Originally Posted by
safari ari
Been schlepping around on about 14 flights the past 2 weeks, carrying around a suit I've needed in a garment bag. I have had no issues, until last night in PHL, the GA stated I had too many bags and my garment bag was considered a 3rd carry-on, and started to check my suitcase. She explained it is considered an actual bag, which I find ridiculous for multiple reasons. 1) If I took the jack out of the bag and carried it in my hand, its no problem 2) she didn't try to check my garment bag, but it's a "bag" 3) if i'm carrying a food bag, that's not considered a third item 4) the item went into the closet. What if I removed the bag and just carried the suit jacket on the hanger?
Is a garment bag actually considered a bag, for carry on purposes?
Did you actually have the suit in a garment bag or was it on a hanger but covered in one of those bag-type things you get from the store when you buy a new suit?
If the former, then, yes, the GA was probably right. If it was the latter, then I am inclined to agree with you that it is no different than carrying a suit jacket over your shoulder.
I sometimes travel with the latter and have only been challenged once when trying to carry it on with a briefcase and roller. In that instance, I just took the bag off, tucked in the brief case, walked down the jetway, and put it back on again. It sat on top of my roller and took up no additional space in the bin, so it was a non-issue.