Deborah Chan
Planning a destination wedding is a complex affair, and transporting your wedding dress safely to the venue is one of the many logistical challenges you may face. Fortunately, it is possible to travel with a wedding dress on a plane, and several airlines, including Southwest, offer options to help you do so. In this article, we will explore the best ways to travel with a wedding dress on Southwest, from choosing the right storage methods and materials to taking advantage of the airline's specific policies and accommodations for wedding attire. By the end, you should feel confident that your dress will arrive safely and in perfect condition for your special day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding dress as carry-on item | Yes |
| Wedding dress as checked bag | No |
| Storage options | Under the seat in front, overhead bin, extra seat |
| Garment bag | Recommended |
| Hanger straps | Recommended |
| Portable steamer | Recommended |
| Sewing kit | Recommended |
| Stain remover | Recommended |
| Safety pins | Recommended |
| Fabric | Dense satins, mikado, ballgown tulle, chiffon, cotton jersey |
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What You'll Learn
Packing and safety measures
Firstly, it's important to note that you should always carry your wedding dress as a carry-on item and never check it as a checked bag. It's also a good idea to arrive at the airport early to allow extra time for security checks, especially if you're carrying a large or delicate dress.
When packing your dress, it's crucial to ensure its safety and protection throughout your journey. Start by using a good garment bag provided by the retailer or purchase one online if needed. Make sure the bag is large enough to accommodate your dress comfortably. A 72-inch bag, for example, will fit even the puffiest dress with room to spare. Ensure the hanger straps are on the clothing hanger and loop them around to distribute the weight. Delicate fabrics like silk, satin, and chiffon can wrinkle easily and be challenging to steam if crushed, so consider denser fabrics like satin, mikado, or ballgown tulle if possible. If you're set on a lightweight fabric, ask if the dress can be professionally packed in tissue and boxed for travel.
You can also purchase an extra seat for your wedding dress. This way, the dress can be laid across the seat, and the seatbelt can be fastened over it to keep it secure during the flight. However, some airlines, like Southwest, only allow the extra seat to be used for laying the dress on the floor in front of it. Additionally, keep an eye out for empty seats on the flight, as you may be able to utilise that space.
If you're unable to purchase an extra seat or find empty seats, you can carefully place your dress in the overhead compartment. Ask the flight attendant for assistance, as they may be able to hang it in the front closet of the plane or stow it away safely in the overhead bin. If there is no closet space available, lay your dress flat on top of the other carry-ons in the overhead compartment once everyone has boarded.
Lastly, it's always good to be prepared for any last-minute mishaps. Pack a travel-friendly steam iron or hand steamer, a sewing kit, safety pins, and a trusty stain remover.
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Carry-on vs checked bag
When travelling with a wedding dress, it is generally recommended to carry it on board with you, rather than checking it in. This is because checked bags are at risk of rough handling and could be damaged or lost.
Southwest Airlines allows wedding dresses to be transported as carry-ons in two ways. You can either fold and pack your gown into a standard carry-on suitcase, which must adhere to maximum dimensions of 24 x 16 x 10 inches. Alternatively, gently roll or tri-fold your dress to fit inside a garment bag with the same size constraints. It is important to note that these rules may change, so it is recommended to consult the airline's website, app, or customer service before your travel.
If you choose to carry your wedding dress on board, you can either hold it on your lap and cover it with a coat, or you can store it in the overhead compartment. Some airlines, like United Airlines, offer hanging closet space, which is ideal for wedding dresses as it ensures the dress won't be jostled during the flight or cramped in an overhead bin. Other airlines, like JetBlue, do not offer hanging closet space but allow your wedding dress to be stored in the overhead compartment as your personal item or carry-on. If you are concerned about space, you can also consider purchasing an extra seat for your wedding dress.
To ensure the safety and protection of your wedding dress during travel, it is recommended to use a good garment bag. Line the bag with acid-free tissue paper to create a barrier and absorb moisture. Additionally, include your personal information on or inside the bag in case of accidents or loss. It is also a good idea to pack essential items like a sewing kit, stain remover wipes, and a travel steamer in your carry-on bag to handle any last-minute surprises.
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Garment bags
When travelling with a wedding dress on Southwest Airlines, it's important to note that the airline does not have closets or anywhere to hang a garment bag. Therefore, your dress will have to be stored in the overhead compartment, either laid on top of other carry-ons or in its own space, depending on availability. To ensure your dress is accommodated, it should be wrapped in a proper garment bag and securely packed according to Southwest's carry-on bag dimensions.
It is recommended to place your gown inside a garment bag and to abide by the airline's carry-on regulations. You may need to fold your garment bag in the overhead compartment, so it is important to pack your dress properly. Make sure to confirm that your garment bag fits within the airline's carry-on size requirements.
If you are concerned about your dress being folded or want to ensure it has its own space, you can consider purchasing an extra seat for your wedding dress. This option will allow you to lay the dress on the floor in front of the seat, rather than on the seat itself. This is a good alternative if you are worried about the dress being damaged or want to avoid the risk of it being packed with other bags.
Additionally, you may want to consider shipping your wedding dress directly to your hotel or destination. This option can alleviate the stress of carrying it on the plane and ensure it arrives safely and separately from your other luggage.
It is always a good idea to contact the airline directly for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding their policies for accommodating wedding dresses and other special items.
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Buying an extra seat
If you're travelling with a wedding dress on Southwest Airlines, you may want to consider buying an extra seat for the dress. This option is particularly useful if you have a large, poofy gown that you don't want to place in the overhead bin.
To do this, purchase a separate ticket for your wedding dress, and you will receive a boarding pass for the dress. When you board the plane, place the dress in the seat next to you, and a flight attendant will help you fasten a seatbelt around the garment bag. It is recommended that you purchase a window seat for the dress, as this may make it easier to secure the dress.
It's important to note that Southwest Airlines does not have closets to hang your gown, so buying an extra seat may be a good alternative. However, this option can be expensive, and you will need to ensure that your dress adheres to the carry-on bag dimensions set by the airline.
Additionally, you may want to consider other options for transporting your wedding dress, such as neatly placing it inside a garment bag and storing it in the overhead bin. The cabin crew on Southwest Airlines is known to be helpful in accommodating wedding dresses, and they will ensure that your dress is safely stowed away.
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Fabric choices
When selecting a wedding dress that will be transported on an aeroplane, the fabric is one of the most important considerations. Delicate fabrics such as silk, satin, and chiffon wrinkle easily and can be challenging to steam if crushed. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for fabrics with some structure that can bounce back from packing, such as denser satins, mikado, or ballgown tulle. If a lightweight fabric is preferred, consider having the dress professionally packed in tissue and boxed for safe travel.
Heavily beaded dresses should be avoided as the weight can stress the seams over time. Instead, prioritise fabrics that can be folded without leaving harsh creases. It is also worth noting that some fabrics, such as silk, require pressing rather than steaming, as steaming can cause shrinking or discolouration.
To ensure the wedding dress is in perfect condition for the special day, it is important to properly prepare the dress upon arrival at the destination. It is recommended to let the dress breathe for at least 24 hours before wearing it. Additionally, consider using a fabric steamer or contacting the destination site about steaming options, as it may not be possible to guarantee a wrinkle-free dress upon arrival.
When packing the wedding dress, it is crucial to ensure its safety and protection. Using a garment bag can help keep the dress safe, and it is recommended to line the bag with acid-free tissue paper to act as a barrier and absorb moisture. It is also important to remember to bring the dress as a carry-on item and never check it, as this can increase the risk of the dress being lost, damaged, or stolen.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can travel with a wedding dress on a Southwest flight, but it's important to plan ahead.
Place your gown inside a garment bag and abide by the carry-on regulations. You can also buy an extra ticket for your dress and lay it across the seat, or on the floor in front of the seat.
You can store your dress underneath the seat in front of you, as long as it fits. There is no additional charge for this.
Arrive early to allow extra time for security checks, especially if your dress is large or delicate. You can also ask the flight attendant to hang your dress in the front closet of the plane.
Choose a travel-friendly fabric such as chiffon or cotton jersey, which are easy to steam. You can also ask your retailer to professionally pack your dress in tissue and box it for travel.
