Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, especially when it’s a destination wedding. With so many details to handle, from booking the venue to organising the decorations, it’s easy to overlook how to transport one of the most critical elements of your big day: your wedding dress.
Given most wedding gowns' size, weight, and delicate fabric, taking it on a plane requires thoughtful preparation. This guide will walk you through ensuring your dress arrives at your destination safely and wrinkle-free.
Let’s get straight to the point
To transport your wedding dress safely on a plane, it's best to carry it as a carry-on rather than checking it in to avoid the risk of loss or damage. You can either use a high-quality garment bag and pack it for overhead storage or, if space permits, hang it in the plane's closet.
Some brides even purchase an extra seat for their dress to ensure it's wrinkle-free. Always check with your airline about their policies for carry-on items and size restrictions.
Upon arrival, unpack your dress immediately and consider using a portable steamer to remove any wrinkles. Early boarding or specialised wedding dress shipping services are also options to ensure your dress arrives safely and perfectly for your big day.
Why You Should Carry Your Wedding Dress Onboard
Wedding dresses are often too bulky and fragile to be checked in as regular luggage. Checking your dress could result in the nightmare scenario of being lost, damaged, or delayed. By carrying it with you on the plane, you can always keep an eye on it, reducing the risk of anything going wrong.
Purchase an Extra Seat for Your Dress
If you want to be extra cautious, consider purchasing an extra seat on the plane for your wedding dress. While this may seem extravagant, it’s a popular option among brides who want to ensure their gown remains wrinkle-free and avoid the stress of fitting it into an overhead compartment. This method guarantees your dress will have enough space and won’t be subjected to potential damage from other passengers' luggage.
Most Airlines Allow Wedding Dresses as Carry-On Items
Many airlines will allow you to bring your wedding dress as a carry-on item, but it’s important to check the specific policies of the airline you’re flying with. Some planes may not have closet space for hanging your dress, so it’s crucial to pack your gown in a way that fits into an overhead compartment without getting damaged. Be sure to know the airline's exact carry-on size and weight restrictions to avoid additional fees or forced gate checks.
Packing and Carrying Your Dress
Now that you know it’s best to carry your wedding dress onboard, the next step is packing it properly. You want to ensure it doesn’t get wrinkled or damaged during the flight.
Invest in a Quality Garment Bag
One of the best ways to protect your dress during the flight is to pack it in a sturdy garment bag. Ideally, you should choose a lightweight, weather-resistant bag designed specifically for travel. Some brides use acid-free tissue paper or plastic liners inside the bag to prevent wrinkles and protect the dress from damage.
Tips for Packing Your Dress in a Garment Bag:
- Line the inside of the garment bag with acid-free tissue paper to prevent creases.
- Hang the dress carefully and ensure it’s not folded or crumpled.
- Consider a 72-inch garment bag to accommodate long trains or bulky gowns.
Ask the Airline for Assistance
Once you’re on board, flight attendants can often help you find the best place to store your dress. Depending on the airline and aircraft, they may have closet space or be able to help you lay the dress flat in the overhead bin. Being polite and informing the flight crew that you’re carrying a wedding dress can go a long way in getting assistance.
Communicate with Your Airline Before Your Flight
Different airlines have different policies for handling delicate items like wedding dresses. To avoid any surprises at the airport, it’s a good idea to call ahead and ask about their specific procedures. This way, you can prepare accordingly and know whether they can accommodate hanging your dress or if you’ll need to store it in the overhead compartment.
Check the Carry-On Limits
Ensure your dress fits within the airline’s carry-on size and weight limits. Some dresses are large, especially those with long trains or multiple layers of fabric, so confirm the dimensions allowed for carry-ons to avoid any issues at the airport. The last thing you want is to find out your gown doesn’t meet the requirements and risk having to check it.
Storing Your Wedding Dress During the Flight
Depending on the aircraft, you may have a few different options for where to store your wedding dress during the flight.
1. Overhead Bin Storage
If closet space isn’t available, the next best option is to place your dress in the overhead bin. To do this effectively, you’ll need to pack your gown in a way that minimises wrinkles. One method is to roll the garment bag from the hanger downwards, carefully tucking in the train as you go. Alternatively, you can fold the dress once or twice, depending on the available space.
How to Pack for Overhead Bin Storage:
- Place the hanger on the top of the garment bag.
- Gently fold the edges of the dress towards the centre, creating a neat triangle shape.
- Roll the bottom of the train upwards, tucking it into the garment bag.
2. Hang the Dress in the Aircraft Closet
If you’re flying on a plane with a closet, flight attendants may allow you to hang your wedding dress. This is ideal because it reduces the chance of wrinkles. Remember that closet space is often limited, and passengers with larger carry-ons may have priority, so it’s best to board early to secure space.
3. Purchase Priority Boarding
Many airlines offer the option to purchase priority boarding. This allows you to be one of the first passengers to board, giving you the best chance of securing a good spot for your dress, whether in the overhead bin or the closet. Early boarding also reduces the stress of rushing to find a place for your gown as other passengers file in.
Alternative Options for Transporting Your Dress
In some cases, brides opt for alternative ways of transporting their wedding gowns. These options might be worth considering if you’re especially worried about the safety of your dress.
1. Book an Extra Seat for Your Gown
Some brides go as far as booking an extra seat on the plane for their wedding dress. This ensures your gown is safe and won’t be squeezed into overhead bins or closets. While this option is more costly, it guarantees that your dress stays in perfect condition during the flight.
2. Use a Wedding Dress Shipping Service
If you’re extremely worried about transporting your dress, you can use a specialised shipping service catering to wedding dresses. These services ensure your gown is transported securely and arrives at your destination on time. However, you’ll need to plan and ensure the service is reliable.
Preparing for the Arrival at Your Destination
Once you’ve safely arrived at your destination, it’s time to carefully unpack your dress and prepare it for the big day.
1. Unpack the Dress Immediately
As soon as you arrive at your hotel, unpack your wedding dress and hang it up in a safe, clean spot where it won’t be disturbed. Most minor wrinkles will naturally fall out after hanging for a day or two, so it’s best to unpack it as soon as possible.
2. Pack a Portable Steamer
Even with the best care, some wrinkles might appear. A portable steamer is an excellent tool to bring with you to your destination, allowing you to remove any creases from your dress. Bring an adapter if you travel internationally, as power outlets may differ.
Steaming Tips:
- Use a towel or cotton cloth over the steamer head to prevent watermarks.
- Hold the steamer a few inches from the fabric to avoid damaging it.
3. Find a Local Dry Cleaner
If your dress arrives with significant wrinkles or needs additional care, it’s helpful to locate a local dry cleaner specialising in wedding dresses. Book an appointment to ensure your dress looks perfect on your big day.
Important Airline Policies for Traveling Brides
Many major airlines have specific policies in place for transporting wedding dresses. Here's a brief overview of how some of the largest US airlines handle bridal attire:
American Airlines
American Airlines allows wedding dresses as carry-on items, but not all planes have closets. If closet space isn’t available, your gown must fit into the overhead bin.
Delta Airlines
Delta is another airline that allows wedding dresses. Its website offers tips for brides traveling to destination weddings. Consider using Delta's Early Valet service, which allows gate agents to load carry-ons, including your dress, into the overhead bins before boarding.
United Airlines
United Airlines advises passengers to carry high-value or fragile items, such as wedding dresses, on board rather than checking them. They encourage brides to contact staff for assistance in safely storing their gowns.
Conclusion
When it comes to travelling with your wedding dress, preparation is key. By carrying your dress onboard, using a high-quality garment bag, and working with the airline for storage options, you can ensure your gown arrives at your destination in perfect condition. Whether you store it in the overhead bin, hang it in the closet, or even purchase an extra seat, the peace of mind that comes with knowing your dress is safe is priceless. Finally, remember to unpack and steam your dress upon arrival to ensure it’s flawless for your big day.
FAQs About Weddings
Hang dresses in a plastic dry-cleaning bag, then place the wrapped dress inside a hanging travel garment bag. Some airlines offer closets for hanging garment bags, which allows you to bring the dress with you as a carry-on item. Garment bags also result in fewer wrinkles even if you must check the bag.
Most times, they will hang it up for you in a special place—as they did for me when I got married (shout out to Delta). Note: Airlines count the dress as a carry-on item so avoid being caught at the gate with other items like a purse and another bag in hand.
Never store your dress in a vacuum sealed bag or plastic container! While this may seem like a great way to preserve your gown, plastic containers or bags emit fumes that can yellow or discolor the fabric. Additionally, moisture trapped within the container can cause a buildup of mildew or mold.
Many brides take their wedding dress on the plane as carry-on luggage, but BE SURE it is an approved size, as some airplanes do not have extra room for oversized carry-on pieces.
Dresses are laid on top of suitcases in the bin often (just laid flat on top) and that seems fine. The attendants are usually happy to help with wedding dresses. The garment bags that fold in half are easiest to haul around and hang. Just pack a steamer if you're worried!