“Is a garment bag a carry-on?”, “Does a garment bag count as a personal item?” If you are about to head to your next destination, these questions might cross your head.
Most airlines around the world have a standard policy allowing passengers to bring one personal item (that fits under the seat) and one carry-on item (which goes in the overhead locker).
For business travellers, this can raise a common question: If you’re bringing a garment bag, will it count as a personal item or a carry-on bag? Often, this dilemma arises when you need to carry a small suitcase, laptop, and a suit or garment bag.
So, does a garment bag count as a personal item or a carry-on? We’ve done some research to clear up the confusion. Here’s what we discovered:
Australia
Australian airlines are quite accommodating when it comes to suit bags and garment bags. Most airlines allow you to bring a garment bag into the cabin in addition to your carry-on bag and personal item, making it easier for travellers to keep their suits wrinkle-free while still adhering to carry-on baggage rules.
Major Australian Airlines Garment Bag Policy
Qantas: In addition to your personal item, Qantas allows one 56cm x 36cm x 23cm carry-on bag and one non-rigid garment bag with dimensions up to 114cm x 60cm x 11cm. The combined weight of both items must not exceed 14kg.
Virgin Australia: Their policy allows one small bag or briefcase (total linear dimensions of 105cm), plus one non-rigid suit pack or garment bag that does not exceed the dimensions of 114cm x 60cm x 11cm. You’re also permitted to bring a personal item.
Jetstar: Jetstar’s carry-on baggage policy allows passengers to bring one main item and one small item, with a combined weight of up to 7 kg. The main item must fit in the overhead locker and not exceed 56 cm (height) x 36 cm (width) x 23 cm (depth), including wheels and handles. The small item, such as a handbag or laptop bag, must fit under the seat in front of you. If you need to bring additional items, you can purchase extra carry-on baggage allowance, subject to availability.
United States
We’ve found that most US airlines consider garment bags as carry-on bags, not personal items, regardless of their size. This means that even small garment bags will typically count as part of your carry-on allowance.
Carry-on Garment Bag Dimensions for Major US Airlines
American Airlines: A carry-on bag must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm). This ensures it fits in the overhead bin, with garment bags counted as a carry-on item. (Source)
United Airlines: According to their Contract of Carriage, traditional hanging garment bags are considered cabin baggage requiring a seat. However, a Henty suit bag with its unique design is likely to fit just fine in overhead compartments.
Delta Airlines: The carry-on baggage must adhere to a combined length, width, and height within 45 linear inches (114 cm). Ensure that your garment bag fits within this size restriction for smooth boarding.(Source)
United Kingdom
Like the US, airlines in the United Kingdom seem to consider traditional suit bags as part of your regular carry-on allowance, and not an item that can be brought onboard in addition to this allowance.
Carry-on Garment Bag Requirements for Major UK Airlines
British Airlines: Garment bags can be taken as part of your hand baggage allowance: One hand luggage (56cm x 45cm x 25cm) and one personal item (Source)
Easyjet: According to their Restricted and unusual items policy, If you’d like to bring a traditional garment bag you must purchase a ‘large cabin bag’ allowance. To avoid this extra expense, consider using Henty travel suit bags which feature a unique design that allows them to fit in overhead compartments, unlike tri-fold suit carriers.
Virgin Atlantic: Virgin Atlantic allows garment bags onboard as hand baggage, provided they fit within their hand baggage allowance of 23 x 36 x 56 cm. If your garment bag exceeds this size, it may need to be checked in. Be sure to measure your bag before you head to the airport to avoid any last-minute hassle.
Recommended Carry-on Garment Bag
Henty has designed suit travel bags specifically for business air travellers, ensuring that your garment bag carry-on fits within airline limits while offering unmatched durability. Unlike traditional suit bags, Henty’s innovative travel garment bags allow you to pack your suit in a way that ensures it stays wrinkle-free and ready to wear upon arrival.
While traditional suit bags often require a hanging space on board, which may not always be available, Henty’s unique design allows the suit to fit perfectly into the overhead compartment. With Henty’s travel garment bag, you won’t have to worry about space in the cabin, and you can rest assured that your clothes will be in pristine condition when you arrive. Whether you’re wondering, “Is a garment bag a carry-on?” or “Does a garment bag count as a personal item?”, Henty’s suit bags are designed to meet the strictest carry-on guidelines without sacrificing space or convenience.