Regulation Text
No pilot in command of an airplane having a seating capacity of more than 19 passengers may permit a passenger to stow baggage aboard that airplane except—
(a) In a suitable baggage or cargo storage compartment, or as provided in § 91.525; or
(b) Under a passenger seat in such a way that it will not slide forward under crash impacts severe enough to induce the ultimate inertia forces specified in § 25.561(b)(3) of this chapter, or the requirements of the regulations under which the airplane was type certificated. Restraining devices must also limit sideward motion of under-seat baggage and be designed to withstand crash impacts severe enough to induce sideward forces specified in § 25.561(b)(3) of this chapter.
The short answer
(14 CFR § 91.523) On an airplane with a seating capacity of more than 19 passengers, the pilot in command may not let a passenger stow baggage except in a suitable baggage or cargo compartment (or per § 91.525), or under a passenger seat with restraints that prevent forward sliding and limit sideward motion to § 25.561(b)(3) crash forces.
Research Notes
Common Questions
Which airplanes does the § 91.523 carry-on baggage rule apply to?
It applies to airplanes with a seating capacity of more than 19 passengers, binding the pilot in command.
“No pilot in command of an airplane having a seating capacity of more than 19 passengers may permit a passenger to stow baggage aboard that airplane except…” — 14 CFR § 91.523
Where may carry-on baggage be stowed?
In a suitable baggage or cargo storage compartment (or as provided in § 91.525), or under a passenger seat with proper restraint.
“(a) In a suitable baggage or cargo storage compartment, or as provided in § 91.525; or (b) Under a passenger seat in such a way that it will not slide forward under crash impacts…” — 14 CFR § 91.523
What crash-force standard must under-seat restraints meet?
Restraints must withstand crash impacts severe enough to induce the ultimate inertia forces specified in § 25.561(b)(3), and also limit sideward motion.
“…it will not slide forward under crash impacts severe enough to induce the ultimate inertia forces specified in § 25.561(b)(3) of this chapter… Restraining devices must also limit sideward motion of under-seat baggage…” — 14 CFR § 91.523(b)
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