Junior Rasmussen
Flying with a wedding dress requires some planning. While it's possible to take a wedding dress on a plane, specific guidelines vary among airlines. It's recommended to transport the dress as carry-on luggage, as this ensures it remains in your sight during the flight. Before booking, it's worth checking whether the airline offers hanging closet space, as this will keep the dress safe and carefully handled. If not, you may need to purchase an extra seat for the dress, or pack it into a carry-on bag. When packing, it's important to use a sturdy garment bag with a waterproof layer and to cover the dress with acid-free tissue paper to prevent creases.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Planning | Consider the dress's size and material when planning how to transport it. |
| Dress bag | Keep the dress in the bag it came in or purchase a sturdy garment bag. Ensure the bag is waterproof and sealed. |
| Packing | Place the middle of the dress inside, fold the top over, then the bottom. Use colorless, acid-free tissue paper to prevent creases. |
| Carry-on | Take the dress as carry-on to keep it in sight. Confirm the bag fits the airline's carry-on size. |
| Storage | Store in the overhead compartment or, if available, a closet or cupboard space. |
| Seat | Purchase an extra seat for the dress if necessary. |
| Steam | Bring a steamer to remove creases. |
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What You'll Learn
Packing and preparing your dress
Packing and preparing your wedding dress for air travel requires some advance planning. Here are some steps to ensure your gown arrives safely and in pristine condition:
Firstly, if you purchased your dress from a retailer, they should provide a garment bag that can safely house your dress during travel. If not, you can easily purchase one online. Ensure the bag has a waterproof layer in case of any spills during transit. You can also cover the dress with colorless, acid-free tissue paper to prevent creases. When packing the dress, make sure the hanger straps are looped around the clothing hanger to distribute the weight evenly. If your dress has a train, use the loop underneath to hang it, making it easier to fold.
The exact way you pack your dress will depend on its size and material. Smaller gowns 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, stored in the overhead compartment. If your dress is very large, you may need to purchase an extra seat for it, preferably a window seat. Alternatively, some airlines have larger 'coat closets' in the first-class cabin that can be used for bridal gown storage. It is recommended to call ahead to check if your airline offers this option.
When folding your dress into a carry-on, start by placing the middle of the garment inside, then fold the top and bottom over to create a three-fold. You can also roll up the dress instead of folding to avoid deep creases. It is important to handle your dress with care and avoid unpacking it until you reach your destination. Once you arrive, hang it up to allow any creases to drop out. If necessary, use a steamer to remove any remaining wrinkles, but be sure to consult with your dress designer or a dry cleaner beforehand to learn the best way to treat your dress.
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Choosing the right airline
When choosing the right airline to fly with your wedding dress, it's important to consider the varying guidelines and facilities offered by different carriers. Firstly, it is recommended to avoid budget airlines, as they typically lack the space to accommodate a wedding dress. Opting for larger airlines with more extensive facilities and aircraft can increase the chances of having adequate space for your gown.
Some airlines, like United Airlines, offer hanging closets, which can provide peace of mind and ensure your dress remains carefully handled throughout the flight. This option eliminates the need to purchase an extra seat, which may not always accommodate your gown.
If you choose an airline that does not offer hanging closets, you may want to consider purchasing an extra seat for your wedding dress. JetBlue and Southwest Airlines both allow passengers to purchase an additional seat for their wedding gowns. This option allows the dress to be securely fastened during the flight.
Additionally, some airlines may have larger 'coat closets' in the first-class cabin area that can accommodate bridal gown storage. Calling ahead to inquire about such storage options can increase the likelihood of finding a suitable space for your dress.
When selecting an airline, it is also worth considering the size and portability of your dress. Smaller gowns that can be easily folded and placed in a carry-on bag offer more flexibility when it comes to choosing an airline. On the other hand, larger and more intricate dresses may require more specialized handling, and an airline with specific accommodations for wedding dresses may be preferable.
Ultimately, while specific guidelines vary among airlines, careful planning and consideration of the options available can help ensure a safe journey for your wedding dress.
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Carry-on vs checked luggage
When deciding how to transport your wedding dress on an aeroplane, there are two main options: carry-on luggage or checked luggage.
Taking your wedding dress as carry-on luggage has the benefit of keeping it within your sight during the flight. This option is generally recommended by experts, as it ensures the dress arrives safely and can be carefully handled. To take your dress as carry-on, you must confirm that your garment bag fits the airline's carry-on size requirements. Some airlines may have additional storage space, such as larger 'coat closets' in the first-class cabin, which can accommodate bridal gowns. However, this extra space is not guaranteed, and it is advisable to call ahead to check. If your dress is small, it can be folded and placed in a carry-on bag. For larger gowns, you may need to purchase an extra seat, preferably a window seat, to lay the dress across and secure it with the seatbelt.
On the other hand, checking your wedding dress as luggage may provide some advantages in certain situations. If your dress is particularly bulky or if you have other carry-on items, checking your dress may be more convenient. Additionally, if you are flying with a budget airline, they may not have sufficient storage space in the cabin for your dress. In such cases, checking your dress may be a viable option. However, it is important to note that checked luggage carries a higher risk of loss or damage.
Regardless of the option you choose, it is crucial to pack your wedding dress safely. Keep it in a sturdy garment bag with a waterproof layer to protect against spills. Cover the dress with acid-free tissue paper to prevent creases, and ensure it is securely sealed. Additionally, consider contacting your airline in advance to understand their specific policies and limitations for bringing and stowing a wedding dress on their aircraft.
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Using closets and extra space
If you're travelling with your wedding dress, it's important to plan ahead. While some airlines do have closets available for passenger use, this isn't always the case, and even if they do have closets, they may not guarantee space for your dress.
If you're set on using a closet, it's best to call the airline ahead of time to check if they have available closets for passengers to use. You could also consider buying extra space to give yourself peace of mind. If you're happy to pay for it, purchasing an extra seat for your dress is another option to consider. This way, the dress can be laid across the seat and secured with the seatbelt.
If you don't want to pay for an extra seat, you could try to book a seat in premium economy, club, or business class, as these areas may have larger 'coat closets' that can accommodate a bridal gown. Again, it's worth calling ahead to check.
It's worth noting that some sources suggest that cabin crew will often be accommodating and may even offer to store your dress in cupboard space or the crew area. However, this isn't guaranteed, and it's always best to plan ahead and check with the airline directly.
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Unpacking and steaming
Once you arrive at your destination, carefully unpack your wedding dress. Hang it up to allow creases to drop out. If possible, hang it in a steamy bathroom to release creases. You can also use a steamer on your dress, but be sure to check with your designer or a dry cleaner to learn how to properly treat your dress. Some dresses are press-only and cannot be steamed.
If you are staying with your partner the night before the wedding, you may want to consider booking different accommodation for your dress so that it can hang undisturbed. Alternatively, you could ask a local bridal boutique, seamstress, or dresser to help you prepare your dress for a fee.
Be sure to allow enough time for your dress to dry before putting it on.
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Frequently asked questions
You can transport your wedding dress on an airplane as a carry-on item. It's recommended to pack it in a sturdy garment bag, which you can purchase online if your retailer didn't provide one. Ensure that the bag has a waterproof layer in case of spills. You can also cover the dress with acid-free tissue paper to prevent creases.
Some airlines, like United Airlines, offer hanging closets for dresses. If your chosen airline doesn't have this option, you may need to purchase an extra seat for your dress.
You can fold your dress and place it in a carry-on bag if it's small enough. You can also contact your airline beforehand to see if they can accommodate your dress in another way.
