Junior Rasmussen
Planning a destination wedding is an exciting but challenging task. One of the most important things to consider is how to transport your wedding dress safely to the venue. It is possible to travel with a wedding dress on a plane, but it requires some advance planning. In this article, we will discuss the best ways to pack and transport your dress, as well as offer advice on dealing with airlines and airport security.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Planning | Think about the style and material of the dress. Sleek and streamlined styles will travel more easily. |
| Dress bag | Keep the dress in a sturdy garment bag or dustbag. The retailer should provide this. If not, purchase one online. |
| Packing | Get your boutique or seamstress to help pack your dress. They know how to package it without causing folds and creases. |
| Protection | Ensure the bag has a waterproof layer in case anything spills during transit. Cover the dress with colorless, acid-free tissue paper to prevent creases. |
| Carry-on | Take the dress as carry-on so it doesn't leave your sight. Put other important items in your carry-on too, such as shapewear, shoes, and jewelry. |
| Pre-boarding | Call the airline ahead of time to let them know you're bringing a wedding dress. Ask about their policy for stowing the dress. |
| Hanging | Ask the flight attendants to hang the dress in a closet. Consider paying extra for a seat closer to the front where closets are often located. |
| Ironing | Before ironing or steaming the dress, touch base with your dress designer or a dry-cleaner to learn how to properly treat your wedding dress. |
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What You'll Learn
Packing and preparation
It is recommended to carry your dress onto the plane with you, rather than checking it in as hold luggage. You can purchase a sturdy garment bag to pack it in, ensuring it contains a waterproof layer in case anything spills during transit. Cover the dress with acid-free tissue paper to prevent creases. You can also ask your boutique or seamstress for advice on how to pack your dress without causing folds and creases.
If your dress is small, it can be folded and put in a carry-on bag. For larger dresses, you may need to purchase an extra seat, preferably a window seat, or ask the airline if they can hang the dress in their closet. It is a good idea to bring a portable steamer to remove any wrinkles on the wedding day, but be sure to check with your dress designer whether it is safe to steam the fabric.
In addition to the dress, it is important to pack everything else you need for the ceremony in your carry-on bag, including shapewear, shoes, undergarments, jewellery, and hair accessories.
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Carry-on vs hold luggage
If you're travelling with your wedding dress, there are two options: carry-on luggage or hold luggage. While it may be tempting to put it in the hold, this should be a last resort. Here's why:
Firstly, bags can get lost, damaged, or stolen. You don't want your wedding dress to go missing, so keeping it with you as hand luggage is the safest option. Secondly, a folded-up dress is likely to get wrinkled, and may even be damaged by other luggage. If you keep it in the cabin, you can ensure it stays flat and safe. Thirdly, if you're travelling to a destination wedding, you may be taking other valuables, such as rings, cameras, and travel documents. It's best to keep these with you, and in the case of rings and cameras, they won't take up much space in your carry-on bag.
Now, there are a few things to consider when taking your wedding dress as carry-on luggage. Firstly, check the airline's guidelines. Some airlines, such as Delta, American Airlines, and Southwest, allow dresses as carry-ons, but it's important to be aware of specific dimensions and guidelines. Secondly, consider purchasing priority boarding. This will give you more space in the overhead bins, and you may even be able to use a special closet, although space isn't always guaranteed. Thirdly, use a good garment bag, provided by the retailer or purchased online. Make sure the dress is surrounded by smooth paper rather than fabric, which could snag the dress, and always carry the bag upright. Finally, travel light. The wedding dress is heavy, so make sure your other luggage is easy to carry.
In conclusion, while it may be a little more work, carrying your wedding dress onto the plane with you is the best way to ensure its safety. With a little planning and preparation, you can rest easy knowing your dress will arrive in perfect condition.
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Garment bags
When choosing a bag, consider the style of your dress. Ball gowns and A-line dresses, for instance, require more space than slim styles. If your dress has a train, look for a bag with foldable extensions or extra compartments. Bags with built-in hooks or straps can also help to secure your dress and prevent it from shifting during travel. Go for a bag that's durable, lightweight, and easy to carry. Nylon or polyester are good choices as they are tough, weather-resistant, and flexible enough to fit in overhead compartments. For added protection, choose a bag made from archival-quality fabric or waterproof materials like treated nylon or Gore-Tex.
Before placing your dress in the bag, turn it inside out and use tissue paper or a soft cloth between the folds to prevent creases. If your bag has loops or straps, use them to secure the dress in place and maintain its shape. You can also carefully fold the dress and place it in the overhead bin, but be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent other items from being placed on top. If possible, lay it flat in the overhead bin or purchase an extra seat for your dress.
Some other tips to keep in mind: start packing early to reduce stress and ensure your dress is packed safely. Bring a handheld steamer to remove any wrinkles upon arrival. And always carry your dress on the plane with you—never check it in, as you want to avoid the risk of it getting lost or damaged.
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Airline policies
It is possible to travel with a wedding dress on a plane, but specific guidelines will vary among airlines. It is recommended to plan ahead and consult the airline about their policies. Some airlines may allow you to hang your dress in a closet, which is ideal. If not, you may need to pack it in a carry-on bag or suitcase, or purchase an extra seat for the dress.
Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines takes destination weddings seriously and has a dedicated page on its website for them. They will stow your dress in one of the first-class closets, even if you are flying economy. They also have a section on their website for information about special baggage items, which includes wedding dresses. A Delta agent at your gate will help you determine where to store your dress during your flight. However, it is important to follow the baggage size guidelines in case there is no room in the in-flight closet.
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue Airways does not have any additional hanging space for wedding dresses, so you will need to use the overhead compartments. Wedding dresses count as carry-on luggage, and you must ensure that your packed gown meets all baggage requirements. JetBlue advises passengers to ship their wedding dresses separately through a third-party delivery service. You can also store the dress under the seat in front of you if it fits.
American Airlines
American Airlines allows customers to carry a soft-sided garment bag in place of a carry-on bag. However, only some aircraft have closets for hanging garments, and these give priority to passengers with other carry-ons that cannot be stowed overhead. You may need to fold your garment bag in the overhead compartment, so ensure your dress is packed properly.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is another good option for flying with a wedding dress. The cabin crew will stow your dress safely in the overhead bin, although it may be placed on top of other carry-ons. You must abide by the carry-on dimensions specified by the airline. Like JetBlue, Southwest also allows you to purchase an additional seat for your wedding dress. However, the dress goes on the floor in front of the seat, rather than on the seat itself.
United Airlines
United Airlines advises passengers to avoid checking in fragile items like wedding gowns and to keep them as carry-ons. Make sure to check the airline's website for carry-on restrictions.
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Dealing with creases
Identify the Fabric and Crease Source
Firstly, identify the fabric of your wedding dress. Satin, for example, is a popular wedding dress fabric that is prone to wrinkling. Knowing the fabric will help you choose the appropriate crease removal method. Additionally, try to identify the source of the creases. Are they coming from a specific area, such as the waist or folds of the dress? Understanding the fabric and the source of creases will help you determine the best course of action.
Steaming
One of the most effective ways to remove creases from a wedding dress is by steaming. You can use a professional steaming service or purchase or rent a steamer to do it yourself. If you decide to steam your dress yourself, be sure to practice on another garment first to get comfortable with the process. When steaming, hold the steamer a few inches away from the fabric and perform light, even strokes. You can also try steaming the dress from the inside to minimize the risk of damaging the fabric. Avoid steaming certain fabrics, such as Duchess Satin, pleated fabrics, textured materials, painted designs, and intricate embroidery, as it may cause watermarks.
Ironing
If you don't have access to a steamer, you can carefully use an iron on a low setting to remove creases. Place a pressing cloth or a clean towel over the dress before ironing to protect the fabric.
Hair Dryer and Misting Spray
Another method to remove creases is by using a hair dryer and a water mister or misting spray bottle. Hang the dress, then spray a section of it with water. Use the hair dryer on a warm setting to dry the water, then switch to the cool setting to set the fabric. Repeat this process for each section of the dress.
Professional Help
If you're unsure about handling the creases yourself, consider seeking professional help. A professional stylist or seamstress may be able to provide expert solutions to remove the creases effectively.
Remember, it's essential to be cautious when dealing with wedding dress creases to avoid any damage. Always test any method on a small, hidden area of the dress first. By following these tips and seeking professional guidance when needed, you can ensure your dress looks flawless on your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can take a wedding dress on a plane, but specific guidelines will vary among airlines. It is recommended that you plan ahead and call the airline to discuss your options.
It is recommended that you keep your dress in the bag it came in, or purchase a sturdy, lightweight and breathable garment bag. Ensure that the bag has a waterproof layer in case of spills. Cover the dress with acid-free tissue paper to prevent creases.
It is not recommended to put your wedding dress in checked luggage. It is best to keep it with you as a carry-on item so that it doesn't leave your sight during travel.
Some airlines offer hanging closet space, particularly in first or business class. It is recommended that you call ahead to check if this option is available and, if so, book a seat near the front for easy access.
It is best to keep your wedding dress separate from your other clothing to prevent it from getting squished or dirty.
