Can You Bring Hangers on Planes?

Generally, metal hangers aren’t considered dangerous on planes in the United States. TSA allows wire or metal hangers in carry-on and checked baggage. But, the final decision to allow metal hangers on a plane is up to the security agent at the airport. If the TSA agent is concerned about your metal hangers becoming a sharp or bludgeoning weapon (in the case of heavy metal hangers), then they might not be allowed through security. But, generally, they are permitted on the plane without any restrictions.

On Indian flights, metal hangers are completely prohibited and the Australian flight authorities recommend using plastic hangers instead. So when traveling internationally, using a plastic hanger might be a slightly smarter choice, as they’re unlikely to be restricted.

No, you don’t need to take hangers out of your bag when going through airport security in the United States. The general TSA rule states that only electronics larger than a cell phone, the toiletry bag, and powders over 350 milliliters / 12 ounces must be placed in an individual bin at the security checkpoint. Although passengers don’t have to take hangers out of the bag, in case a security agent asks for a physical inspection, keep your hangers accessible.

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Overall, it’s best to pack hangers in checked luggage when traveling on domestic flights in the United States. In general, TSA allows hangers in hand and cargo baggage without any restrictions. But, the final decision on whether they are or not allowed onboard the plane security belongs to the airport security agents. If a hanger is particularly heavy or sharp in its edges, airport security might deem it a potential weapon and confiscate it. Since hangers aren’t something you’ll need during the flight (except for garment bags), keep them in your checked baggage whenever possible.

The best way to pack your clothes on hangers is by folding the clothes along with (and over) the hangers. Group your clothes by category (polos, t-shirts, long-sleeves, pants) and limit yourself to three pieces per group. Tie the hangers together with a rubber band so they stay in place. Align the shirts’ sleeves and fold them to the inside. Next, fold the hangers down and continue to fold the clothes over them as many times as necessary. You should end up with a neat rectangular bundle of clothes. Finally, stack the bundles of clothing inside your carry-on or checked luggage. Use the same packing method for pants. This way of packing will prevent creases while keeping clothes in place.

For the most part, airlines in the United States allow you to hang your suits in the coat closet if there is space available. However, some air carriers reserve the privilege for first-class and business-class passengers. Passengers that want to hang their suits in the coat closet must ask the flight attendant first if it’s available. Most airlines allow you to have garment bags with suits, coats, or even wedding dresses. In addition, first-class passengers usually get a coat hook in their seats to hang their coats. Airlines that don’t have a coat closet in their plane will allow you to pack garment bags in the overhead bin as long as they meet the carry-on standards.

In the United States, Delta, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines offer coat closets with certain restrictions. Overall, most large airplanes have a coat closet used to store garment bags, musical instruments, and wheelchairs. The United Airlines’ coat closet is reserved exclusively for their first-class passengers. American Airlines prioritize storing in their closet items that can’t fit in the overhead bin like wheelchairs. But, if there is any space left after that, you might get to hang your garment bag in it. Delta and Alaska Airlines have coat closets available depending on the type of plane. Jetblue, Southwest, Spirit, and Frontier don’t have coat closets available for passengers in their aircraft.

The best hangers for traveling are the [amazon link=”B06XN5B7NB” title=”Trubetter portable folding hangers”]. These hangers are lightweight and foldable so they are easy to pack in your carry-on. Since they are made out of plastic, these portable clothes hangers are unlikely to be considered a threat. Best of all, they convert to different sizes so you can hang everything from undergarments to large coats. Common plastic hangers are the next best option (over wood or metal hangers), but they would take up more space in your carry-on.

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