Originally Posted by MoonShot

Usually the FWD closet on the -700 & -800. The -900 has a closet behind first class. The captain usually takes the cockpit storage, unless he too has an international and he'll say, "You put your bag up front and I'll use the closet."

So, it depends. 95-99% of the time you'll be OK with the international bag in the closet.

Also, I'm not sure, but if there is only one bag upfront, you might be able to get an international up there. Might be too long, I've never seen/tried it.