Is a garment bag a personal item? I perfectly understand your question especially if you are considering traveling.
Usually, there are luggage rules in airlines and you need to know what works for the one you intend to use.
In this article, I will answer your question and provide you with other necessary information.
Table of Contents
WHAT BAGS COUNT AS A PERSONAL ITEM
The bags that count as personal items are like a purse or small handbags which must usually fit under the seat in front of you.
The dimensions should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).
RELATED:
IS A GARMENT BAG A PERSONAL ITEM
Yes, a garment bag is considered a personal item if it is smaller than a carry-on bag or luggage, and a garment bag is considered a personal item if it can be stored in an airplane’s overhead lockers or beneath the seat.
Furthermore, as a personal item, a garment bag is subject to baggage allowance, which varies by airline, so you must determine what is appropriate for the plane you intend to fly on.
DO AIRLINES ALLOW GARMENT BAGS AS CARRY–ON
Some airlines if not all airline operators allow garment bags as carry-on.
When it comes to garment bags used as a carry-on, different airlines have varying regulations on particularly where to place these garment carry-on bags while on the plane.
An example of an airline that allows garment bags as carry-on is the American Airline.
The American Airlines carry-on requirements are as follows:
They allow soft-sided garment bags up to 51 inches / 130 cm (length + width + height) to be taken as carry-on item.
HOW DO YOU FLY WITH A GARMENT BAG
I will advise you to carry it on; carrying it on is popular to fly with your garment bag as long it fits the required dimensions of the airline’s carry-on policy.
The next option is for you to wear it, this works better if you are using the suit in your garment bag that same day; you can place the suit jacket on your lap.
For some Airlines, you can fly with a garment bag as hand luggage rather than a personal item. However, in general, if you intend to spend more than 2 or 3 days on your trip, we recommend you check the best travel bags that are made in the USA that will fit your needs.
It’s best to check the baggage allowance for the airline you are flying with.
CHECKING A GARMENT BAG
Truth is, most airlines will want the garment bag folded and placed in the overhead locker.
But first, you need to do proper research and be sure to check the policy of the airline that you are flying with so you don’t pay for expensive additional carry-on at the airport.
Recommendations:
- American Airlines – dimension: 51 inches / 130 cm (length + width + height).
Delta Airlines doesn’t have a specified rule about transporting a suit in a garment or suit bag, but if you read their policy, their carry-on allowance is one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge.
The main carry-on bag must fit the combined dimensions of length + width + height of 45 linear inches or 114 cm and must not exceed the dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
- Southwest Airlines: 10 x 16 x 24 inches
- United Airlines: 9 x 14 x 22 inches
- Spirit Airlines: Maximum of 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
IS A GARMENT BAG A PERSONAL ITEM DELTA
Delta Airlines doesn’t have a specified rule about transporting a suit in a garment or suit bag, but if you read their policy, their carry-on allowance is one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge.
The main carry-on bag must fit the combined dimensions of length + width + height of 45 linear inches or 114 cm and must not exceed the dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
SOFT-SIDED GARMENT BAG CARRY ON
The soft-sided garment carry-on is made up of rugged, high-density fabric with a water-repellent coating for stain resistance.
Some soft-sided garment bags are designed with skate wheels for effortless mobility.
Soft-sided garment bags carry-on are lightweight yet sturdy and help keep dresses, suits, and other clothes wrinkle-free during travel.
Do you require a smooth roll at the airport? Then you will need a soft-sided garment carry-on.
Protective reinforced wheel housings, skid guards, and molded corner guards are standard features on most soft-sided clothing carry-ons. Compression bands with rubberized buckles provide added security.