Deborah Chan
Flying with a wedding dress requires careful planning. It is recommended to carry it on the plane with you, rather than checking it in as hold luggage, to avoid losing it or having it damaged. It is also advised to pack other important items, such as shoes and jewellery, in your carry-on bag. When packing a wedding dress, it is best to get help from a professional, such as a boutique or seamstress, to avoid folds and creases. The dress should be placed in a garment bag, dust bag, or box, and sealed to protect it during the security screening process. Some airlines offer hanging closet space, while others may allow you to store the dress in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. It is a good idea to contact the airline in advance to understand their policies and ensure they can accommodate your dress.
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What You'll Learn
Packing and preparation
Firstly, it is important to note that you should not check your wedding dress in as hold luggage. It is best to carry it onto the plane with you. It is also not allowed to book an extra seat for your wedding dress, as you must check in a real person for each seat you buy.
If you are flying with a budget airline, be aware that they may not have the space to store your dress. In this case, it may be worth flying premium economy, club, or business class, as your luggage allowance will be greater.
Before packing your dress, it is a good idea to contact your airline to determine their policy for bringing and storing the dress on the plane, as well as their carry-on bag limitations. You should also check that your dress fits within the airline's carry-on size requirements.
When packing your dress, it is recommended to get your boutique or seamstress to help, as they are professionals and know how to package it without causing folds and creases. They will often put your dress into a big garment bag, dust bag, or box, and you should check that this is fully sealed before putting it onto the plane.
If you are folding the dress yourself, start by placing the middle of the garment inside, then take the top and fold it over, and do the same with the bottom. This will create a three-fold. It is also a good idea to put your personal information, such as your name and phone number, on or inside the garment bag.
In addition to your dress, it is important to pack other essential items for the wedding in your carry-on bag, such as your shapewear, shoes, undergarments, jewellery, and hair accessories.
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Choosing the right airline
When choosing the right airline to fly with your wedding dress, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to avoid budget airlines, as they often lack the space to accommodate a wedding dress comfortably. Opt for larger airlines and planes that offer more generous luggage allowances and storage space. For instance, premium economy, club, or business class tickets can provide additional space for your dress.
Secondly, some airlines offer hanging closet space specifically for wedding gowns or other garments. This ensures your dress remains undisturbed and reduces the risk of creasing. Airlines such as United Airlines offer this service at no extra charge, and it is available to all passengers, regardless of seat class.
Thirdly, consider the carry-on restrictions and allowances of different airlines. Some airlines may have specific size requirements for carry-on items, so it is essential to confirm that your garment bag meets these dimensions. Additionally, some airlines may allow your wedding dress to count as a personal item, like JetBlue, where it can be placed in the overhead bin or, if space allows, under the seat in front of you.
Lastly, while purchasing an extra seat for your wedding dress is generally not allowed, some airlines, like JetBlue, offer this option. This can provide peace of mind, as your dress will have its own designated space, although it may be costly.
Overall, when choosing the right airline, consider factors such as space availability, luggage allowances, hanging closet options, carry-on restrictions, and the possibility of purchasing an extra seat. These considerations will help ensure your wedding dress travels safely and securely to your destination.
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Onboard storage
If you are flying with a budget airline, you may need to contact them in advance to inform them that you will be carrying a wedding dress. In this case, you may need to pre-book a 'large cabin bag' allowance or check the item in as hold luggage. Some airlines, such as JetBlue, do not offer hanging closet space, so your dress will need to be placed in the overhead bin during takeoff and landing. You can also store the dress underneath the seat in front of you, as long as it fits.
If you are flying with a non-budget airline, you may have more flexibility. In this case, you can carry your dress on board in a sturdy, waterproof garment bag with a plastic hanger. If your dress is small enough to fit in a carry-on bag or suitcase, you can also pack it that way.
It is recommended to ask the flight attendants for help with hanging your dress. Many airlines are happy to accommodate this request, especially if you are flying in first class or have priority boarding. However, it is not guaranteed that there will be space available, so it is important to have a backup plan, such as laying your dress flat in the overhead compartment or purchasing an extra seat for the dress.
To ensure the safety of your wedding dress during onboard storage, it is crucial to follow these tips:
- Use a sturdy, waterproof garment bag to protect your dress.
- Pack the dress with acid-free, colorless tissue paper to maintain its pristine color and shape.
- Cover the hanger with a plastic bag to avoid any moisture damage.
- Board early to secure adequate storage space for your dress.
- Ask the flight attendants for assistance and be prepared to provide a backup plan if needed.
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Post-flight care
Once you arrive at your destination, there are a few things you can do to ensure your wedding dress is ready for the big day. If your dress has developed creases during the flight, you can hang it up to allow the creases to drop out. It is recommended to plan ahead and ensure that there is a suitable place to hang your dress, especially if you are staying with your partner before the wedding and want to avoid them seeing the dress.
Some dresses may need to be steamed, and it is recommended to get a professional involved for this. You can contact a local bridal boutique, seamstress, or dresser to see if they can help you prepare your dress for a fee. If you purchased a particular brand of wedding dress, you could also look for a local stockist of that brand. Alternatively, you could use a hotel iron or the hotel's dry cleaning service if available.
To steam the dress, it is recommended to steam the inside of the gown first to protect the outer fabric. It is also advised to consult with the bridal brand or boutique where you purchased your gown for specific care tips. Always hang your gown outside the garment bag in a safe, low-traffic area away from food or liquids.
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Alternatives to flying
If you are not keen on flying with your wedding dress, there are several alternative options you can consider:
Shipping
Shipping your wedding dress to your destination is a good alternative to flying with it. This option eliminates the stress of carrying the dress onto the plane and worrying about storage space. Contact a shipping company and ensure they have experience shipping wedding gowns. This option requires advance planning to ensure timely delivery.
Driving
If your wedding destination is within driving distance, consider making the trip by car. This way, you can carefully pack your wedding dress in the car, ensuring it doesn't get wrinkled or damaged during transport.
Delivery by a Trusted Person
Ask a trusted friend or family member to deliver the wedding dress to your destination. This option ensures that the dress is handled with care and can be a more flexible and stress-free alternative to flying with it.
Local Rental or Purchase
If you are open to the idea, consider renting or purchasing a wedding dress locally at your destination. This eliminates the hassle of transporting your own dress and can be a cost-effective option, especially if you plan to have it altered or cleaned locally.
Courier Service
Engage the services of a specialised courier service that caters specifically to wedding dress transportation. These services ensure your dress is handled with utmost care and provide real-time tracking, giving you peace of mind.
Remember to always consult with your bridal boutique or seamstress for advice on the best transportation methods for your specific wedding dress, as they are familiar with the unique requirements of different dress styles and fabrics.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you pack your wedding dress in a garment bag, dustbag, or box. You can ask your boutique or seamstress to help you pack it to avoid folds and creases. If you are using a carry-on bag, you can fold the dress by placing the middle of the garment inside, then folding the top and bottom over to create a three-fold.
It is generally advised to carry your wedding dress on the plane with you instead of checking it in as hold luggage. This way, you can ensure it remains in your sight and reduce the risk of loss or damage. However, it's important to confirm with your airline regarding their policies and carry-on size restrictions.
While some airlines may allow this, it is not a common practice. Instead of purchasing an extra seat, you can inquire about hanging options or carefully store the dress in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Upon arrival, hang your wedding dress outside the garment bag in a safe, low-traffic area. You can use a steamer or iron to remove any wrinkles, being cautious of the fabric type and following any specific care instructions provided by the bridal brand or boutique.
