Can I Bring a Coat On a Plane? 2025

When traveling, you want to have a light jacket or a winter coat always handy, but can you bring a coat on a plane? And does a winter coat count as a personal item?

You are permitted to take your coat or jacket on any airline without any restrictions. According to the TSA, jackets are allowed at the security checkpoint, but you will need to take them off so they can be screened properly before you proceed to your flight.

This post is about bringing coats on planes and what the TSA rules are about traveling with coats.

Let’s dive right in.

TL;DR

You can bring a coat or jacket on any plane without restrictions.
The TSA allows jackets through security, but you must remove them for screening unless you have TSA PreCheck.
TSA officers may still ask you to remove your jacket even with PreCheck.
Most airlines do not count a coat as a carry-on or personal item; it’s considered a free extra item like an umbrella or reading material.
You can wear your jacket, pack it in your bag, or store it in the overhead bin.
For bulky winter coats, fold or roll them to save space in your suitcase.
Heated jackets are allowed but must go through screening at security.

Black GEMYSE waterproof winter jacket with hood, front zipper, and multiple pockets designed for outdoor and cold-weather travel. — _{GEMYSE Women’s Mountain Waterproof Jacket}

Table of Contents

Can I bring a coat on a plane?

There are no restrictions on taking coats on planes with most airlines, and each airline has different regulations about what you are allowed to take as baggage in either carry-on or checked baggage.

In addition to your allowed baggage, most airlines permit you to have some additional items like a jacket, an umbrella, reading material, food, or merchandise that you buy at the airport.

Can You Wear a Winter Coat Through Airport Security?

Obviously, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) doesn’t have any problem with wearing normal jackets through the security checkpoint, but they have specific restrictions on heated Jackets and sweaters.

TSA travel chart showing heated jackets and sweaters are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags, with a note indicating “Yes (Special Instructions)” for each

Passengers will be required to take off their heavy jackets at airport security and place them on the conveyor belt for screening.

You can also place your coat inside your carry-on bag, and it will be treated as any other kind of clothing, so you don’t need to take it out at the airport. That will help make your screening process fast and smooth.

If you are TSA PreCheck, you don’t have to remove shoes, belts, or light jackets before clearing airport security. However, sometimes even if you have TSA PreCheck approval, you may still need to take off your jacket.

TSA officers have the discretion to ask you to remove an item if needed.
TSA

Real-Life Experiences With AskTSA

Zara asked the TSA if light jackets and sport coats are allowed to be worn through the security line, and the TSA replied that jackets are allowed, but they must be removed and placed in the bin for screening.

Tweet from AskTSA saying light jackets and sport coats are allowed, but in the standard lane, you must remove them for screening

Can I carry my winter coat on the plane?

Can I bring a coat on a plane? Most airlines will not count your coat or jacket as part of your carry-on baggage as long as you don’t bring too many jackets.

If you take only one jacket, you can either wear it, place it inside your bag, or place it on top of your bag in the overhead compartment.

A big and large coat may cause small problems when traveling on small airplanes because of the limited space these airlines have on their airplanes, so they limit the number of additional and personal items you can take.

But still, the best way to take your jacket on a plane is by wearing it until you get on board the airplane.

You can then place it inside your bag or under the seat in front of you.

You can also wear two jackets if you feel comfortable with that, and if the jackets are light.

How do you pack a winter coat in a suitcase?

If you decide to take your jacket inside your suitcase, carry-on, or checked baggage, here are some tips to help you pack your jacket neatly before you travel.

First, zip your jacket to make it easier to pack and fold.

Fold the sleeves backward.

Fold the coat in half, along the midline, to make sure it is wrinkle-free, each half should meet the other.

Roll the jacket up; the tighter the roll is, the less space your coat will take.

Secure the jacket with a duty band and tighten it so it won’t unroll as soon as you place it inside your suitcase.

Community thoughts

Jessica is so happy because she got TSA PreCheck and didn’t have to remove her shoes or jacket at airport security on her flight with United Airlines.

Tweet from Jessica Battin saying she got TSA PreCheck from United Airlines and didn’t have to remove her shoes or jacket at security.

Blake asked Delta Airlines if he could bring his heated jacket with a 144 Wh battery on the airplane.

Tweet from Blake Norwood asking Delta if he can bring a heated jacket with a 144 Wh battery on a round trip from Atlanta to London. Delta replies that if TSA allows it through security, he may bring it, and advises him to contact @AskTSA

And the Delta agent replied that if the TSA approved it, he is allowed to bring it on board the airplane without any restriction.

But what the TSA says about traveling with heated jackets.

Screenshot from X where AskTSA confirms heated jackets are allowed in carry-on and checked bags but must be screened separately.

The TSA stated that heated jackets are also allowed on airplanes, but you will need to remove your jacket at the security checkpoint and place it in a bin for screening.

What are airline regulations about traveling with jackets?

Most airlines will not count a jacket as a personal item or as part of your carry-on, but rather as another additional item that is free of charge.

Here are some airlines and what they say about jackets:

United airlines	In addition to your one carry-on bag and personal item, you can bring the following items on board: A jacket An umbrella Reading material Food or merchandise that you buy in the airport
American Airlines	American airlines didn’t mentions jackets on its website, but obviously you can take your jacket on AA and it won’t be count as a piece of carry on.
Alaska airlines	These items may be brought onboard without counting toward your carry-on limit. Coats, hats, umbrellas (compact size that easily fits into an overhead bin, under the seat or in a suitcase) A pillow for personal use Food for immediate consumption
Frontier airlines	Coats, diaper bags when traveling with an infant, canes, crutches, Portable Oxygen Concentrators, respiratory devices or any other assistive devices, and foot rugs for use during prayer are all free to carry on in addition to your one personal item.

Best Jackets for Travel

When traveling, a lightweight and warm jacket to protect you against wet winter weather is critical also, a jacket that will not take valuable space inside your suitcase when you don’t need to wear it.

Here are a variety of picks for some of the best lightweight jackets for travel.

The Amazon Essentials Men’s Lightweight Water-Resistant Jacket for men and women is lightweight and includes a warm base layer, deep internal pockets, and zippers on external pockets.

Well constructed you can wear it or place it inside your bag without even noticing the space difference.

Also, this Columbia Women’s Mighty Lite Jacket, with its endless variety of styles, offers the most warmth at the absolute lightest weight.

This jacket can easily be folded down to fit in your carry-on or worn while you are on your journey.

Final Thoughts: Can I bring a coat on a plane?

Now that you know how to fly with a jacket and that you can take your jacket on airplanes without any restrictions, as well as how to pack your winter jacket in your suitcase.

I don’t see any issue with bringing a jacket on planes, but if you are traveling with several jackets or coats, make sure to know your airline’s size and weight limits, as you may be required to place them inside your carry-on or checked baggage.

I hope this helps

Happy travels

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Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.