FAR 91.523 — Carry-On Baggage
FAR 91.523 explains how PICs of airplanes with more than 19 passenger seats must stow carry-on baggage in approved compartments or under seats.
In Plain English
FAR 91.523 applies to the pilot in command (PIC) of any airplane with a seating capacity of more than 19 passengers. It governs where and how passengers may stow their carry-on baggage aboard the aircraft.
The PIC may not allow a passenger to stow baggage onboard except in one of these locations:
- In a suitable baggage or cargo storage compartment, or as provided in §91.525 (which covers stowage in passenger seats themselves under specific conditions).
- Under a passenger seat, provided the bag will not slide forward under crash impact forces meeting the ultimate inertia force standards in §25.561(b)(3) (or the rules under which the airplane was type certificated). The restraining devices must also limit sideward motion and withstand the sideward crash forces in §25.561(b)(3).
Why it matters: Loose baggage in a crash or hard landing becomes a projectile that can injure passengers and block evacuation routes. Proper stowage protects occupants and keeps aisles and exits clear.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 91.523§ 91.523 Carry-on baggage.
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.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1To which airplanes does the carry-on baggage rule in FAR 91.523 apply?
Per FAR 91.523, the rule applies to airplanes with a seating capacity of more than 19 passengers, and it places the responsibility on the pilot in command.
Q2Where may a passenger stow carry-on baggage under FAR 91.523?
FAR 91.523 allows stowage only in a suitable baggage or cargo compartment, in a passenger seat as provided in §91.525, or under a passenger seat with restraints that prevent forward and sideward motion under the crash forces of §25.561(b)(3).
Q3Why must under-seat baggage restraints meet the requirements of §25.561(b)(3)?
FAR 91.523 requires restraints capable of withstanding the ultimate forward and sideward inertia forces in §25.561(b)(3) so baggage doesn't become a projectile in a crash, protecting occupants and keeping evacuation paths clear.
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Related Sections in Part 91