There are a few details that you should go through with your airline if you are required to fly internationally for your wedding. Always make sure to call them and ask whether they can store your dress in one of the closets in the cabin before you leave. You don't want to have to cram your lovely outfit into the space above your chairs, do you?
Most airlines consider wedding dresses to be carry-on luggage; therefore, you should double-check the carry-on policies to ensure you can get through security without any issues. If your dress needs to pass through security checks, you can know that the officers are mandated to wear gloves to prevent the dress from being damaged.
We would always advocate carrying your pricey wedding dress into the cabin with you since most brides would be understandably anxious about the prospect of checking their luggage with their dress inside.
How to Travel With a Wedding Dress on 5 Major Airlines
You can now consider yourself something of a novice wedding dress travel expert. But to make things even easier for you, we will explain how to travel with a wedding dress on five of the most popular airlines.
Delta Airlines
There is a section on the website dedicated to destination wedding travel suggestions. In that area, Delta explains that customers typically bring their wedding gowns on the flight. Even though you are flying in coach, the flight attendants may be able to accommodate you by hanging the dress in the coat closet reserved for first-class passengers.
Repeatedly, you must adhere to the baggage size requirements if the onboard wardrobe does not have sufficient space for your dress. If you are going to have to check your gown, the airline provides a helpful app that you may use to track your luggage. "If a customer is checking their wedding dress, we recommend using the FlyDelta app to track the status of their checked baggage throughout their travel journey," adds a representative from Delta. "The app allows customers to view the location of their checked baggage at any time during their trip."
It is recommended that customers who require assistance with their checked baggage report any items that were mistreated to a Delta Baggage Service Centre or submit a claim online to receive assistance with their baggage.
You could also benefit from participating in the Early Valet programme offered by Delta. Your dress will be preloaded into the overhead bin exactly above your seat approximately forty-five minutes before boarding begins. It means that you will no longer have to worry about squeezing it into an opening 12 rows back or not finding any space at all. Oh, and there is no charge! However, it is only offered on certain itineraries and vessels, so do your research in advance.
American Airlines
Instead of a carry-on bag, customers can use a garment bag with a soft exterior (for more information, including exact dimensions and specifics, go here). However, remember that only certain American Airlines aeroplanes have closets for hanging items, and those aircraft with the capacity give priority to passengers with other carry-ons that cannot be carried overhead. Some examples of such carry-ons include wheelchairs, walkers, bicycles, and surfboards.
JetBlue
Even though JetBlue aeroplanes do not have closets or other types of hanging space, putting your wedding attire in one of the overhead bins is possible. If your garment bag is safely packed and satisfies all of JetBlue's luggage criteria, it can be counted as a personal item or a carry-on (although the former is more likely the case, especially if the gown you plan to wear is extremely extensive).
If you buy a separate seat for your dress, it is also entitled to a carry-on bag (really!). It is just a fun thing to keep in mind. However, you need to be careful: Because of their size or weight, certain carry-on items may be subject to inspection at the security checkpoint.
Southwest Airlines
South-west Carriers is one of the few carriers allowing passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item. Your delicate dress will be carefully placed in an overhead compartment by crew members, where it will either be stacked atop other bags or given its own space, depending on the available room.
The garment bag that it is contained within will also be wrapped appropriately. (It is important to note that Southwest does not provide any closet space for you to hang your gown.) It, of course, is the case so long as your carry-on luggage fits within Southwest's specified limits.
United Airlines
You should take on rather than check any high-value, delicate, or perishable belongings. It includes "garment bags not designed for travel," United Airlines will accept these speciality products (also known as your wedding dress that has been packed up) as carry-ons. If there is enough room, the gate agents and crew personnel will do everything possible to accommodate you and your wedding ensemble. Check out the carry-on size restrictions that United has here.
Calling your airline to receive the specific answers you require, depending on your situation, is the best thing to do if there is clarity. Since you can't always guarantee that your dress will be completely wrinkle-free when you arrive, you won't regret bringing a fabric steamer or contacting your destination site about steaming alternatives. It is because you won't regret doing any of these things.
HOW DO YOU TAKE A WEDDING DRESS ON A PLANE?
The Dress Should Not Be Inspected
Never, ever peek inside the dress; this is the first and most important guideline. Never in a million years... We've heard many heartbreaking stories about people's clothing being lost, burned, or stolen, leaving us helpless.
Bringing your attire along with you at all times is the most straightforward response to this issue that can be taken. There is no need to give a third party access to any of your personal information.
Maintain Appropriate Attire
A GARMENT BAG can help you handle the difficulty of where to place your clothes when you don't have anywhere else to put them. Before being placed in a bag, dresses should not be ironed, folded, or crumpled in any way. The wall bag has quickly developed into a favourite option among our brides.
Because it is durable, lightweight, and resistant to the elements, this bag is an excellent option for use as a carry-on. Before hanging the dress, make sure that the inside of the garment bag is lined with acid-free tissue paper or clear plastic with no colour.
Even though a garment bag was included with your outfit, you might still consider purchasing one alone. If you can spend the extra money, you should since you can always reuse the bag to keep your next collection of one-of-a-kind clothing.
Ask The Airline To Help You Out
The support that flight attendants provide in situations like this is really valuable. Please make the most of your new status as a bride by delegating all household chores to your new spouse and his family.
Talk To Your Airline
Because every airline (and aeroplane) is different, you should call the airline you intend to fly with to find out how they handle individuals travelling with large yet fragile products like wedding dresses. You should hang up the phone with a better notion of what to prepare for before boarding, even if they cannot provide a definitive response to your question.
Fly First Class Or Purchase Priority Boarding
In most cases, those who start early receive bigger rewards. That is a higher probability of being able to reserve a seat in the aeroplane's first row. Because of this, wedding dress specialist Lela Rose, who also works as a fashion designer, suggests that brides invest in priority boarding. Then, remind the other people riding with you to keep you from tripping and falling over your dress. When notified that you will be travelling in your wedding dress, most flight attendants will do everything possible to accommodate you.
Alternatively, Hang Up Your Clothes
There is also the possibility that you will have to put your suitcase in the overhead compartment of the aeroplane. In such a scenario, you can fold the garment bag or roll it up, depending on your available space. Rolling it up is easiest if you begin at the hanger and work your way out. There is also the possibility of laying the dress out flat on top of other passengers' luggage in the overhead compartment; however, this option is contingent on sufficient space and the size of the other passengers' bags.
Don't Forget To Pack A Portable Steamer
Believe us when we advise that you need a steamer and a married outside the country. To avoid leaving water marks, it is recommended that you place a towel or a cotton sock over the head of the steamer. You have just finished reading a comprehensive guide to flying while wearing a wedding gown.
Package Correctly
The dress may be transported without effort by placing the hanger inside a robust and broad garment bag. If the train is stored in a bag, it should be folded in half lengthwise once before doing so. Pack the garment carefully in acid-free wrapping paper or plastic bags from the laundrette to keep it from stretching out of shape while it is being cleaned.
Because the bodice and the sleeves are the parts of the garment most prone to being crushed, those are the regions where you should put most of your belongings.
After placing the dress inside the larger garment bag, place one or even more plastic washing service bags inside the larger bag. Because the dry cleaner bags offer an additional layer of defence, you won't have to be concerned about the possibility of your clothing being harmed while it's in transit or while it's being processed at customs.
How to Bring a Bridal Dress on an Airplane
Verify Airline Rules
Get in touch with the airline well in advance to confirm whether or not you can bring the dress on board as a carry-on item or a personal item. Most aircraft operated by large airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, Jetblue, and other similar companies have a location close to the first class cabin equipped with closet space and hangers specifically for transporting bridal gowns.
It is better to enquire ahead of time, but the flight attendant is also a resource that may be asked before boarding the aircraft for one last chance to avoid storage in the overhead bin. If the airline does not permit you to bring the dress onto the plane, it is in your best interest to modify your flight plans to an airline that permits you to bring it since this will reduce the likelihood of being misplaced while in transit.
If there is no access to a closet and you cannot switch flights, place the garment bag inside a hard-sided carry-on suitcase of the greatest size permitted for use as carry-on luggage. The dress may arrive wrinkled to the point where it needs to be professionally ironed, but it won't be checked luggage so that it won't be at the mercy of the baggage handlers.
Brides-to-be or bridesmaids can bring a travel steamer or a portable steamer if the bride's dress develops creases to ensure that all bridal gear is ironed and free of wrinkles before the big day.
Package Correctly
Hang the dress up inside a durable garment bag designed for travel. If necessary, fold the train once along its length so it can be stored within the bag. It can prevent the garment from losing shape by stuffing it with acid-free tissue paper or plastic dry cleaner bags. The bodice and the sleeves are the portions of the garment that are most prone to be crushed, and as a result, you should stuff them until they are almost completely packed.
After filling the dress, place it inside the bigger garment bag and enclose it in one or more plastic dry cleaner bags. During transport and inspections, the dry cleaning bags offer additional protection against damage and moisture caused by condensation. If you have any further enquiries, need travel advice, or want peace of mind, try contacting your bridal stylist. When travelling with a larger gown that would not readily fit in the overhead bin or a carry-on bag, some industry experts may suggest purchasing an empty seat or an additional seat. These seats can then be used to store the larger gown.
Security Procedures
Arrive at the airport beforehand to give yourself plenty of additional time for the TSA security screening. To properly screen the clothing, screening employees may need to unwrap and unpack it. You are going to need additional time to repack the outfit appropriately.
In most cases, increasing your trip's recommended check-in arrival time for your trip by an additional 30 minutes is sufficient; nevertheless, you may require an additional hour for airports in major cities and areas with high passenger volume.
Arrival Care
As soon as you reach your destination, immediately start unpacking the outfit and hanging it up. Within twenty-four to forty-eight hours, the majority of creases disappear. Even if the garment is packed carefully, it would certainly get wrinkled to some degree during travelling. Before your arrival, make an appointment with a dry cleaner in the area to get a steaming or pressing done just in case the wrinkles are more serious than anticipated.
Choose a cleaner local to the venue with experience taking care of bridal gowns so you can be confident it will handle the dress appropriately. Asking your wedding venue if they have a steamer or a wedding guest if they have one that may be used is another alternative; if neither of these is possible, you must arrange a professional steaming service in your wedding preparation.
How to Travel With Your Wedding Dress on the Plane
Ask before you fly
If the airline cannot fulfil your request to store the dress in a closet throughout the flight, you should either pack the dress in a protective box or your luggage. When folding the dress to fit into the box or luggage, use something with a curved edge (such as polystyrene in a cylindrical shape or rolled-up tissue paper) and place it into the dress folds. It will prevent a sharp crease from forming in the fabric.
After the dress has been folded, please place it in a clothing bag and then place the clothing bag and the folded dress into the box or luggage. If there are empty seats on your trip, a nice grin and a quiet word with one of the air hostesses might give your dress a free seat, allowing you to pull it out and lay it flat. If there are empty seats on your flight, a nice smile and a quiet chat with one of the pilots might give your dress a free seat.
Be careful to put it in a bag, as you do not want to arrive at your destination to find that stains from the seats have transferred to your belongings.
Check out hotel pressing services
After you have landed, ask the dry cleaner or the hotel where you are staying to press it for you. You must schedule this service in advance if they are unavailable when you require them. If the creases aren't too severe, you could even hang the dress in your bathroom and take a steamy shower the night before your wedding to smooth out the wrinkles.
It will accomplish the task of killing two birds with the same stone because the soothing steam can help you relax well into the night while also removing any tiny wrinkles from most materials (except silk). Depending on the dimensions of the restroom, this strategy is effective. In addition, the amount of steam that gathers and the sort of dress you wear. Check and recheck with your bridal shop to ensure you have the most up-to-date information on properly preparing your unique wedding dress.
You are welcome to enquire about the type of acid-free tissue paper that can be used to protect the decorations (typically white) and whether or not the material will be safe to press, steam, or iron once it has arrived.
That very day, It is best to hang your dress inside a large plastic garment bag to avoid any liquids or stains from getting on it. Then, as you get into the car, lay it out as flat as you can. While getting your hair and cosmetics done, ensure it hangs up high enough not to touch the ground. Before you get dressed in your gown, stop by the bathroom first.
After the wedding
It is essential to have a plan for transporting your clothing to arrive in pristine condition at its final destination. However, it is essential to know how to bring it back home as it is to know how to receive it. Make arrangements for the dress to be dry-cleaned the day following the wedding.
Then, all you need to do is pack your dress in the same manner you did for the trip over here. By making proper preparations, you can reduce your anxiety in the days leading up to your wedding. Never put anything up for grabs, and never make any assumptions! Hallam is the location of Leah S. Designs, about a half-hour drive from the Melbourne central business district.
Additionally, various merchants throughout Australia carry our bridal gowns in their collections. We carry sizes ranging from 4 to 38 and have exclusive brands you won't find anywhere else. No lady is excluded, regardless of the figure form or size she may have.
Wrapping Up
Carrying on rather than checking wedding dresses is the best option when travelling with them because of their size and weight. Carry-on baggage limits are typically waived by most airlines, allowing you to bring your wedding dress on board. Ask the helpful staff how best to protect your priceless cargo, and they will gladly point you in the right direction. With the assistance of a garment bag, you may solve the problem of where to keep your wardrobe more easily. Before putting a dress away in a suitcase, you should never wrinkle or fold it.
Enquire the processes passengers must follow while shipping large, fragile items such as wedding dresses. The future bride should check with her airline to ensure that her wedding dress will be manageable for air travel before purchasing it. You can purchase a second plane ticket to bring your outfit with you. Some brides go so far as to reserve a spot on the aeroplane for their outfits. Check with your airline to determine if the clothing you intend to wear while travelling can be transported onto the plane as carry-on luggage.
When you are ready to go, place the hanger and clothing inside a garment bag that is large and robust. It can prevent your clothing from becoming stretched out of shape while being cleaned using plastic laundry bags or acid-free wrapping paper. Repacking the outfits may take some time. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least one hour before their aircraft departs. However, airports located in more populated locations may require more waiting time. Avoid attempting to navigate the airport with it on your own; rather, get assistance from the luggage attendant or rent a car.
Frequently Asked Questions
What precautions should I take if I'm transporting my dress by car?
Transporting your wedding dress by car requires careful planning to prevent damage. Lay the dress flat on the back seat or in a garment box to avoid wrinkles. If you must hang it, secure the hanger to prevent sliding. Avoid packing items on top of the dress, and drive cautiously to minimize sudden movements. If possible, enlist a friend or family member to assist with handling the dress during stops. Consider bringing a handheld steamer or fabric freshener to address minor wrinkles upon arrival.
How do I store my wedding dress at my destination after transportation?
After safely transporting your wedding dress, proper storage is crucial. Hang the dress in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid attics, basements, or areas prone to humidity. If hanging is not an option, store the dress in a breathable garment bag or acid-free box with tissue paper to prevent creasing. Keep the dress elevated to avoid contact with the floor. Check on the dress periodically to ensure it remains in optimal condition leading up to your wedding day.
Are there any restrictions or guidelines for transporting internationally?
Transporting your wedding dress internationally requires some additional considerations. Different countries have varying customs regulations, which may affect how you can bring your dress into the country. Research the specific rules and restrictions of your destination country, and ensure that you have all the necessary documentation. Additionally, if your dress contains any animal-derived materials, like feathers or fur, be aware of potential restrictions or permits required for those items.
What should I do if my wedding dress becomes wrinkled during transportation?
If your wedding dress becomes wrinkled during transportation, there are a few steps you can take to address the issue. Hang the dress in a well-ventilated area and gently shake it to release some of the wrinkles. If available, use a handheld steamer to steam the dress lightly, being cautious around delicate fabrics and embellishments.
Alternatively, you can use a clean, dry cloth and a cool iron on the lowest setting to carefully press out wrinkles. If you're unsure about handling wrinkles, consider consulting a professional cleaner or tailor at your destination.
Is it safe to check in my wedding dress when travelling by air?
While it's generally recommended to carry your wedding dress as a carry-on, checking it in as baggage is possible but comes with some risks. If you must check your dress, place it in a protective box or suitcase to minimize potential damage. Alert the airline staff about the delicate nature of the item, and consider purchasing additional insurance for valuable items. Upon arrival, inspect your dress carefully for any signs of damage and report any issues to the airline immediately.