Does A Garment Bag Count As A Carry On?

Are you planning a trip and wondering, “Does a garment bag count as a carry-on?” Packing efficiently for travel can be a challenge, especially when it comes to deciding what items can be brought on board the plane.

To help you avoid confusion and ensure a smooth travel experience, we’ll explore airline guidelines and provide clear answers on whether a garment bag is considered a carry-on or not.

Does A Garment Bag Count As A Carry On?

Yes, garment bags no larger than 51 inches (130 cm) in length, width, and height combined are considered carry-on. If your garment bag exceeds this size, it will have to be checked instead. Additionally, garment bags must be made of soft-sided material such as nylon or canvas.

Hard-sided suitcases (in the form of garment bags) are not considered a valid type of carry-on and will need to be checked in. 

It is also important to note that most airlines will count a garment bag as one of your two allowed pieces of carry-on luggage. 

This means that you will need to choose between bringing a suitcase and a garment bag, as both cannot typically be taken on the same flight.

Is A Diaper Bag Considered A Carry On?

A diaper bag is not considered a carry-on. That means that you will need to check it in if you plan on bringing one onboard your flight with you. However, there are other items that can be brought on as personal items, such as a purse or laptop bag. 

These items can be used to store diapers and other essentials you may need for your baby during the flight. 

Hence you don’t have to worry about running out of space!

Does A Suit Count As A Carry On?

Yes, a suit bag typically counts as a carry-on. Most airlines have guidelines that specify the dimensions and weight restrictions for carry-on luggage. A suit bag, which is designed to hold and protect suits or other formal attire, usually falls within these guidelines.

To ensure your suit bag meets the carry-on requirements of your specific airline, we highly recommend checking with them directly before your trip.

What Are The Size And Weight Requirements For Carry-On Bags?

Generally speaking, the size of carry-on baggage is limited to 45 linear inches (the sum of the length, width, and height of your bag). Also, airlines typically limit the weight of carry-on luggage to between 7 and 22 pounds (3-10kg). 

However, this can vary depending on the airline you are traveling with. It is best to check with your specific airline for their exact size and weight restrictions.

Personal Items

In addition to a single carry-on bag, many airlines will also allow you to bring one personal item such as a laptop bag, small backpack, or briefcase. 

This item should be no larger than 16 x 13 x 5 inches in size and should fit easily under the seat in front of you.

Wheels and Handles 

Airlines may also allow carry-on bags that come with wheels and handles, but again this will depend on your airline. It is best to check with your airline for their specific requirements.

Gate Check

If your carry-on bag is too big to fit in the overhead bin, most airlines will allow you to gate check your bag so that it is stored until you exit the plane at your destination. 

You will need to be sure to attach a Gate Check tag to the handle of your bag before checking it in with the attendant at the gate.

International Flights

When traveling internationally, you may be subject to additional restrictions on the size and weight of your carry-on baggage. Be sure to check with your airline prior to departure to ensure that you are in compliance with their regulations. 

In some cases, it is also necessary to present any liquids or gels in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml).

What Is Considered A Personal Item?

A personal item is any type of luggage that fits underneath the plane seat in front of you. Most domestic airlines in the United States require a personal item to be 18” x 14” x 8” or smaller in size.

Personal items can include a purse, briefcase, small backpack, laptop bag, weekend or small duffel bag. 

Consider carrying two personal items that can fit under the seat in front of you; one for your electronics and one for other belongings such as books, magazines, or a change of clothes.

It is usually used to hold personal belongings such as wallets, keys, phones, and other essentials. 

Personal items are often kept close and easily accessible, and they are different from larger items like backpacks or suitcases that are used for carrying larger quantities of items. 

The specific definition of a personal item may vary depending on the context, but generally, it refers to the small items that an individual carries with them for convenience and personal use.

Does A Blanket Count As A Personal Item?

Yes, a blanket can count as a personal item, depending on the specific airline’s regulations and policies. Passengers on most airlines are permitted to bring one personal item, such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack, in addition to their carry-on luggage. 

As long as the blanket meets the size and weight restrictions set by the airline, it can be considered a personal item. 

However, it is always best to check with the specific airline in advance to ensure that a blanket is allowed as a personal item.

Does A Duffel Bag Count As A Personal Item?

If the duffel bag falls within the personal item size restrictions, then it would be considered a personal item. However, if the bag exceeds the allowed dimensions, it may be considered carry-on or checked baggage, which may incur additional fees. 

It is always best to check with the specific airline’s policies to ensure compliance and avoid any surprises or extra charges.

What Are The Rules For Personal Items?

In general, personal items should be kept in a safe and secure location, such as a purse, wallet, or backpack. It is important to respect the personal space and belongings of others and not take or use their personal items without permission.

Size Restrictions 

Generally, personal items should be no larger than 45 inches in total dimensions. This includes length, width, and height. 

Items that exceed this size limit may need to be checked as regular luggage instead, so be sure to check with your airline beforehand.

Types of Items

Personal items can include things like handbags and briefcases, laptop bags, small backpacks, and camera bags. 

All of these items should be carried on with you and can be placed in the overhead compartments or under your seat.

Weight Restrictions 

The weight of personal items should not exceed 40 pounds (18 kg). It is important to note that for certain airlines, this weight limit may be lower.

Content and Safety

Personal items must not contain any hazardous materials, including firearms, explosives, chemicals, or other dangerous items. 

Additionally, all personal items should be secured in a way that prevents them from spilling their contents during flight.

Personal Item Size Dimensions On Different Airlines

Personal item size dimensions can vary on different airlines. Most airlines allow a personal item, such as a purse or small backpack, with dimensions of around 18 x 14 x 8 inches. However, it is important to check with each specific airline as some may have different size restrictions. 

It is also worth noting that some budget airlines may have stricter size limits for personal items.

Here, are some airlines with their personal item size dimensions:

United Airlines

United’s policy states that a personal item must not exceed 17″ by 10″ by 9″. This includes purses, briefcases, laptop bags, and backpacks. Additionally, all items must fit underneath the seat in front of you.

American Airlines

American Airlines allows one personal item that should not exceed 22″ x 14″ x 9″.

JetBlue Airlines

JetBlue’s policy states that passengers can bring one personal item that should not exceed 17″ by 13″ by 8″. 

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines allows one personal item that should not exceed 18.5″ x 8.5″ x 13.5″. This includes purses, briefcases, laptop bags, and backpacks. All items must fit underneath the seat in front of you.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit’s policy states that passengers can bring one personal item that should not exceed 18″ by 14″ by 8″.

Frontiers Airlines: 

Frontier allows passengers to bring one personal item that should not exceed 22″ x 18″ x 10″. 

Allegiant Airline: 

Allegiant allows passengers to bring one personal item that should not exceed 17” by 13” by 9 ”. This includes purses, briefcases, laptop bags, and backpacks. All items must fit underneath the seat in front of you.

What Is The Difference Between Carry-On vs. Personal Item?

In general, a carry-on typically refers to a larger suitcase that can be stored in the overhead compartment of the airplane. However, a personal item is a smaller bag that can be placed under the seat in front of you. 

Choosing a carry-on allows for more storage space and the ability to pack more items, which is beneficial for longer trips or if you need to bring additional items such as business attire or special equipment. 

On the other hand, opting for a personal item can be more convenient for shorter trips or if you prefer to have easy access to your belongings throughout the flight. 

Here, is a table with different airlines and their allowed dimensions for carry-on and personal items:

FAQs

Does A Garment Bag Count As A Carry On?

Yes, a garment bag typically counts as a carry-on item when traveling. Some airlines may allow a garment bag to be carried on in addition to a personal item, while others may count it as the one allowed carry-on item. 

However, it is important to check with the specific airline you are flying with as their carry-on policies may vary. It is advisable to check the dimensions and weight restrictions provided by the airline to ensure that the garment bag meets their requirements.

Can You Bring A Blanket On A Plane?

Yes, you can bring a blanket on a plane without any issues. Ensure that you pack it in your carry-on bag or personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. Bringing a blanket can provide comfort and warmth during a long flight. 

Just make sure that the blanket does not exceed the airline’s size and weight restrictions for carry-on luggage.

Does A Lap Infant Get A Checked Bag?

No, if you’re traveling with a lap infant, please note that you won’t be able to check any bags on their behalf. Make sure your infant has everything they need, and pack all necessary items such as diapers, formula, and extra clothing in your own carry-on luggage. 

It is important for parents to plan accordingly and pack efficiently to ensure they have everything they need for the infant during the flight.

Is There A Limit To Your Duffel Bag Carry-On Size?

Yes, in most cases, airlines limit the maximum size to 22 x 14 x 9 inches for domestic flights in the U.S. This size regulation is in place to ensure that carry-on bags can be easily stored in overhead compartments or under the seat in front of you.

To ensure that you comply with size restrictions, it is advisable to check with your airline of choice, as some may have varying requirements.

What Size Should A Diaper Bag Be Considered A Carry-On?

If it is being used as the main carry-on, it should be no larger than 24 inches in length, 16 inches in width, and 10 inches in height. This is the maximum size allowed by most airlines for carry-on luggage. 

However, if the diaper bag is being used as a personal item, it should be able to fit under the seat in front of you. 

In this case, it should have dimensions of no more than 16.25 inches in length, 13.5 inches in width, and 8 inches in height. 

Conclusion

When it comes to air travel, whether or not a garment bag can be carried on as luggage depends on the specific airline’s policies and interpretations of size restrictions. 

Though typically allowed as a carry-on for its intended use of transporting clothing, it’s important to adhere to folding requirements and be aware of cabin space availability.