. This makes efficient use of cabin space especially important for the comfort of all passengers. FlyArystan shared recommendations on how to store hand baggage on board and explained why it is important to follow these rules in its Telegram channel.
FlyArystan applies a single hand baggage allowance: one item measuring no more than 56×23×36 cm and weighing up to 5 kg. These parameters are designed to ensure comfortable storage of personal items for all passengers and to maintain an efficient boarding process.
All FlyArystan Airbus A320 CEO/NEO aircraft are equipped with 180/188 seats. This is a standard high-density configuration typical for low-cost carriers worldwide. In such cabins, proper placement of hand baggage becomes even more important, as the total overhead bin volume is shared among a larger number of passengers.
Important: Stowing hand baggage in the overhead bins is the passenger’s responsibility. Cabin crew may indicate where space is available or help you navigate the cabin, but they do not lift or rearrange passengers’ carry-on items.
This is important both for safety (to prevent crew injuries) and for the efficiency of preparing the aircraft for departure.
Seasonal considerations for stowing personal items
During the autumn and winter period, passengers traditionally bring more warm clothing, which takes up additional space in the cabin. This also affects the weight of hand baggage. According to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) report Review of Standard Passenger Weights, that the average hand baggage weight in winter is higher than in summer—7,9 kg compared to 7,3 kg.
This seasonal difference is typical for airlines worldwide and is especially noticeable on flights where a significant proportion of passengers travel with hand baggage only.
To ensure comfort for all passengers, it is important to follow a few basic rules for stowing personal items, applied both at FlyArystan and by other international low-cost carriers.
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Overhead bins – shared cabin space
Space in the overhead bins is not assigned to a specific passenger or seat. This is a global aviation standard followed by leading low-cost carriers in Europe and Asia.
Carry-on baggage is stored according to the principle: «any available bin can be used by any passenger».
If the overhead bin above your seat is occupied by seasonal outerwear or other passengers’ carry-on items, you may use any available bins in adjacent rows or in the center of the cabin. This is a standard and intended practice, ensuring even distribution of space and comfort for all passengers.
2. Use the space under the seat in front of you
The space under the seat in front of you is intended for storing personal items, a small bag, or a backpack. It is especially convenient for backpacks – they fit easily under the seat, maintain their shape, and do not occupy space in the overhead bins. Using this area helps to efficiently distribute cabin space and makes the boarding process faster and more organized.
There is one important exception: passengers seated at the emergency exits (rows 12- 13 on FlyArystan) cannot store items under the seat, as the access to the exit must remain completely clear in accordance with safety regulations.
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Additional services for increased baggage volume
Understanding that different trips involve varying amounts of baggage, FlyArystan offers passengers the option to select a convenient baggage format in advance:
- “Hand baggage 10 kg”service, which allows passengers to increase their allowable carry-on weight while maintaining the convenience of traveling without checked baggage. The carry-on dimensions remain standard (56 × 23 × 36 cm), ensuring that overhead bin capacity is preserved and cabin storage remains organized.
- Checked baggage option for items exceeding the standard allowance in size or quantity.
It is recommended to arrange both services in advance – either when purchasing your ticket or through your personal account on the website or app.
Practical tips for travelers
- Take out items you will need during the flight in advance. This helps avoid blocking the aisle or overhead bins while searching for them.
- If your hand baggage is soft-sided, place it upright whenever possible. This helps free up more space across the width of the bin.
- It is recommended to hang outerwear on the hooks of the seats in front of you (except for rows located at the emergency exits).
- Hard-shell suitcases take up more space, so whenever possible, opt for soft-sided bags or backpacks.
- Try to pack heavy items at the bottom of your bag. This helps maintain a compact shape for your hand baggage and makes it easier to stow in the overhead bin.
- If you are traveling with a family or a group, arrange your belongings wisely in the overhead bins to make the most of the available space.
All hand baggage rules at FlyArystan align with international low-cost carrier practices: shared overhead bins, a single allowance of one carry-on item per passenger, clear boarding procedures, and guidelines for efficient use of cabin space. This approach helps maintain order on board, speeds up the boarding process, and ensures comfort for every passenger – regardless of the season.
