George Boyle
Planning a destination wedding? You might be wondering how to transport your wedding dress to your venue without damaging it. While it is possible to fly with a wedding dress, specific guidelines will vary among airlines. Here's a guide on how to navigate the airport and ensure your gown arrives safely and in pristine condition for your special day.
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What You'll Learn
Ask the airline about storing your dress in a closet
It is recommended that you call the airline ahead of time to double-check if your plane will have extra space for your wedding dress. Some aircraft have larger 'coat closets' in the first-class cabin area that can often be used for bridal gown storage. While closet space is not guaranteed, it is still worth asking the flight attendants to see if they can accommodate your request. If you are unable to get in touch with the airline ahead of time, you can always ask the flight attendants for help once you are onboard.
If you are unable to secure closet space for your wedding dress, you may have to place it in the overhead bin. However, this may cause your dress to become wrinkled. To avoid this, you can purchase a sturdy garment bag to pack your dress in and cover it with colorless, acid-free tissue paper to prevent creases from forming during travel. You may also want to consider purchasing a seat for your dress. This way, it can be laid across the seat and secured with the seatbelt.
It is important to note that different airlines have different rules and guidelines regarding wedding dresses, so it is always best to check with your airline before your flight. Additionally, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport early to allow extra time for security checks, especially if you are carrying a large or delicate dress.
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Pack your dress in a carry-on bag
Packing your wedding dress in a carry-on bag is a great way to ensure it stays safe and by your side throughout your journey. It is recommended to keep your dress in the bag it came in, or a sturdy, opaque, waterproof garment bag. If you need to purchase a garment bag, make sure it has hanger straps to support the weight of your dress. If your dress has a train, grab the loop underneath and put it onto the hook of the hanger to evenly distribute the weight.
When packing your dress into the carry-on bag, place the middle of the dress inside first, then fold the top and bottom over. Cover the dress with acid-free tissue paper to prevent creases from forming during travel. If your dress is bulkier, you may need to place the garment bag into a suitcase, but this may not be possible. In this case, you may need to carry the dress bag for the duration of the journey.
If your dress fits in your carry-on luggage, add a bright ribbon or tag to easily identify it. You can also purchase an extra seat for your dress, although different airlines have different rules, so be sure to check with your airline before booking. If you are unable to purchase an extra seat, you can ask flight attendants to hang your dress in a closet, although this cannot be guaranteed. If there is no closet space available, you can lay your dress flat in the overhead compartment once everyone has boarded.
It is important to arrive at the airport early when travelling with a wedding dress, to allow extra time for security checks. Treat your dress like a VIP—carry it upright and place it on top of other bags if possible. Remember, a wrinkled dress is better than a lost one! You can use a hand steamer to gently remove any wrinkles on your wedding day.
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Buy an extra seat for your dress
If you're concerned about your wedding dress getting wrinkled or damaged in transit, you may want to consider buying an extra seat for it on the plane. This option is particularly useful if your dress is large or bulky, and you don't want to fold it into a carry-on bag.
Before purchasing an extra seat, it's important to check with the airline about their specific guidelines. Some airlines may require you to purchase a window seat for your dress, while others may have different arrangements. It's also a good idea to arrive at the airport early if you're carrying a large or delicate dress, to allow for extra time during security checks.
When packing your wedding dress, it's recommended to use a sturdy, opaque garment bag that can't be seen through. This will help protect your dress from dirt and wrinkles during transit. Make sure the bag adheres to the airline's carry-on size requirements, as some airlines may not accommodate oversized pieces. Additionally, consider using a lightweight and breathable bag, and cover the dress with acid-free tissue paper to prevent creases.
If you decide to purchase an extra seat for your wedding dress, you can lay the dress across the seat and fasten the seatbelt over it to keep it secure during the flight. This option is popular among brides, as it provides peace of mind and ensures the dress won't be cramped in an overhead bin or at risk of being packed with other luggage.
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Arrive at the airport early
If you're flying with a budget airline, you may find that the overhead locker space is all taken up, and they don't have large 'behind-the-scenes' areas like larger airlines and planes. If you can, consider flying premium economy, club, or business class, or booking one of your seats in a higher 'class'. This will increase your chances of finding space for your dress.
If you're travelling with a bulky or delicate dress, you may not be able to fit it into a suitcase. In this case, you might choose to hold the garment bag for the duration of the journey. Make sure that the bag is waterproof and opaque, not see-through.
If you're travelling with hand luggage, keep it light. The wedding dress alone is heavy, so make sure that the rest of your luggage is easy to walk around with.
If you're planning to hang up your dress on the plane, it's a good idea to call ahead to check if your plane will have extra space. You can also chat with customer service reps or flight attendants when you arrive at the airport for extra help.
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Use a steamer to remove wrinkles
It's important to know what fabric your wedding dress is made of and whether it can be steamed. Some fabrics, like satin, are prone to wrinkling but can be easily steamed or ironed. If your dress is made of satin, be sure to use a pressing cloth and only iron the dull backside of the fabric, not the glossy front side.
If your wedding dress can be steamed, there are a few different methods you can use. One option is to use a handheld steamer to remove wrinkles. Fill the steamer with fresh water and check that there is no water leaking from the device. Turn the dress inside out and hold the steamer at least an inch away from the fabric, moving it in large, downward strokes. Pull the dress taut to remove wrinkles quickly, but be careful not to stretch the fabric too hard.
Another option is to use the "hang on the bathroom door during a steamy shower" trick. Cover the bathroom floor with towels and run a very hot shower, allowing the room to fill with steam. Then, wrap your arm in a dry, white towel and run it down the length of the gown, smoothing out any wrinkles. This method creates a steam room effect and is less likely to leave water spots or iron impressions than a steamer or iron.
If you're looking for a quick fix, you can also try using a wrinkle release spray on your wedding dress. However, keep in mind that spray bottles may not travel well, and it's always best to plan ahead when travelling with your wedding dress.
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Frequently asked questions
You can transport your wedding dress as a carry-on item, which is the best way to ensure it arrives safely. You can also ask the flight attendants if they can accommodate your dress in a closet or cupboard space. If you are unable to do this, you can purchase an extra seat for your dress.
You should keep your dress in the bag that it came in, or purchase a sturdy, opaque garment bag to pack it in. Ensure that the bag contains a waterproof layer in case anything spills during transit. Cover the dress with acid-free tissue paper to prevent creases.
It is important to arrive at the airport early to allow extra time for security checks, especially if you are carrying a large or delicate dress. You should also treat your dress as a VIP item and carry it upright, placing it on top of other bags if possible.
