Whenever I fly I get to the gate early and when the gate crew arrive I flash the media badge, let them know we are media crew with cases full of expensive cameras and lithium batteries I ask if we can board earlier to secure overhead space, they typically bump us up to board with the people who need extra time or just after the first class individuals At no extra cost Also typically you're supposed to put the personal item under the seat in front of you to preserve the overhead space for carry on, taking up the overhead space with your personal item is kind of a dick move