How To Bring Your Wedding Gown On A Plane

Planning a destination wedding can be both exciting and challenging. While the idea of getting married in a far-flung locale is appealing, managing the logistics can be tricky. One of the most important considerations is how to transport your wedding gown to the venue. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about bringing your wedding gown on a plane, from packing and carrying it on board to handling security screening and dealing with wrinkles. We will also offer expert tips and advice to ensure your gown arrives safely and in perfect condition for your big day.

Flying with a wedding dress: the dos and don'ts

Flying with a wedding dress can be a stressful experience, but with some careful planning, you can ensure your gown arrives safely at your destination. Here are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind:

Do:

• Contact your airline ahead of time to verify their policies for carry-on items and stowing wedding dresses. Most airlines will allow you to bring your dress as a carry-on item, but it's always best to check in advance.
• Pack your wedding dress in a sturdy garment bag. This will protect it from stains and damage during transit.
• Hang the dress inside the garment bag and fold the train once at the bottom if necessary. This will help it fit inside the bag.
• Stuff the dress with acid-free tissue paper or plastic dry cleaner bags to help retain its shape, especially in the bodice and sleeves.
• Enclose the dress in one or more plastic dry cleaner bags inside the larger garment bag for extra protection from moisture and damage.
• Label your garment bag clearly and boldly. You don't want to risk a dress mix-up with another bride-to-be!
• Arrive at the airport early to allow for extra time during security screening. Security personnel may need to open and unpack the dress, so you'll need time to repack it correctly.
• Notify gate personnel and board early to increase your chances of getting closet space or alerting the crew of your situation.

Don't:

• Don't pack your wedding dress in checked luggage. This increases the risk of it being lost, damaged, or stolen.
• Don't forget to give your gown time to breathe post-travel. Unpack the dress and hang it up promptly upon arrival and allow it to air out for at least 24 hours before wearing it.
• Don't iron your dress without checking with the designer first. Different fabrics have different care instructions, and you don't want to risk damaging your gown.
• Don't forget to bring a fabric steamer or confirm that your destination will have one available. Some wrinkling is inevitable during travel, and you'll want to be able to remove those creases before the big day.

Preparing your wedding dress for air travel

Flying with your wedding dress can be stressful, but with the right preparation, it is completely possible to do so safely. Here are some tips to help you prepare your wedding dress for air travel:

Contact your airline

It is important to contact your airline ahead of time to verify their specific guidelines and restrictions for carrying on a wedding dress. Most airlines will allow you to bring your dress as a carry-on item, but it is always best to confirm. Ask about their policy for bringing and stowing the dress on the plane, as well as their carry-on bag limitations. Some airlines may have additional closet space or larger 'coat closets' in the first-class cabin area that can be used for bridal gown storage. Others may offer an early valet service that allows you to preload your dress to the overhead bin before boarding.

Choose the right garment bag

A good-quality garment bag is essential for protecting your wedding dress during air travel. If you purchased your dress from a retailer, they should provide you with a garment bag. If not, you can easily purchase one online. Look for a bag that is sturdy, waterproof, and opaque, to keep your dress safe and secure. The bag should have hanger straps to distribute the weight of the dress evenly, and a loop underneath the train to hang it on the hanger. If your dress is made of fabric that can be rolled or folded, consider a convertible garment bag that doubles as a duffel with a shoulder strap.

Pack your dress properly

Follow the instructions provided by your dress designer or retailer for hanging, rolling, or folding your dress. If you are hanging the dress, fold the train once at the bottom so it fits inside the bag. You can stuff the bodice and sleeves with acid-free tissue paper or plastic dry cleaner bags to help retain its shape and provide extra protection from moisture and damage during transit. Enclose the dress in one or more plastic dry cleaner bags inside the larger garment bag.

Label your garment bag

Clearly label your garment bag with your personal information, including your name, phone number, email, and a local address where you can be reached. This will help ensure that your dress can be returned to you if it is lost or misplaced during transit.

Arrive at the airport early

Give yourself plenty of extra time when travelling with your wedding dress. Arrive at the airport early to allow for additional time during security screening. Security personnel may need to open and unpack the dress for screening, so you will need the extra time to repack it correctly.

Board the plane early

If possible, notify gate personnel about your situation and board the plane early to improve your chances of finding closet space or overhead bin storage for your dress.

Prepare for wrinkles

Some wrinkling is inevitable, even if your dress is packed perfectly. Consider bringing a travel steamer or portable steamer to remove wrinkles before your wedding day. Alternatively, select a local dry cleaner at your destination who has experience in bridal gown care and make an appointment in advance.

Packing your wedding dress in a carry-on bag

Choosing the Right Bag

Firstly, you'll need to choose a suitable garment bag for your dress. When you purchase your wedding dress, the retailer should provide a garment bag that can safely house your attire. If not, you can easily purchase one online. Make sure the bag is sturdy, waterproof, and opaque. It should also have hanger straps to support the weight of the dress. If your dress has a train, look for a bag with a loop underneath that you can put onto the hook of the hanger for more even weight distribution.

Packing the Dress

When packing your dress into a carry-on bag, start by placing the middle of the garment inside. Then, fold over the top and bottom to create a three-fold. This method will help minimise wrinkles and keep your dress protected during transit. Cover the dress with acid-free tissue paper to further prevent creases. Don't forget to attach a bright ribbon or tag to your garment bag so you can easily identify it.

Preparing for the Trip

Before your trip, it's essential to contact your airline to determine their policies for bringing and stowing a wedding dress. Different airlines have different guidelines for carry-on baggage, so ensure your garment bag meets their size requirements. Some airlines may have additional closet space in the first-class cabin that can be used for bridal gown storage. It's also a good idea to arrive at the airport early to avoid rushing and give yourself plenty of time to store your dress safely.

During the Flight

If your dress is small enough to fit in the overhead bin, carefully place it there and ask the flight attendants for assistance if needed. Sometimes, flight attendants may even allow you to hang the dress in the closet at the front of the plane. Alternatively, you can consider purchasing an extra seat for your dress if your budget allows.

After the Flight

Once you arrive at your destination, remove your dress from the garment bag and let the fabric settle. This will help remove some wrinkles. For any stubborn creases, use a steamer or carefully iron the dress, making sure to test on a small area first. Give your dress ample time to breathe before putting it on, preferably at least 24 hours, as recommended by Margaret Kane, founder of Margaret Rose Events.

What to do if your wedding dress doesn't fit in the overhead bin

If your wedding dress doesn't fit in the overhead bin, the first thing to do is not panic! There are a few options to consider:

• Check with the flight attendants to see if there is any extra space in the first-class cabin area or coat closet that can be used for bridal gown storage. Some airlines may accommodate this request, but it's not guaranteed, so it's best to call ahead or chat with customer service reps at the airport for assistance.
• Consider purchasing an extra seat for your dress if your budget allows. This will provide more space to lay out the dress without using a hanger. Different airlines have different rules, so be sure to check with your airline before booking an additional ticket.
• Ship the dress directly to your destination. While this option won't allow you to keep track of the gown during the flight, it will give you peace of mind knowing that you won't have to worry about finding space on the plane.
• Carefully pack the dress in a carry-on bag that meets the airline's size requirements. Place the middle of the garment inside, then fold over the top and bottom to create a three-fold. Make sure the garment bag is waterproof and opaque, and consider adding a bright ribbon or tag to easily identify it.
• If the dress is too large or bulky to fit in a carry-on bag, you may need to hold the garment bag for the duration of the flight. This may be uncomfortable for long periods, but it is doable, and you can always ask the flight attendants for assistance.

Remember to plan ahead and contact your airline to determine their specific policies for bringing and stowing a wedding dress on the plane, as well as their carry-on bag limitations.

How to transport a wedding dress without damaging it

Transporting a wedding dress by plane can be a tricky business, but there are several ways to ensure it arrives safely at your destination. Here are some tips on how to transport a wedding dress without damaging it:

Before You Travel:

Firstly, it is important to note that the designer or retailer is only responsible for getting the dress to the store. After alterations, it is the couple's responsibility to make arrangements for transporting the dress to the wedding venue. When you purchase your dress, the retailer should provide a garment bag that can safely house your attire. If not, you can purchase one online or make a makeshift bag by pinning pillowcases, fitted sheets, or large garbage bags around the gown. Leave the dress in the bag it came in until you reach your destination, and only take it out to fold it for your carry-on, if necessary.

At the Airport:

Call ahead or check the airline's website to determine their policy for bringing and stowing a wedding dress. Give yourself plenty of time to get through security, as the dress may need to be searched manually if it doesn't fit through the conveyor belt scanner.

On the Plane:

The best way to ensure your dress arrives safely is to take it on the plane with you as a carry-on item. Do not put it in your checked baggage. You can either carefully fold the dress and place it in a carry-on bag in the overhead bins, or hang it in a closet on the plane if there is space. If the dress is too bulky or delicate to fit in a carry-on bag, you can hold the garment bag for the duration of the journey. Ask the flight attendants if they can accommodate hanging the dress in the closet, and make sure it is placed on top of other luggage in the overhead bins. You can also consider purchasing an extra seat for your dress, although different airlines have different rules regarding this, so check with your airline before booking.

After You Land:

Remove your dress from the garment bag and let the fabric settle to remove some wrinkles. For stubborn creases, use a handheld steamer or have your dress professionally steamed. Make sure you know how to properly treat your wedding dress based on its fabric. For example, silk requires pressing, while steaming can shrink the hem or cause discoloration.

Frequently asked questions