Deborah Chan
If you're planning a destination wedding, you'll need to figure out how to transport your wedding dress to the location. While you can bring your wedding dress as checked luggage, it's not recommended as it may be damaged. It's best to take it as carry-on luggage so it doesn't leave your sight while travelling. However, different airlines have different rules regarding carry-on luggage, so it's important to plan ahead.
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What You'll Learn
Packing a wedding dress in a carry-on bag
Choosing the Right Carry-On Bag:
Firstly, select an appropriate carry-on bag for your wedding dress. Opt for a soft-sided garment bag specifically designed for travel. This will keep your dress protected and make it easier to carry. Some retailers provide a garment bag with your wedding dress purchase, or you can purchase one online. Ensure the bag adheres to the carry-on size restrictions of your chosen airline.
Preparing the Dress:
Before packing, it is essential to prepare your wedding dress properly. Start by placing tissue paper inside the dress, moulding it to fill the bust area and other structured sections. This technique, recommended by bridal and eveningwear designer Andrew Kwon, helps maintain the shape of the dress during transit. Next, wrap the dress with tissue paper for added protection, followed by a layer of plastic, such as a dry cleaner bag, to safeguard against any liquids.
Folding the Dress:
When placing the dress in the carry-on bag, start by positioning the middle of the dress inside the bag. Then, take the top of the dress and fold it over, followed by the bottom, creating a three-fold. This method, suggested by bridal fashion stylist Hope LaVine, ensures the dress is securely packed while minimising wrinkles.
Handling Embellishments:
If your wedding dress features embellishments such as beading or crystals, take extra care. Carry the garment bag over your forearm and lay it flat in the overhead compartment. Avoid hanging the dress until the day you wear it, as the weight of the embellishments can cause stretching. Keep beaded dresses separate from other items, as prongs holding beads can poke through and damage nearby garments.
In-Flight Storage:
When storing your wedding dress during the flight, there are a few options. Most airlines will allow you to place the garment bag in the overhead compartment, either folded or laid flat on top of other carry-on luggage. Some airlines, like United Airlines, offer hanging closet space, ensuring your dress remains untouched during the flight. If hanging space is unavailable, consider purchasing an extra seat for your dress, allowing it to stretch out securely.
Additional Considerations:
Always pack your wedding dress as a carry-on item to keep it within your sight and minimise the risk of damage or loss. Arrive at the airport early to allow extra time for security checks, especially if your dress is large or delicate. Keep your wedding dress separate from other clothing to prevent it from getting squished or dirty. Finally, bring essential items like shapewear, shoes, undergarments, jewellery, and hair accessories in your carry-on bag to have everything you need for your special day.
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Using a garment bag for protection
Using a garment bag is a great way to protect your wedding dress while travelling. It will help to keep your dress wrinkle-free and dirt-free. Make sure the garment bag is lightweight and breathable. You can buy one online if your dress didn't come with one.
If your dress has a train, Bridal Fashion Stylist Hope LaVine recommends grabbing the loop underneath and putting it on the hanger hook. This will distribute the weight more evenly and make folding easier. She also recommends looping the hanger straps around the clothing hanger to take the weight off the bag's straps.
When packing your dress into a carry-on bag, LaVine suggests placing the middle of the dress inside first, then folding the top and bottom over. If your dress is bulkier, you may need to fold it in half and store it in the overhead compartment.
If you're travelling with JetBlue, your wedding dress will count as a personal item. It will need to be placed in the overhead bin during takeoff and landing, but you can store it underneath the seat in front of you if there's room. You could also buy an extra seat for your dress, so it can be stretched out and secured with the seatbelt.
Some airlines offer hanging closets for dresses, so it's worth contacting your airline to see if this is an option. If not, you may be able to ask an attendant to hang your dress in the closet at the front of the plane.
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Buying an extra seat for the dress
If you're concerned about your wedding dress getting damaged or creased in the overhead compartment, you can always buy it an extra seat. This option is often chosen by brides flying with JetBlue, as the airline doesn't offer hanging closet space on any of its flights. By purchasing an extra seat, you can lay the dress across it and fasten the seatbelt over it to keep it secure.
Before you book a second ticket, it's important to check the airline's guidelines. It's also worth noting that some airlines have larger 'coat closets' in the first-class cabin area that can be used for bridal gown storage. Therefore, it's recommended to call ahead to double-check if your plane will have extra space.
If you decide to purchase an extra seat for your wedding dress, make sure to place it in a window seat. This will allow you to easily secure the dress with the help of a crew member. It's also important to pack your dress properly in a garment bag to protect it during the screening process and transport.
While buying an extra seat can be a great option, it may not be necessary for all wedding dresses. If your dress is small and can be folded, you may be able to pack it in a carry-on bag or suitcase. Additionally, some airlines may allow you to hang your dress in a closet or store it in the overhead compartment without purchasing an extra seat.
Ultimately, the decision to buy an extra seat for your wedding dress depends on your budget and the specific requirements of your dress. If you have the extra funds and want to ensure your dress stays pristine, purchasing an extra seat can provide peace of mind.
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Hanging the dress in an onboard closet
Some airlines do offer hanging closets for passenger use. United Airlines, for example, offers a hanging closet service, providing peace of mind that the dress will be carefully handled from boarding to arrival. However, it is important to call the airline ahead of time to check their specific policies and availability.
If the airline does not offer a hanging closet, it is still possible to bring the dress on board and ask the flight attendants for assistance. They may allow you to hang the dress in the closet at the front of the plane or help you secure it in another way. It is recommended to arrive early to allow extra time for security checks and to manage the dress properly.
When bringing a wedding dress on a plane, it is important to pack it safely in a garment bag to protect it during the screening process and transportation. The garment bag should be lightweight, breathable, and opaque, rather than see-through. It should also have hanger straps to distribute the weight of the dress evenly.
It is worth noting that some airlines may consider a wedding dress as a personal item or carry-on, while others may require it to be checked. It is important to contact the airline and, if necessary, the TSA to determine their specific policies and limitations.
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Checking the dress as hold luggage
Although it is possible to check your wedding dress as hold luggage, it is not recommended. Checked bags are at risk of rough handling, and your dress could be damaged. It is best to keep your wedding dress with you in the cabin. If your airline allows you to hang your dress in a closet, that is the best option. If not, and your wedding dress is small enough to fit in a carry-on bag or suitcase, you can pack it, even if it means squeezing it in.
If your dress is bulkier or more delicate, putting it into a suitcase might not be an option. In this case, you could consider holding the garment bag for the duration of the journey. Depending on the size or weight, this may be uncomfortable for long periods of travel, but it is possible. You could also ask the in-flight crew to help you secure your dress. Sometimes, they will let you hang the dress in the closet at the front of the plane.
If your dress is large, you may need to purchase an extra seat to accommodate it. You can lay the dress across the seat and fasten the seatbelt over it to keep it secure during the flight. This option will also give you peace of mind that your dress is safe and will not be damaged.
If you do decide to check your dress as hold luggage, there are some steps you can take to protect it. Firstly, make sure it is packed safely in a garment bag or other packaging to protect it during the screening process and transportation. You can also use the airline's app to keep track of your dress throughout your travels. If there are any issues, report any mishandled items to the airline's baggage service centre or file a claim online to receive assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
It's possible, but not recommended. Checked bags are at risk of rough handling, and your dress could be damaged. Always try to keep it with you in the cabin.
It's recommended that you pack your wedding dress in a garment bag to protect it from wrinkles and dirt. If your dress has a train, grab the loop underneath and put it onto the hook of the hanger to evenly distribute the weight.
The TSA does not enforce an individual airline's carry-on restrictions, so it's best to contact your airline to determine their policy. Some airlines may allow you to hang your dress in a closet, while others may require you to store it in the overhead bin.
Yes, you may consider purchasing an extra seat for your wedding dress so that it can be stretched out and secured during the flight. Alternatively, you can carefully fold your dress into a small carry-on bag and store it in the overhead bin.
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