Get Your Bridesmaid Dress On A Plane Stress-Free

Flying with a bridesmaid dress can be a stressful experience, especially if you're worried about it getting wrinkled or damaged. However, with some careful planning and preparation, it is possible to transport your dress safely to your destination. Here are some tips to help you navigate this process smoothly. Firstly, it is recommended to pack your dress in a carry-on bag to ensure it remains within your sight throughout the journey. This means that you should avoid checking in your dress as hold luggage. Additionally, consider using a sturdy garment bag to protect your dress and minimise wrinkles. You can also stuff the dress with acid-free tissue paper or plastic dry cleaner bags to help retain its shape during transit. It is also advisable to arrive at the airport early to allow for extra time during security screening, as your dress may need to be unpacked for inspection. When boarding the plane, communicate your situation to the flight attendants, who are often willing to assist by hanging up your dress or providing alternative storage options. If you're concerned about wrinkles, consider bringing a travel steamer or utilising the steam from a hot shower to remove any creases upon arrival.

Ask the flight attendants to hang it up

Asking the flight attendants to hang up your bridesmaid dress is a great way to ensure it stays wrinkle-free during your flight. While some airlines may not guarantee you space for your dress, it's worth asking the flight attendants for assistance. They may be able to hang it in a closet or crew area.

• Arrive at the gate early and check in with the personnel there. Let them know that you have a bridesmaid dress and would appreciate their help in hanging it up.
• Ask nicely and explain your situation to the flight attendants. They are more likely to be accommodating if they understand the importance of keeping your dress wrinkle-free.
• Bring your dress in a garment bag that is sturdy and waterproof. This will make it easier for the flight attendants to handle and protect your dress from any spills or moisture during the flight.
• Hang the dress in the front closet if possible. This is usually located in the first-class cabin area and can often be used for bridal gown storage.
• Consider flying with a higher-class ticket, such as premium economy, club, or business class. These tickets typically come with a larger luggage allowance and more storage space, increasing the chances of finding a place to hang your dress.
• Contact the airline ahead of time to verify their rules and request assistance. Most major airlines, such as American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines, have closet space and hangers available near the first-class area.
• Arrive at the airport early in general, especially if you need extra time during security screening. This will give you more time to speak to the flight attendants and find a suitable place for your dress.

Remember, it's always a good idea to have a backup plan, such as packing a travel steamer or portable steamer, in case you are unable to hang your dress or it gets wrinkled during the flight.

Pack it in a garment bag

Packing your bridesmaid dress in a garment bag is a great way to keep it safe and wrinkle-free during air travel. Here are some detailed tips to help you with the process:

Choose the Right Garment Bag

Select a sturdy, opaque garment bag that is preferably waterproof. The bag should be large enough to accommodate your dress comfortably. If you don't have one, you can purchase a garment bag online or from a bridal boutique. Ask your boutique or seamstress for help in selecting the right bag and packing your dress without causing unnecessary folds and creases.

Prepare the Dress

Before placing the dress in the garment bag, fold the train once at the bottom if necessary to fit it inside the bag. Stuff the bodice and sleeves with acid-free tissue paper or plastic dry cleaner bags to help retain the shape of the dress. The bodice and sleeves are more prone to crushing, so stuff them generously.

Enclose in Plastic

Once you have stuffed the dress, enclose it in one or more plastic dry cleaner bags. This provides an extra layer of protection from moisture and potential damage during transit and inspections. Make sure the plastic bags are securely closed.

Label the Bag

It is a good idea to label the garment bag with your personal information, including your name, phone number, email, and a local address where you can be reached during your trip. This will help ensure that the dress can be returned to you if it is misplaced or left behind.

Carry-On or Checked Baggage?

Most sources recommend carrying your bridesmaid dress as a carry-on item to minimise the risk of it getting lost or damaged. However, it is important to check with your airline regarding their specific guidelines for carry-on baggage. Some airlines may allow you to hang your dress in a closet or coat space near the first-class cabin, while others may require you to place it in the overhead bin. Contact the airline ahead of time to verify their policies and available options.

Arrive at the Airport Early

Give yourself plenty of time at the airport. Security personnel may need to inspect and unpack your dress, and you will need the extra time to repack it correctly. Arriving early also increases your chances of getting assistance from the flight crew in finding a suitable storage space for your dress.

Hanging and Unpacking

Once you arrive at your destination, promptly unpack the dress and hang it up to allow any creases to fall out. Most wrinkles should disappear within 24 to 48 hours. If more severe wrinkling occurs, consider using a travel steamer or a professional steaming service.

Consider flying premium economy or business class

If you're a bridesmaid, it's important to arrive at the wedding with your dress in pristine condition. To ensure your outfit is not damaged or lost in transit, it's worth considering flying premium economy or business class. Here are some reasons why:

Firstly, these classes of travel offer increased luggage allowances. This means you won't have to worry about paying extra for additional suitcases or cabin baggage. This is especially useful if you're travelling with a large, decadent dress that takes up a lot of space. With a higher luggage allowance, you can also bring extra items to help care for your dress, such as a travel steamer or portable steamer to remove any wrinkles that may occur during the flight.

Secondly, flying premium economy or business class will provide you with more space for storage. This is particularly beneficial if you're travelling with a bulky dress that may not fit in the overhead lockers of economy class. In premium economy or business class, you may have access to larger overhead lockers or even a dedicated storage area for your dress. This will give you peace of mind, knowing that your dress is safe and won't be crushed or damaged by other passengers' luggage.

Additionally, flying in a higher class may grant you access to priority boarding. This means you can be one of the first to board the plane and secure the best storage space for your dress. You won't have to worry about finding space for your dress or risking it being handled roughly by other passengers.

Moreover, the increased space and comfort of premium economy or business class can make your journey more enjoyable and less stressful. This is especially important if you're travelling a long distance to the wedding and want to arrive feeling relaxed and refreshed. The extra amenities and services offered in these classes can also enhance your overall travel experience.

Lastly, consider the cost of flying premium economy or business class as an investment in the safety and well-being of your bridesmaid dress. By spending a little extra on your airfare, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage or loss to your dress. This can save you money in the long run, as you won't have to worry about last-minute alterations or repairs due to transit-related issues.

Plan how to hang it when you arrive

Once you arrive at your destination, you'll want to hang up your bridesmaid dress to let the fabric settle and remove any wrinkles that may have formed during the flight. Here are some tips to plan how to hang your dress when you arrive:

• Contact your accommodation: Reach out to the hotel or place you are staying at and inquire about their facilities for hanging dresses or other formal attire. They may have wardrobe closets or hanging space in the rooms that can accommodate your dress. Ask about the availability of hangers or any other equipment you may need.
• Use a garment bag: Keep your dress in a garment bag during transit, as it helps protect the dress and provides a way to hang it up when you arrive. If your dress didn't come with a garment bag, you can purchase one online. Look for a sturdy, opaque, and waterproof garment bag that fits your dress comfortably.
• Ask for hanging space: If your accommodation doesn't have suitable hanging space, consider reaching out to nearby businesses or venues. Some dry cleaners or laundry services may be able to provide a hanging service for a small fee. Alternatively, contact local wedding venues or event spaces to see if they can accommodate your request.
• Plan for steaming or ironing: In case your dress develops stubborn wrinkles, research nearby services that offer steaming or ironing facilities. Some hotels may provide these services, or you can look for local dry cleaners or laundry services. If you plan to steam or iron the dress yourself, ensure you have the necessary equipment, such as a steamer or iron, and a suitable space to set up.
• Prepare the dress for hanging: When you arrive, carefully remove the dress from your luggage and inspect it for any wrinkles or damage. If needed, use a steamer or iron to remove any light wrinkles. Then, hang the dress on a sturdy hanger, ensuring that the weight is distributed evenly. If your dress has a train, use the loop underneath to hang it securely.
• Allow time for the dress to settle: It is recommended to let the dress hang for at least 24 hours before wearing it. This allows any remaining wrinkles to fall out, and the fabric to breathe and settle after being in transit.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your bridesmaid dress is properly hung and ready to wear when you need it.

Arrive at the airport early

Bridesmaids should arrive at the airport early to allow for extra time during security screening. Security personnel may need to open and unpack the dress for screening, so you will need the extra time to repack the dress correctly. Adding 30 minutes onto the recommended check-in arrival time for your flight is usually sufficient, although you may need an extra hour at busy airports and those in larger cities.

Arriving early also gives you more time to ask the flight attendants to hang up your dress in the closet space. While this is not guaranteed, you can check with the flight attendants once onboard to see if they can accommodate your request.

Frequently asked questions