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Airline-Approved Bag Sizes for Suits and Garment Bags (2025 Guide)

Traveling with business attire or formalwear? Whether you’re headed to a corporate meeting, a destination wedding, or an upscale event, protecting your suit is essential. But before you pack your garment bag and head to the airport, it’s crucial to understand the size restrictions airline companies place on bags that carry suits.

In this guide, we’ll break down carry-on and checked baggage size rules for suits and garment bags across major airlines in 2025.


Can You Bring a Suit in a Carry-On?

Yes! Most airlines allow passengers to bring a garment bag as a carry-on item, provided it meets specific size requirements. Some airlines even have closet space in premium cabins for hanging suits—though this isn’t guaranteed.


Standard Carry-On Size Limits (2025)

Most major airlines follow these general size limits for carry-ons:

  • 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) — including wheels and handles

This fits a compact rolling garment bag or a tri-fold suit carrier. However, soft-sided garment bags are often more flexible and easier to stow in overhead bins.

AirlineCarry-On Size LimitGarment Bag Policy
American Airlines22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm)Garment bags count as a carry-on if they fit within limits.
Delta Airlines22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm)Soft garment bags allowed; may be hung if space permits.
United Airlines22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm)Tri-fold garment bags allowed as carry-ons.
Southwest Airlines24 x 16 x 10 in (61 x 41 x 25 cm)More lenient size allows some garment bags as carry-ons.
JetBlue22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm)Garment bags included as carry-ons within size limits.
Alaska Airlines22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm)Suit carriers OK if within carry-on dimensions.
British Airways22 x 18 x 10 in (56 x 45 x 25 cm)Slightly larger limit for carry-ons helps with garment bags.
Air Canada21.5 x 15.5 x 9 in (55 x 40 x 23 cm)Soft-sided suit carriers are permitted.
Ryanair21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 in (55 x 40 x 20 cm)Only a small personal item is included; garment bags must be within this size or you’ll need to pay for a larger carry-on bag.
EasyJet22 x 17.7 x 9.8 in (56 x 45 x 25 cm)All passengers can bring one small under-seat cabin bag (45 x 36 x 20 cm). To bring a larger cabin bag (up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm), passengers must purchase the option or have an appropriate fare or membership.
Air Arabia21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 in (55 x 40 x 20 cm)One carry-on bag allowed per passenger, up to 10 kg. Garment bags must fit within these dimensions to be accepted as carry-on.

Can You Check a Suit in a Garment Bag?

You can check a garment bag, but it’s not recommended unless it’s a hard-shell bag. Soft bags are prone to creasing and damage during handling. If you must check a suit:

  • Choose a rolling garment bag with a structured frame
  • Use a plastic dry-cleaning bag inside to prevent wrinkling
  • Ask if your flight offers priority or fragile item handling

Tips for Traveling with a Suit

  • Pack your suit in a tri-fold garment bag designed for air travel
  • Use a carry-on whenever possible to avoid damage
  • Hang your suit ASAP upon arrival or use a hotel steamer
  • Call the airline ahead to ask if hanging closet space is available (especially in first/business class)

Recommended Garment Bags for Air Travel

Looking for TSA-friendly bags that keep your suit crisp? Here are a few highly-rated options:

  1. ZEGUR Suit Carry-On Garment Bag – Lightweight, fits in overhead bins
  2. Briggs & Riley Baseline Garment Bag – Premium option for frequent travelers
  3. Samsonite Armage II Tri-Fold Garment Bag – Stylish and durable

Final Thoughts

Airline baggage policies can be surprisingly strict when it comes to dimensions—especially for suits and formalwear. To avoid surprises at the gate, make sure your garment bag meets your airline’s carry-on size limits. When in doubt, check with the airline in advance or opt for a compact tri-fold bag that slides easily into the overhead bin.

A little planning goes a long way to keep your suit sharp and your travel smooth.

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