Ever stood at the boarding gate, garment bag in hand, wondering if it'll be a smooth sail onto the plane or a frantic last-minute check-in? If you're flying Southwest Airlines and your precious attire is coming along, you're in the right place! We're about to demystify Southwest's garment bag policy and give you a step-by-step guide to ensure your clothes arrive as wrinkle-free as possible.
Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understand Southwest's Carry-On Policy – Your First Hurdle!
Before we even talk garment bags specifically, it's crucial to grasp Southwest's general carry-on rules. Did you know that many airlines consider a garment bag part of your standard carry-on allowance? Southwest is generally quite generous, allowing one carry-on bag AND one personal item. This is your starting point.
Carry-on Bag Dimensions: Your main carry-on, which your garment bag often falls under if it's a folding type, must not exceed 24" (L) x 16" (W) x 10" (H). This includes wheels, handles, and any attachments. This bag is typically stowed in the overhead bin.
Personal Item Dimensions: This smaller item, like a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack, must fit under the seat in front of you. Its dimensions should not exceed 18.5" (L) x 13.5" (W) x 8.5" (H).
So, your primary goal is to ensure your garment bag, when folded, adheres to these carry-on dimensions.
QuickTip: Don’t just scroll — process what you see.
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| Can I Bring A Garment Bag On Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Determine Your Garment Bag Type and Its Fit
Garment bags come in various forms, and this significantly impacts whether you can bring it as a carry-on.
Sub-heading: Folding Garment Bags (Most Common for Carry-On)
Most garment bags designed for travel are "bi-fold" or "tri-fold" – meaning they fold in half or thirds. These are generally your best bet for carry-on.
The Key is the Folded Size: When folded, the dimensions of your garment bag must fit within Southwest's 24" x 16" x 10" carry-on limit. Many carry-on specific garment bags are designed with this in mind.
Soft-Sided vs. Hard-Sided: Soft-sided garment bags offer more flexibility for squishing into overhead bins if they're a tiny bit over, but always aim for compliance. Hard-sided ones are less forgiving but offer more protection.
Tip: Keep scrolling — each part adds context.
Sub-heading: Larger, Non-Folding Garment Bags (Likely Checked Baggage)
If your garment bag is long and doesn't fold down to the carry-on dimensions, it will almost certainly need to be checked.
Southwest's Checked Baggage Policy: Southwest is famously generous with checked bags, allowing two free checked bags per ticketed customer. Each checked bag can weigh up to 50 lbs (22.7 kg) and have total linear dimensions (length + width + height) up to 62 inches (157.5 cm).
Oversized/Overweight Fees: If your garment bag exceeds these limits for checked baggage, you'll incur additional fees. Oversized items (over 62 inches but not more than 80 inches) and overweight items (51-100 lbs) incur a $200 fee per item.
Step 3: Packing Your Garment Bag for Success (and Wrinkle-Free Arrival)
This is where the magic happens! Even with the right bag, poor packing can lead to a wrinkled mess.
Tip: Pause whenever something stands out.
Sub-heading: Pre-Packing Preparations
Wash and Iron All Garments: This might seem obvious, but starting with clean, wrinkle-free clothes is half the battle. If an item needs dry cleaning, do it well in advance.
Check for Repairs: Missing buttons or broken zippers? Fix them now, not at your destination.
Use Acid-Free Tissue Paper: This is a pro-tip! Place white tissue paper inside arms and legs of garments, and between layers, to maintain shape and reduce friction, which causes wrinkles. Avoid colored tissue paper, as dyes can bleed if it gets wet.
Sub-heading: The Art of Hanging and Folding
Utilize Hangers: Most garment bags are designed to keep clothes on hangers. If your bag has built-in hangers, use them. If not, consider lightweight wire hangers to save space.
Combine Items on Hangers: To maximize space, you can often hang a shirt with its coordinating blazer on the same hanger.
Secure All Fasteners: Button shirts, zip up trousers and dresses. This keeps garments more secure and prevents shifting, which leads to wrinkles.
The "Dry-Cleaning Bag" Trick: Place a plastic dry-cleaning bag over each hanger of clothes before placing them in the garment bag. This reduces friction between garments, a major cause of wrinkles.
Strategic Placement: If your garment bag has multiple compartments, use them!
Interior Pockets: Ideal for underwear, socks, ties, belts, and other small accessories. This keeps them from shifting and wrinkling your main garments.
Shoe Compartments: Many garment bags have dedicated shoe pockets. If yours doesn't, place shoes in a cotton or plastic shoe bag to prevent dirt transfer, and then at the bottom of the folded garment bag. You can even stuff socks or small items inside the shoes to maximize space.
Sub-heading: The Folding Process (for Carry-On Garment Bags)
Lay Flat: Lay your garment bag open on a clean, flat surface.
Arrange Garments: Place your hung garments neatly inside, ensuring they lie as flat as possible. If you have multiple items, try to layer them evenly.
Gentle Folding: If your garment bag is a bi-fold or tri-fold, gently fold it over itself. The key is to keep the folds as loose as possible to avoid crushing the garments, especially if they have structure or boning.
Secure the Bag: Use any snap closures, zippers, or straps provided to secure the folded bag.
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
Step 4: Boarding and Stowing Your Garment Bag
You've packed it perfectly, now for the final step!
Overhead Bin is Your Friend: For carry-on garment bags, the overhead bin is typically where it will go. Try to be an early boarder if possible, as overhead bin space can fill up quickly, especially on a full Southwest flight.
Flat is Best: When placing your garment bag in the overhead bin, try to lay it flat on top of other bags if space allows. This helps prevent crushing and minimizes new creases.
Ask the Crew (Politely): While Southwest planes generally do not have dedicated hanging closets in economy, it never hurts to politely ask a flight attendant if there's any available space in a crew closet, particularly for very delicate items. Be prepared for a "no," as these spaces are limited and often reserved for flight crew uniforms.
Step 5: Upon Arrival: The De-Wrinkling Revival
Even with the best packing, a few creases might appear. Don't fret!
Hang Immediately: As soon as you get to your destination, take your garments out of the bag and hang them on a proper hanger (ideally one with wide shoulders for jackets).
Steam Power:
Hotel Shower Trick: Hang your suit or dress in the bathroom while you take a hot, steamy shower. Close the door to trap the steam. The humidity will help relax the fabric and release wrinkles.
Travel Steamer: If you travel frequently with delicate items, a compact travel steamer is a worthy investment.
Wrinkle Release Spray: A quick spritz of wrinkle release spray can also work wonders.
Smooth by Hand: Gently smooth out any remaining creases with your hands.
By following these steps, you'll significantly increase your chances of a smooth journey with your garment bag on Southwest Airlines, ensuring your attire looks its best upon arrival!
FAQs: How to...
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to bringing a garment bag on Southwest Airlines, with quick answers:
How to know if my garment bag counts as a carry-on? Check if your garment bag, when folded, meets Southwest's carry-on dimensions: 24" (L) x 16" (W) x 10" (H). If it does, it typically counts as your one carry-on item.
How to pack a suit in a garment bag to avoid wrinkles on Southwest? Use dry-cleaning bags over individual items, stuff tissue paper in sleeves/legs, button and zip all fasteners, and fold the garment bag gently along its natural creases.
How to utilize space in a garment bag for smaller items? Use the interior zippered pockets for underwear, socks, ties, and belts. For shoes, place them in shoe bags and tuck them into dedicated compartments or at the bottom of the folded bag.
How to handle a garment bag if the overhead bins are full? If your garment bag is within carry-on limits but the bins are full, you may be asked to gate-check it. It will then be placed in the cargo hold for free.
How to measure my garment bag correctly for Southwest? Measure the length, width, and height of your garment bag when it's packed and folded as you intend to carry it. Remember to include any wheels and handles in your measurements.
How to choose the best garment bag for Southwest carry-on? Look for a bi-fold or tri-fold garment bag specifically marketed as "carry-on compliant" or with dimensions that clearly fit within 24" x 16" x 10" when folded. Soft-sided options offer more flexibility.
How to deal with a garment bag if it's too large for carry-on? If it exceeds carry-on dimensions, you will need to check it as baggage. Southwest allows two free checked bags up to 50 lbs and 62 linear inches.
How to prevent delicate fabrics from crushing in a garment bag? Use ample tissue paper or plastic dry-cleaning bags between layers, and ensure the garment bag is not overstuffed. Try to lay it flat in the overhead bin.
How to quickly de-wrinkle clothes from a garment bag after a Southwest flight? Hang clothes immediately upon arrival. Use the hotel bathroom's steam from a hot shower, a travel steamer, or a wrinkle-release spray.
How to know if Southwest has a hanging closet for garment bags? Southwest Airlines aircraft typically do not have dedicated hanging closets available for passengers in the economy cabin. Your carry-on garment bag will need to fit in the overhead bin.
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