Deborah Chan
Flying to your wedding destination with your wedding dress in tow can be a stressful experience. However, with some careful planning, you can ensure your dress arrives safely and in good condition. It is generally recommended to bring your wedding dress as carry-on luggage, as this reduces the risk of lost luggage and potential mishandling by baggage handlers. Some airlines offer closets in business or first-class cabins where you can hang your dress, but this is not guaranteed, so it is always good to have a backup plan. For example, you can fold your dress and place it in a carry-on bag or purchase an extra seat for it. If your dress is small and forgiving, you may be able to roll it up and put it in a carry-on bag, but for larger, more delicate dresses, you may need to consider a garment bag or checked luggage.
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What You'll Learn
Packing and storing the dress
Packing a wedding dress for travel
If you are packing your wedding dress for travel, it is recommended that you keep it in the bag that it came in, or purchase a sturdy, waterproof garment bag to pack it in. You should also cover the dress with acid-free tissue paper to prevent creases and snagging. If you are flying, you may need to fold your dress to fit it into the overhead compartment.
Before packing, it is important to prepare your dress for travel. If possible, request that the salon, retailer, or designer provided the dress prepare it for travel. This may include adding padding to the bust area or placing it on a cardboard dress form. If you are doing this yourself, you should lay the dress flat and use tissue paper to mould it around the bust area and other structured sections.
When folding the dress, place the middle of the garment inside the bag, then fold the top and bottom over to create a three-fold. If your dress has a train, grab the loop underneath and put it on the hanger's hook to distribute the weight more evenly. You can also wrap tissue paper around the dress and secure it with tape to avoid snagging.
Storing a wedding dress
Before storing your wedding dress, it is essential to get it professionally cleaned by a trusted bridal dry cleaner. Even if it appears clean, there may be dirt or bacteria that can cause yellowing or discolouration over time. After cleaning, be sure to have clean hands or wear white gloves to stop any oils from getting on the gown. Inspect the dress for any loose threads, embellishments, or missing buttons, and fix these issues before storage.
When storing your wedding dress, avoid using plastic dress covers or cardboard boxes as these can trap moisture and bacteria. Instead, store your gown in a breathable garment bag or box designed for wedding dress storage, such as a blue board box. Keep the dress away from cooking or smoking odours, which can permeate the fabric over time. It is also important to check on your dress regularly to inspect for any signs of damage or pests and refold it along different lines to prevent permanent creases.
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Airline policies
While specific guidelines vary among airlines, it is possible to fly with a wedding dress. It is recommended to plan ahead and contact the airline to determine their policies for bringing and storing the dress on the plane. Some airlines may have different rules regarding purchasing an extra seat for the dress, so it is important to inquire before booking.
- Delta Airlines: Delta recommends calling ahead to double-check if your plane will have extra space, such as a coat closet in the first-class cabin, which can often be used for bridal gown storage. They also suggest speaking with customer service representatives or flight attendants at the airport for assistance. Delta has a section on its website dedicated to information about special baggage items, including wedding dresses. You can find a Delta agent at your gate to help you determine the best storage option during your flight.
- American Airlines: Customers are allowed a soft-sided garment bag in place of a carry-on bag. However, only some aircraft feature closets for hanging garments, and priority is given to passengers with other carry-ons that cannot be stowed overhead. You may need to fold your garment bag in the overhead compartment, so proper packing is essential.
- JetBlue: JetBlue allows you to store the dress underneath the seat in front of you, considering it a personal item even if it doesn't meet their size requirements. Alternatively, you can purchase an extra seat for the dress, where it can be laid across and secured with the seatbelt.
- Southwest Airlines: Similar to JetBlue, Southwest allows you to purchase an additional seat for the dress. However, the extra seat is meant for laying the dress on the floor in front of the seat rather than on the seat itself.
- United Airlines: United Airlines offers a hanging closet option, providing peace of mind that your dress will be carefully handled during the flight.
It is worth noting that some sources suggest against checking your wedding dress due to the risk of delayed or lost luggage. Instead, it is recommended to bring the dress as a carry-on item, carefully folded or hung in a garment bag, to ensure it remains with you at all times.
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Preparing for arrival
Before you set off on your journey, there are a few things to consider when preparing for the arrival of your wedding dress. Firstly, it is crucial to plan ahead and be aware of the dress's travel requirements. Different dresses have different needs, so consider the style and material of your dress and whether it is prone to creasing or crushing. If possible, seek advice from your boutique or seamstress on how to pack your dress to avoid any unwanted folds or creases. They may recommend using a garment bag, dust bag, or box to protect your dress during transit.
Additionally, it is essential to choose the right airline for your needs. Research and compare different airlines' policies on handling wedding dresses. Some airlines, like JetBlue, United Airlines, and Southwest, offer specific options for transporting wedding dresses. Consider factors such as available space, hanging closet options, and luggage allowances when making your decision. It may be worth paying extra for premium economy, club, or business class to enjoy greater space and peace of mind.
Furthermore, consider investing in a sturdy garment bag or suitcase specifically for your wedding dress. Ensure that the bag has a waterproof layer to protect against any accidental spills. Pack your dress carefully, folding it neatly or rolling it to avoid deep creases. If needed, bring a steamer or iron to smooth out any wrinkles upon arrival.
Lastly, don't forget to pack your other essential items for the wedding in your carry-on luggage. This includes items such as shapewear, shoes, undergarments, jewellery, and hair accessories. By planning ahead and taking these preparatory steps, you can ensure a seamless and stress-free arrival for your wedding dress.
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Choosing a dress that travels well
When choosing a wedding dress that travels well, it's important to consider the style, fabric, and overall design of the dress. Opt for wrinkle-resistant and denser fabrics like lace, tulle, denser satins, mikado, or ballgown tulle. These fabrics are less prone to wrinkling and are easier to manage during travel. Styles such as A-line, sheath, column, or slip dresses are also great options as they offer a more compact fit and are easier to pack. If you're set on a lightweight fabric, consider having the dress professionally packed in tissue and boxed for safe travel.
Additionally, consider the size and bulkiness of the dress. A smaller and more streamlined dress will be easier to transport and can fit into a carry-on bag or overhead compartment. If you're considering a larger and more decadent dress, be prepared to take up more space during travel, which may include purchasing an extra seat or utilising the coat closets available on some aircraft.
To ensure the dress remains in good condition, consider using a garment bag that is waterproof, wrinkle-resistant, and can be folded into a carry-on size. You can also ask your boutique or seamstress for help in packing the dress, as they are experts in handling and packaging wedding dresses without causing folds and creases.
Lastly, don't forget to pack essential items such as a sewing kit, stain remover wipes, and a travel steamer to handle any last-minute emergencies or wrinkles. By choosing a dress with travel-friendly fabric and style, and by taking the necessary precautions during transport, you can ensure your wedding dress arrives safely and stress-free.
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What to pack with the dress
Packing your wedding dress for air travel requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some essential tips on what to pack with your dress to ensure it arrives safely and in pristine condition:
Garment Bag or Dress Bag
Keep your wedding dress in a garment bag or the dress bag it came in. If you don't have one, consider purchasing a sturdy, high-quality garment bag to protect your dress during travel. This will keep your dress safe from dirt, moisture, and potential damage.
Carry-On Essentials
Bring all the essentials for your wedding day in your carry-on luggage. This includes not only your wedding dress but also your shoes, shapewear, undergarments, jewellery, and hair accessories. Having these items with you at all times reduces the risk of them getting lost or delayed during transit.
Steam or Iron
Pack a small, portable steamer or a travel iron to remove any creases or wrinkles from your dress once you arrive at your destination. Some hotels may provide these, but it's always good to have your own as a backup. Alternatively, you can contact a local bridal boutique or seamstress to inquire about steaming or pressing services.
Personal Information
Don't forget to attach a small card or tag with your personal information, including your name, phone number, email, and a local address where you can be reached during your trip. This is crucial in case your luggage is misplaced or delayed, ensuring that your dress can be promptly returned to you.
Tracking Device
Consider adding a tracking device, such as an AirTag, inside your garment bag or suitcase. This allows you to monitor the location of your dress throughout your journey, providing peace of mind and an extra layer of security.
Extra Space or Seat
If you're travelling with a large gown that requires extra space, consider upgrading to a premium economy, business, or first-class seat, as these cabins often have larger 'coat closets' for hanging bridal gowns. Alternatively, you can contact the airline ahead of time to inquire about available space and options for accommodating your dress. In some cases, you may need to purchase an extra seat for your dress, but be mindful that this seat must be occupied by a passenger.
Remember to plan ahead, pack your dress carefully, and utilise the expertise of your boutique or seamstress for advice on transporting your specific gown.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can travel with a wedding dress on a plane, but you should plan ahead as specific guidelines will vary among airlines.
The best way to pack a wedding dress depends on the dress's size and material. Smaller dresses can be folded and placed in a carry-on bag, while larger dresses may need to stay in a garment bag and be folded in half and stored in the overhead compartment. It is also possible to purchase an extra seat for the dress.
To avoid creases and wrinkles, consider flying premium economy, club, or business class to take advantage of greater luggage allowances and additional storage space. Additionally, use a garment bag that is waterproof and wrinkle-resistant, and fold the dress properly to minimize creases.
If your wedding dress arrives at your destination with wrinkles or creases, you can steam or iron it yourself, use a hotel's dry cleaning services, or get in touch with a local bridal boutique, seamstress, or dresser to help you prepare your dress for a fee.
