Traveling With A Wedding Gown: Keeping The Dress Safe And Sound

Travelling with a wedding gown can be stressful, but there are a few things you can do to make sure your dress stays in perfect condition. Firstly, do your research: find out your airline's carry-on policies for wedding dresses and, if possible, call ahead to check if your plane has extra storage space. It's also a good idea to arrive at the airport early and pay for early boarding, so you can secure a spot in the overhead bin and keep your dress close by. Investing in a quality, travel-specific garment bag will also help to keep your dress flat and safe.

Keep your dress as a carry-on

Keeping your wedding dress as a carry-on is a good way to ensure it stays safe and sound. This way, you can keep an eye on it and react quickly to any surprises. It's a good idea to invest in a quality, travel-specific garment bag to keep your dress in. You can then store it in the overhead bin, keeping it as flat as possible. If you can, try to be one of the first to board to secure a spot.

Some aircraft have larger 'coat closets' in the first-class cabin area that can be used for bridal gown storage, so it's worth calling 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. It's also a good idea to research your airline's carry-on policies specifically for wedding dresses, as each airline has its own set of rules.

If you are taking your dress as carry-on, make sure the rest of your luggage is easy to walk around with, as the wedding dress alone will be heavy. It might also be worth paying the early boarding fee to get ahead on the overhead bin space and make it easier to store your dress.

Invest in a quality, travel-specific garment bag

If you're planning to take your wedding gown on a plane, it's important to invest in a quality, travel-specific garment bag. This will ensure your dress stays safe and sound during the flight. Look for a bag that is sturdy and designed to keep your gown as flat as possible.

A good garment bag will protect your dress from any potential damage or dirt during transit. It will also make it easier to transport and store your gown, especially if you're travelling with other luggage.

When choosing a garment bag, consider the material and construction. Look for a bag made from durable, water-resistant fabric that will protect your dress from any spills or stains. The bag should also have a strong zipper and comfortable handles for easy carrying.

Some garment bags even come with additional features like a shoulder strap, pockets for accessories, or a clear window so you can easily identify your dress. If you're travelling with multiple outfits, you may also want to choose a bag with compartments to keep everything organised.

By investing in a quality, travel-specific garment bag, you can rest assured that your wedding gown will arrive at your destination in perfect condition.

Arrive early and board early

It is important to arrive early and board early when carrying a wedding gown on a plane. This will allow you to secure a spot in the overhead bin and ensure your dress remains safe and sound during the flight. If you are one of the first to board, you can also check with the flight attendants to see if there is any additional closet space available for your dress.

Arriving early will also give you time to navigate check-in smoothly and ask for help if needed. Most carry-on bags are to be stored in overhead compartments, but some airplanes may have larger 'coat closets' in the first-class cabin area that can be used for bridal gown storage. It is worth calling ahead to double-check if your plane will have extra space.

If you are running late and arrive at the airport with little time to spare, you may want to consider paying the early boarding fee. This will allow you to get ahead on the overhead bin space and make it easier to store your gown.

Research your airline's carry-on policies

It is important to research your airline's carry-on policies before flying with your wedding gown. Each airline has its own set of rules, and knowing them can help you navigate through check-in smoothly. This step can save you time and potential headaches at the airport.

Some airlines may have additional closet space that can be used to store your gown. For example, Delta's rep says that "some aircraft have larger 'coat closets' in the first-class cabin area that can often be used for bridal gown storage". However, close space is not guaranteed, so it is best to check with the flight attendants once onboard to see if they can accommodate your dress. If you're interested in pursuing this option, call ahead to double-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.

It is also worth noting that some airlines may have specific policies regarding the size and weight of carry-on items. Make sure to check these details before your flight to ensure that your gown meets the requirements.

Additionally, consider investing in a quality, travel-specific garment bag to keep your dress safe and sound during the flight. A sturdy garment bag will protect your gown from any potential damage or wrinkles.

Ask for help at the airport or on the plane

It's important to ask for help at the airport or on the plane when travelling with a wedding gown. While it may be tempting to try and manage on your own, asking for assistance can ensure your dress is handled carefully and remains safe and sound.

First, research your airline's carry-on policies specifically for wedding dresses. Knowing the rules in advance can help you navigate check-in smoothly and save you time and potential headaches at the airport. If you're unsure about anything, don't hesitate to ask for help. Airline staff are usually more than willing to lend a helping hand, whether it's through security or with storing your dress.

If there's no closet available for your wedding dress on the plane, use your garment bag to keep the dress as flat as possible in the overhead bin. Be one of the first to board to secure a spot and, if possible, pay the early boarding fee to get ahead on overhead bin space. Once onboard, check with the flight attendants to see if they can accommodate your wedding dress. They may be able to offer additional closet space or other solutions to keep your dress safe.

Remember to travel light, as the wedding dress alone can be heavy. This will make it easier to manage your luggage and reduce the risk of damaging your gown. Also, consider investing in a quality, travel-specific garment bag to protect your dress during transit. By asking for help and planning ahead, you can ensure your wedding gown arrives in perfect condition.

Frequently asked questions