Traveling With Wedding Dress: What You Need To Know

Planning a destination wedding is exciting, but it can also be challenging. One of the biggest concerns is how to transport your wedding dress to the ceremony site without damaging it. Wedding dresses are often bulky and heavy, so it's best to bring them on board rather than check them. Most airlines will allow you to bring your wedding dress on board as a carry-on item, but it's important to check with your specific airline beforehand as there may be special restrictions. To ensure your dress stays in perfect condition, invest in a sturdy garment bag and consider purchasing an extra seat on the plane for your dress if you want to be extra cautious.

Wedding dresses are allowed on planes but must be packed in a garment bag for protection

Wedding dresses are allowed on planes, but they must be packed in a garment bag to protect them from damage or stains. It is also recommended to carry the dress on board as hand luggage, rather than checking it in. This is because it is more likely to be damaged or lost if it is checked in.

When packing your wedding dress, it is important to follow a few key steps to ensure it stays in pristine condition. Firstly, contact your airline to determine their policy for bringing and stowing the dress on the plane, as well as their carry-on bag limitations. Most airlines will allow you to bring your wedding dress on board as a carry-on item, but it is always best to check. It is also a good idea to arrive at the airport early and ask the crew how to best secure your dress.

When choosing a garment bag, opt for one that is waterproof and opaque, rather than see-through. This will protect your dress from any spills or stains during transit. The bag should also have a hanger, making it easier to transport through the airport and hang up on the plane if possible. If your dress came with a garment bag, you can use this, but it is recommended to invest in a higher-quality bag for added protection.

When packing your dress into the garment bag, start by placing the middle of the dress inside, then fold over the top and bottom. This will create a three-fold, making it easier to transport and store. If your dress has a train, be sure to loop this onto the hanger to distribute the weight evenly. You can also line the inside of the garment bag with acid-free, colourless tissue paper or plastic for added protection.

Once you are on board, there are a few options for storing your dress. If the plane has a closet, you may be able to hang your dress there. Otherwise, you can lay it flat on top of the luggage in the overhead compartment. If you are concerned about wrinkles, you can purchase an extra seat for your dress or upgrade to first class or premium seating, which often comes with priority boarding and more storage space.

It is recommended to carry your wedding dress on the plane with you, rather than checking it in

Most airlines will allow you to bring your wedding dress on board as hand luggage, but it's important to check with your airline before travelling. Some airlines have hanging or closet space, but others don't, so it's a good idea to pack your dress so that it fits in an overhead compartment. Make sure you know the airline's exact size, weight and packaging criteria to avoid extra charges or having to check your bag in at the gate.

If you're worried about your dress getting creased, you could consider buying a second seat for it. This might seem excessive, but many brides opt for this service to avoid stress and wrinkles. Alternatively, you could pack your dress in a sturdy garment bag to keep it safe and minimise creasing.

Garment bags are available to purchase online if your dress didn't come with one

Garment bags are essential for protecting your wedding dress while travelling. They ensure that your dress stays wrinkle-free and is protected from spills or damage during transit.

If your dress didn't come with a garment bag, you can easily purchase one online. Websites such as Amazon, Luggage Online, and The Home Depot offer a wide range of garment bags suitable for wedding dresses.

When selecting a garment bag, consider the size and weight of your dress, as well as the features you require. Some bags have additional storage for shoes and accessories, while others have shoulder straps or wheels for easy transport. You may also want to choose an opaque and waterproof bag for extra protection.

• The 66” Premium Tri-Fold Carry On Destination Wedding Gown Travel Bag by WallyBags, available on Luggage Online, is a durable and fully lined bag with a shoulder strap, multiple pockets, and a hanger clamp to keep your dress secure.
• The Portable 70" Wedding Dress Garment Bag with Bride Tote Bag, available on Amazon, includes a large 8-inch gusset and four pockets to store your wedding dress and accessories.
• The 60" Deluxe Travel Garment Bag by WallyBags, also available on Luggage Online, is suitable for weddings and special events, keeping your clothes neat and wrinkle-free with its lightweight and easy-to-carry design.

Remember to check the size requirements of your airline for carry-on luggage to ensure your garment bag complies with their regulations.

It is important to contact your airline in advance to understand their specific policies for wedding dresses

Planning a destination wedding is exciting, but it can also be challenging. There are so many things to think about, from booking your dream venue to coordinating travel plans with your loved ones. And let's not forget about the all-important wedding dress! If you're wondering how to transport your wedding dress to your destination, here's why it's crucial to contact your airline in advance and understand their specific policies.

First and foremost, different airlines have different policies when it comes to wedding dresses. By contacting your airline ahead of time, you can understand their specific guidelines and make the necessary arrangements. For example, some airlines may allow you to hang your dress in a first-class coat closet, while others may not have this option. Knowing this information in advance will help you plan accordingly.

Additionally, it's important to be aware of any size and weight restrictions for carry-on baggage. Wedding dresses can be bulky and heavy, so you'll need to ensure that your dress meets the airline's requirements. This is especially important if you plan to bring your dress as a carry-on item, which is generally recommended over checking it in. By contacting the airline, you can confirm their carry-on policies and make the necessary preparations.

Another reason to get in touch with your airline is to inquire about any special accommodations they may offer for wedding dresses. For instance, some airlines may allow you to purchase priority boarding or extra seat space for your dress. This can give you peace of mind and ensure that your dress travels safely and securely.

Furthermore, contacting the airline in advance will allow you to ask any questions you may have about the screening process. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends packing your wedding dress in a garment bag to protect it during screening. By contacting the airline, you can confirm their specific recommendations and requirements for screening and stowing your dress.

Lastly, it's always a good idea to be prepared for any potential issues that may arise. By contacting the airline in advance, you can understand their policies and procedures for handling lost or delayed luggage. This will give you peace of mind and help you navigate any challenges that may come your way.

In conclusion, it's crucial to contact your airline and understand their specific policies for wedding dresses. This will allow you to plan accordingly, make any necessary arrangements, and ensure that your dress arrives safely at your destination. So, don't leave it to chance – pick up the phone and give them a call! Your dream wedding dress deserves the very best treatment.

You may want to consider buying an extra seat for your dress to avoid stress and wrinkles

If you want to be extra cautious and avoid the stress and wrinkles that can come with transporting your wedding dress, you may want to consider buying an extra seat for it. This option may seem excessive, but many brides choose to do so to ensure their dress stays in pristine condition.

Purchasing an extra seat for your dress will give you the peace of mind of knowing that it won't be lost or damaged during transit. It will also allow you to lay out the dress without having to hang it, reducing the risk of creases and wrinkles.

However, this option may not be financially feasible for everyone. In that case, you can consider other alternatives such as carrying your dress as a carry-on item or shipping it directly to your destination. If you choose to carry it on the plane, be sure to invest in a sturdy garment bag and carefully fold or roll your dress following the designer's recommendations.

Additionally, it is recommended to arrive at the airport early and communicate with the flight crew about your dress to ensure it is safely stored during the flight. You may also want to bring a portable steamer to remove any wrinkles that may occur during transit.

Frequently asked questions