Except as provided in paragraph (b) or (c) of this section, no certificate holder may carry cargo in the passenger compartment of an airplane.

Cargo may be carried aft of the foremost seated passengers if it is carried in an approved cargo bin that meets the following requirements:

The bin must withstand the load factors and emergency landing conditions applicable to the passenger seats of the airplane in which the bin is installed, multiplied by a factor of 1.15, using the combined weight of the bin and the maximum weight of cargo that may be carried in the bin.

The maximum weight of cargo that the bin is approved to carry and any instructions necessary to ensure proper weight distribution within the bin must be conspicuously marked on the bin.

The bin may not impose any load on the floor or other structure of the airplane that exceeds the load limitations of that structure.

The bin must be attached to the seat tracks or to the floor structure of the airplane, and its attachment must withstand the load factors and emergency landing conditions applicable to the passenger seats of the airplane in which the bin is installed, multiplied by either the factor 1.15 or the seat attachment factor specified for the airplane, whichever is greater, using the combined weight of the bin and the maximum weight of cargo that may be carried in the bin.

The bin may not be installed in a position that restricts access to or use of any required emergency exit, or of the aisle in the passenger compartment.

The bin must be fully enclosed and made of material that is at least flame-resistant.

Suitable safeguards must be provided within the bin to prevent the cargo from shifting under emergency landing conditions.

The bin may not be installed in a position that obscures any passenger's view of the “seat belt” sign, “no smoking” sign, or any required exit sign, unless an auxiliary sign or other approved means for proper notification of the passenger is provided.

All cargo may be carried forward of the foremost seated passengers and carry-on baggage may be carried alongside the foremost seated passengers if the cargo (including carry-on baggage) is carried either in approved bins as specified in paragraph (b) of this section or in accordance with the following:

It is properly secured by a safety belt or other tie down having enough strength to eliminate the possibility of shifting under all normally anticipated flight and ground conditions.

It is packaged or covered in a manner to avoid possible injury to passengers.

It does not impose any load on seats or the floor structure that exceeds the load limitation for those components.

Its location does not restrict access to or use of any required emergency or regular exit, or of the aisle in the passenger compartment.

Its location does not obscure any passenger's view of the “seat belt” sign, “no smoking” sign, or required exit sign, unless an auxiliary sign or other approved means for proper notification of the passenger is provided.