I often find myself pondering whether airlines consider garment bags, as items or if they fall into the category of carry-on luggage. It’s crucial to understand the rules and regulations regarding baggage before traveling by air as it can save you time and prevent any complications at the airport.
After conducting research I’ve managed to find answers to my questions, about garment bags.
In this article, my aim is to delve into the topic and provide an understanding of how garment bags are classified.
Furthermore, I will discuss factors that you should be aware of before packing a garment bag for your trip.
Difference between Carry-on and Personal Items:
Let’s begin by understanding the concept of carry-on and personal items.
There are many airlines that are restricted to one onboard baggage. In that scenario, it is essential to choose whether you want to take a carry-on bag or a garment bag.
Carry-on bags
Regular travelers know that Carry-on bags have some standard size and weight limits. If they overlook these limits their bag will be considered as checked luggage.Â
Carry-on bags are stored in the overhead compartment which is designated for this purpose.
Carry-on size limit: 22x14x9 inches
Personal Item
On the other hand, a personal item is a smaller bag or item that passengers are permitted to bring onboard in addition to their carry-on bag and it is mostly stored underneath the seat.
Person item size limit: 18×14×8 inches
Understanding Garment Bags
Garment bags are specially designed to hold clothing items, such as suits, dresses, and formal attire, in a way that minimizes wrinkles and ensures they remain in pristine condition during travel. These bags typically feature a long, narrow design with compartments or hangers to keep garments organized and protected.
What do you think? are garment bags considered carry-on or personal item?
This question got me thinking because my husband often goes on business trips and always brings his suit in a garment bag. Up, until recently I never thought of his garment bag as carry-on luggage; I always considered it both a carry-on and an extra bag.
My perspective changed when I came across a discussion about whether a garment bag should be considered carry-on baggage or a personal item while reading an article about travel. I was surprised to learn that most airlines classify it as carry-on luggage. This discovery made me wonder why airport authorities have never raised any concerns, about my husband’s garment bag during our trips.
Different Airlines’ regulations regarding Garment bags
Soft-sided garment bags with dimensions up to 51 inches / 130 cm (length + width + height) are permitted as carry-on items.
WestJet:
United Airlines Policy Regarding Garment Bags
Cabin-seat baggage examples encompass a range of items such as large or valuable musical instruments, media cameras, artifacts, garment bags, and other similar items that are delicate or unusually sized.
Alaska airline policy regarding garment bags
If your garment bag is soft, foldable into two and can fit in the overhead bin, you are allowed to bring it onboard.
Can you bring a garment bag to JetBlue?
Cabin-seat baggage examples encompass a range of items such as large or valuable musical instruments, media cameras, artifacts, garment bags, and other similar items that are delicate or unusually sized.
Jet Blue considers a garment bag a bulkier or a delicate item that’s the reason Jet Blue suggests buying a Cabin-Seat baggage seat for a garment bag.
What type of garment bag should you consider buying?
Choosing the Right Garment Bag: Factors to Consider
When shopping for garment bags, you need to keep several factors in mind. You can avoid paying extra luggage fees by keeping these tips in mind.
Durability
When choosing a garment bag it’s important to prioritize durability. There are materials to choose from, like polyester, leather and nylon. Make sure the bag has zippers or closures to keep your clothes safe while traveling or storing.
Weight & Size
Another factor to consider is weight and size. Look for a garment bag that can easily fit in the compartment. If you’re only traveling with two pieces of luggage. One carry-on and one personal item. Opt, for a garment bag that can fold or fit under the seat.
Also, keep in mind any size restrictions if you want to avoid checking in your garment bag. It’s an idea to buy a bag that comfortably fits into the compartment.
Compartments for Other Items
Besides your suits, there may be things you’ll need to take with you like a laptop, toiletries or shoes. Look for a garment bag that has a compartment where you can keep these items. This will make your travel experience smoother. Eliminate the need, for checked luggage. Bags with compartments or pockets will help keep your belongings organized.
Rolling and Handle
For maneuverability consider getting a garment bag.
Check for features like wheels and handles that make transportation more convenient.
This will allow you to effortlessly carry your clothes without any trouble.
Some garment bags offer features such as built-in hangers, shoe compartments or systems, for folding garments.
Additional Features
These added functionalities can improve the convenience and organization of your travel experience.
By taking these factors into account you can choose a garment bag that suits your needs while ensuring durability, practicality and ease of use during your trips.
Read: Best Luggage(Garment Bags) For Suits – Avoid Wrinkles
How to Avoid Garment Bags Being Considered as Checked Luggage or Carry-on
Choose an Airline with Garment Closets
Some airlines offer garment closets for their first-class or business-class passengers. If you have access to these cabins, you can hang your garment bag in the designated closets with confidence.
It’s worth mentioning that this alternative is usually reserved for passengers traveling in class. However, you can kindly ask the flight attendants if they would be able to make an exception, for your garment bag regardless of whether you’re flying in class or not.
In cases where airlines like Alaska do not have garment closets, you will need to treat your garment bag as either a carry-on or a personal item.
Opt for a Rolling Bag with a Garment Compartment
Modern rolling bags often come equipped with specialized garment compartments designed to preserve the crease and condition of your suits.
Look for bags specifically designed to protect your garments, ensuring that they will arrive at your destination wrinkle-free.
Consider a Foldable Garment Bag
If you’re just looking to carry a suit and plan to use it as a personal item you might want to consider investing in a garment bag that can be folded.
Make sure to fold the bag in half so that it easily fits under the seat in front of you. Before your trip take some time to measure the dimensions of the bag and ensure that it falls within the size limits, for items (, around 18x14x8 inches).
By adhering to these size restrictions you can confidently bring your garment bag on board without any problems.
Invest in Wrinkle-Free Compression Cubes
Compression cubes are invaluable tools for travelers. By investing in packing cubes designed for compression, you can effectively remove excess air from the bag, minimizing movement and maximizing space.
These cubes help keep your clothing wrinkle-free and organized throughout your journey.
Consider a Clothes Steamer
Investing in a clothes steamer can prove beneficial when you reach your destination. With a portable garment steamer, you can easily remove any wrinkles or creases from your suits and garments.
This ensures that you can maintain a polished appearance, regardless of how your clothes are stored during travel.
By following these tips, you can navigate the challenges of transporting garments and optimize your packing strategy to avoid garment bags being classified as checked luggage or exceeding carry-on restrictions.
Conclusion
In summary, whether you can bring a garment bag as a carry-on depends on the rules set by each airline and the size and style of the bag. To increase your chances of traveling with a garment bag, as a carry-on make sure to check the airlines’ guidelines choose a garment bag pack efficiently and use compression techniques.
Garment bags have their advantages like keeping your clothes wrinkle-free facilitating organization and providing convenience, for business travelers. However, it’s always wise to consider options and follow tips to ensure a seamless travel experience.
FAQs
1. Where should you put your garment bag on a plane?
The best and most preferred choice is to use the garment closet if it is there. In case there isn’t a garment closet. If you’re sitting in a cabin that doesn’t have one the next option would be to place your garment bag under the seat in front of you. This works well for collapsible garment bags that can fit into the space, under the seat.
If neither a garment closet nor under-seat storage is possible, you must place your bag in the overhead compartment. However, it’s important to note that larger garment bags or unfolded bags may not fit in the overhead compartments designated for carry-on luggage.
2. Can you carry on an unfolded garment bag?
No, unfolded garments cannot be placed in the overhead bin designated for carry-on luggage. Carry-on items are intended to be stored in the overhead compartments, and unfolded garment bags often exceed the size limitations or are too bulky to fit in these compartments specifically designed for carry-on items.
3. How many suits fit in a garment bag?
While it is technically possible to fit 2 to 3 suits in a garment bag, it is generally not recommended, aside from the increased risk of creasing and wrinkling due to limited space.
It’s also important to consider the size limitations imposed by airlines for carry-on luggage.
Exceeding these limits can result in the garment bag being considered oversized and may require it to be checked instead of brought on board.
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