how do i take a suit on an airplane? (1 Viewer)

[Benny G]

I'm going to Atlanta on Thursday, and it sure wouldn't hurt if I had a suit along for the trip. The only thing is...I've never taken a suit on an airplane before. I certainly don't want to wear it. Would it count as my carry-on? I don't really want to waste my carry-on with a suit.

What's the typical way of doing it?

 

[nolesrule]

Check a hanging bag.

 

[Benny G]

Is that a special kind of luggage/bag? Or is it just the bag that comes with the suit?

Thanks for the reply.

 

[ThomasC]

Joe, are you talking about a garment bag?

 

[DaveF]

Pack the suit in a garment bag, and check it (no need carry-on a garment bag).

Or, if necessary, pack it carefully in a regular suitcase.

 

[Dave_Brown]

Pack it in a garment bag, get on the plane and hand it to the flight attendant. They will hang it up in the closet near first class and you can then grab it again when leaving the plane.

Another idea I have heard is to pack your pants, shirt and tie but wear the jacket over your jeans or whatever. You can take it off on the plane if you like or wear it on the trip.

 

[Henry Gale]

If you're not a First Class passenger, I would not count on this. Better check with the airline. Even then, the hang up closet would be "space available" only.

 

[Dave_Brown]

Notice I didn't say "in first class." There is another closet right at the bulkhead but not in the first class section. Usually it is used by the flight crew and always has room for a suit coat. I would count on it as being available. Heck, I've seen people bring guitars in the case as carry on and have them placed in the holding closet.

 

[Todd K]

Also depends on what airline you're flying -- I know Southwest planes don't have those closets. Otherwise they're almost certain to let you use that hanging space.

 

[Henry Gale]

That would account for part of my ignorance, I'm usually on Southwest.

 

[MarkHastings]

And if all else fails, pack it as best you can in a suitcase and bring a travel iron.

 

[Todd K]

Another thing I've done is put it in one of those cheaper plastic suit bags (not the kind from the cleaners, but a sturdier one with a zipper) and carry it around with me in the airport. If they don't have a coat closet on the plane, you can just slide it atop the suitcases in the overhead bin. If you have to fold it, it would only be in half, and it wouldn't be a harsh creasing fold, so it would come out pretty smooth after only a few hours in there.

 

[Luis Esp]

If it's a wool suit, hang it on the shower bar and the steam from the shower will take of the creases.

 

[wally]

If you end up packing it, put half in the bottom of your suitcase. Pack your shirt, socks, skivvies, etc on top and fold the rest over. That will keep the crease from being too sharp. Once in your hotel, use the shower tip mentioned above.

 

[Bill_D]

Be prepared to live with your luggage in the airport for a few hours because we received a quarter of a quarter of an inch of icy precip this morning.

Lansing, MI huh? Be prepared to laugh as well.

 

[Jon_Are]

I swear, Benny, at first glance I thought you were asking a bowel-related question.

Jon

 

[MarkHastings]

LMAO!

I'd suggest you do it in the bathroom.

 

[Benny G]

...and I'm not coming in til a bit past 7 tonight, so maybe it'll all be good by then.