Yes, you can take a Garment bag as a carry on, while leaving for the airport. American Airlines approves soft-sided garment bags as a carry-on.

The official site of American Airlines confirms that passengers flying Basic Economy are entitled to carry one free carry-on in addition to a personal item to all destinations.

Any soft-sided garment bag with a size limit of 51 inches counts as a carry-on. You can take the bag with you as a carry-on and don't have to worry about getting your favorite suit getting wrinkled in the luggage.

But as the saying goes, 'ignorance of the law is not forgivable.' You must know and have some idea of the current TSA guidelines. American Airlines Carry-On Policy limits passengers to one personal item (such as a purse, briefcase, laptop, etc.) and one carry-on bag (such as a garment bag, backpack, suitcase, pet carrier, etc.)

Carry-on Bags Requirements

The size approved by the TSA for a carry-on is 22*14*9 inches (56*36*23 cm), including handles and wheels. There are no weight restrictions for a carry-on.

The rule states that Soft-sided garment bags of maximum size 51 inches or 130 cm can also be taken as a carry-on item. Also, the garment bag should fit in the sizer at the airport.

The main criterion for an item to qualify as a carry-on is that it must fit on the overhead bin or under the seat on a plane. In case your garment bag is a tad too big to be placed on the overhead bin, then it won't be allowed as a carry-on.

Furthermore, some airports or airplanes may impose some additional carry-on bag restrictions. The size of the plane you are flying in, and the luggage capacity of the overhead bin in the plane can account for those added restrictions.

If you thinking of carrying your laptop in a carry-on while also bringing a suit in a small foldable garment bag, you are in for real trouble. That small foldable bag also counts as a carry-on. One of those bags will have to go as checked luggage against your liking.

Personal Item Requirements

Personal Item includes a small bag like a purse or handbag that can fit under the seat in front of you. The size of these bags should be of the specified dimension, 18*14*8 inches (45*35*20 cm).

Items like Diaper bags, breast pumps, child safety seats, strollers, and mobility don't count as Personal Item.

Now, a question may arise in your mind. If I am only carrying my favorite suit just to avoid it getting wrinkled in a small garment bag, doesn't it count as a personal item? It is a valid argument, given the fact that a small garment bag does fit in the space under the seat easily.

However, US airlines count a garment bag as a carry-on regardless of the size of the bag.

So, if you are carrying a soft-sided garment bag, it ultimately replaces your carry-on bag. Try to make the most out of the space available in your garment bag because if you are to carry one, you won't be allowed another carry-on.