Travelling with a suit isn’t exactly fun. Between cramped overhead lockers, suitcase creases and unpredictable cabin storage, keeping your suit fresh and ready to wear can feel like a full-time job. And let’s face it - no one wants to turn up to a wedding, interview or big meeting looking like they slept in their jacket.
But the good news? With a bit of planning (and a few helpful tricks), you can make flying with a suit way less stressful.
This guide covers everything you need to know - from how to pack it right, to what the airlines say about garment bags. We’ve even included some FAQs for good measure.
Let’s make sure your suit arrives looking as sharp as you do 😎
Yes, you can absolutely fly with a suit. Most airlines let you bring it either as carry-on or checked baggage, but the rules can vary depending on who you’re flying with and the ticket you’ve booked.
The easiest way to travel with a suit is to carry it on in a garment bag. Most airlines count this as your main carry-on (not a personal item), even if it’s slim. For example, American Airlines allows soft-sided garment bags up to 51 inches in total dimensions.
That said, real-life enforcement can be a bit hit and miss. Some travellers have managed to bring a carry-on and a garment bag, while others have been asked to choose one. So it’s worth checking with your airline before you pack.
You can check a suit, but we wouldn’t recommend it unless you have to. Checked bags are often tossed around, and your suit could come out wrinkled or worse. If you must check it, use a high-quality garment bag and pop it inside a hard-shell suitcase for extra protection.
In short: carry it on if you can, check it only if you have to, and always double-check with your airline.
Here’s what to expect from some of the world’s top airlines when it comes to garment bags and carry-on rules.
Even if there’s no closet, a soft garment bag can still ride safely in the overhead bin - just lay it flat on top of other bags to avoid creases.
If you're travelling with a suit, you’ve got three main options: carry it in a garment bag, fold it into your suitcase, or wear it on the flight. Each has its pros and cons, depending on your plans and how much effort you want to put in once you land.
It’s built to keep your suit wrinkle-free and is simple to carry and hang once you land. But most airlines count it as your carry-on, which means you’re limited to one extra personal item. Not all planes have closet space, especially the smaller ones, so don’t count on it.
No garment bag? No problem. If you pack it right, your suit can survive the journey and still look sharp when you unpack.
Fold your jacket by laying it face down, tucking one shoulder inside out, folding the other over it, then folding it lengthwise and horizontally. For trousers, align the creases, fold lengthwise, then place them over the folded jacket.
Sometimes, the easiest option is to wear the suit, especially if you’re short on space or don’t want to risk creases from packing.
Packing a suit for travel can feel like a puzzle. Do it wrong, and you’ll spend the trip ironing out regrets. But with the right approach, you can keep your suit looking sharp - no hotel ironing board required.
Use the shoulder tuck method for your jacket. Lay it face down, turn one shoulder inside out, and tuck the other into it. Fold it in half lengthwise, lapels aligned. Pop it in a dry-cleaning bag to cut down on friction.
Lay trousers flat and fold along the crease. Place the jacket on top, then fold the trousers over it to make a compact bundle.
Rolling saves space and works for tees and joggers. But not suits. Structured pieces like jackets and shirts hold their shape better when folded. Our take? Fold the formalwear, roll the rest.
Packing cubes help you stay organised, while garment folders keep shirts neat and compressed. And don’t forget shoe bags - nobody wants suit lint covered in sole dust.
Button up your shirts before folding. Add tissue paper between folds to stop creases. For shoes, fill them with socks or smaller items to save space, then tuck them away in bags.
You’ve made it. But your suit? It’s been folded, squished, and zipped into a suitcase for hours. Don’t stress - here’s how to get it looking sharp again without breaking a sweat (or the bank).
Avoid ironing your suit directly, especially wool. If you must, use a pressing cloth and low heat. If you want less hassle next time, look for wrinkle-resistant fabrics and fold smart when you pack.
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Flying with a suit doesn’t have to be stressful. The key is choosing the right garment bag - go for a soft-sided one that folds and fits in the overhead bin. Most airlines count it as your carry-on, so check the size limits before you fly.
Some premium cabins offer closet space, but it’s not always guaranteed, especially in Economy. If there’s no closet, gently lay your garment bag flat on top of other carry-ons in the overhead bin to help avoid creases.
For extra protection, use dry cleaning bags inside your suit bag. They reduce friction and help keep wrinkles away. If you're tight on space, you can also fold your suit carefully in your carry-on, but unpack it and hang it up as soon as you land. A quick steam in the hotel bathroom can also work wonders.
With a little planning, your suit will land looking sharp.
Yes, in most cases, a garment bag is considered a carry-on, as long as it fits within the airline’s size limits.
Many airlines allow soft-sided garment bags as your main carry-on item, meaning you can bring it onboard instead of a small suitcase. Some airlines, like Emirates in Business or First Class, even allow a garment bag and a carry-on.
Closet space onboard is limited and usually reserved for premium cabins, so your garment bag will likely need to go in the overhead bin. If it's soft enough, you can lay it flat on top of other bags to help keep your clothes crease-free.
Always check your airline’s specific carry-on size rules before flying, as they can vary slightly. If you're also bringing a personal item (like a backpack or handbag), make sure your garment bag still fits within the total allowance.
The easiest way to carry a suit on a plane is in a soft-sided garment bag. Most airlines count this as your carry-on, as long as it fits their size rules.
If you’re flying in Business or First Class, you might get access to a closet where it can hang. In Economy, closet space is rare, but you can still ask. If there’s no closet available, lay your garment bag flat in the overhead bin, on top of other luggage, to help prevent creases. You can also fold your suit carefully inside your carry-on with tissue paper to reduce wrinkles.
When you arrive, hang it up straight away, or use a hotel steamer to freshen it up.
💡Quick tip: Always check your airline’s carry-on policy before you fly, as rules around garment bags can vary.
Folding a suit or blazer for travel is all about keeping it sharp and wrinkle-free. Here’s a simple way to do it:
Still worried about creases? Some hotels offer steamers or pressing services, and hanging it in a steamy bathroom can help too.
💡Bonus tip: Carry it in a soft garment bag if you can. Your suit will thank you.
Yes, you can fly with a suit on Spirit Airlines, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Spirit allows one personal item for free - this needs to fit under the seat in front of you, so a full-size garment bag won’t cut it. If you want to bring a suit in a garment bag, you’ll need to pay for a carry-on bag or checked luggage.
Garment bags are allowed as carry-on items as long as they fit within Spirit’s carry-on size limits: 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 46 x 25 cm). Spirit aircraft don’t have closet space, so you’ll need to store your suit in the overhead bin. A soft-sided garment bag that folds easily works best.
If you’re travelling for a wedding or business event, consider using a carry-on-friendly suit bag and packing it flat to keep wrinkles to a minimum.
Yes, you can fly with a suit on Qantas. Garment bags are allowed as part of your carry-on allowance, as long as they fit within the size and weight limits, typically 115cm (45in) total dimensions and up to 7kg in Economy. If you're travelling in Business or First Class, you may also have access to additional cabin baggage or storage options.
Some Qantas aircraft have closets where crew may hang your suit, but this isn’t guaranteed, especially if you're flying Economy. It's a good idea to ask politely when you board, but be ready to store your garment bag in the overhead bin just in case.
To keep your suit in top shape, use a soft, foldable garment bag and lay it flat across other luggage if you can.
