How to Fly With Your Wedding Dress
You’re getting ready to fly to your destination wedding and it all hits you: how on earth do you safely get your wedding dress from point A to point B?
I’ve heard that question time and time again from our destination brides, and I totally get it—some of these stunning gowns can cost more than the wedding itself! That’s why I’m here to make sure your dress doesn’t just arrive but arrives in impeccable condition.
To make sure of that, I’ve created this handy guide filled with quick travel tips tailored specifically for flying with your perfect dress. I promise I’ve got your back!
Let’s make sure you and your gown both reach your dream destination in style 👰✈️.
How to Pack Your Dress
First things first—packing. Don’t try and squeeze your wedding dress in your suitcase, instead, give it the VIP treatment it deserves by placing it in a garment bag.
Chances are, your dress already came with its own bag, but if you can, consider investing in a high-quality garment bag as soon as possible. It’s a worthwhile purchase you’ll use time and time again for those special outfits. Many bridal shops offer travel-friendly bags, or you can find some great options on Amazon. When choosing a size, go big! A 72-inch bag will comfortably fit even the puffiest dress and its elegant train.
Now, onto the essentials! Don’t forget to pack a travel-friendly steam iron, a sewing kit, safety pins, and a trusty stain remover that you know works. Being prepared for any little mishaps will give you peace of mind.
Are you wondering which fabrics are the best for a destination wedding? We recommend opting for a travel-friendly material, like chiffon and cotton jersey—they’re a breeze to steam! On the flip side, satin can be a bit trickier, so it’s best to steer clear.
Okay, now that your dress is all set, let’s tackle the airport! This is probably the most stressful part: navigating security, check-in, and even finding a spot for your wedding dress on the plane might seem daunting, but don’t worry—I’ve got some tips to make it a breeze.
5 Tips for Navigating the Airport
Never Check Your Dress
Let’s get this straight—never, ever check your wedding dress. Trust me, I’ve heard far too many heartbreaking tales of dresses gone missing, damaged, or even stolen. The golden rule? Always carry your dress on the plane with you. After all, why leave it to chance when you can keep it close and safe? Bags can get lost or damaged, and a folded-up dress is a wrinkled dress waiting to happen. So, let’s skip the headache and keep your gown by your side.
Carry It With Care
As you breeze through airport check-in and security, treat your dress like the VIP it is—carry it upright and place it on top of other bags if possible. Try to minimize carrying additional items to avoid any mishaps.
Upon arrival at your dream destination, continue to keep the bag upright, even when collecting your other luggage. Use a cart or ask an airport attendant for assistance. When you’re en route to your resort, either lay your dress on top of other items or keep it with you in the car to prevent any unwanted wrinkles.
Choose Your Airline Wisely
Do your homework and opt for the right airline. Here are a few airlines that let you carry your dress on as a carry-on:
American Airlines (they have hanging closets, as well)
JetBlue (no hanging space, but they will help you stow it in the overhead)
Be sure to also check their websites for specific dimensions and guidelines.
Ask the Airline for Help
Airline attendants can be your wedding dress’s best friend. Don’t hesitate to leverage your bride-to-be status and ask for their help. Many airlines (shoutouts to Delta 🛫) are happy to hang your dress in a special closet onboard.
If you’re not flying with a dress-friendly airline, don’t worry! Wait until everyone has boarded, then lay your dress flat in the overhead compartment. While option A usually works like a charm, it’s always good to have a backup plan.
First Class and Priority Boarding Perks
Considering splurging on first class or priority boarding? It might just be worth it, especially for your special day. This can score you a better shot at a spot in the front closet! Some brides even go as far as to purchase a seat for the dress—I am not sure if I am an advocate of this but hey, when in doubt, do what you have to do! It’s your day after all. (And, if it’s not a full flight, take the safest route and sneak it into an empty seat.)
What to Do Once You Arrive at Your Destination
You’ve Made It to Your Destination! That doesn’t seem so bad, right? Your gown has traveled safely with you, and now it’s time to give it a little TLC.
As soon as you settle in, carefully remove your dress from its garment bag and find a safe, clean place to hang it up. If your hotel or venue offers a room equipped with a steamer, this is your chance to make those gentle wrinkles disappear—take full advantage!
If a steamer isn’t available, don’t worry—a handheld steamer can work wonders too. Just remember to treat your dress with all the love and care, and keep it clear of any makeup messes or accidental spills. Once your gown is looking as beautiful as ever, consider storing it in a breathable garment bag to keep it pristine and protected until your special day arrives.
We know that flying with your wedding dress might seem like navigating a maze, but once you’re up there saying ‘I do’ to the love of your life, it will all be worth it. With these tips, you can have some piece of mind knowing that you’re ready to tackle any obstacle and ensure your gown arrives looking as fabulous as you do 💅.
From choosing the perfect fabric and garment bag to navigating the airport with ease and giving your dress a little post-flight TLC, each step adds to a more seamless travel experience. After all, with your dress looking picture-perfect, you can now get to the good stuff — like marrying the love of your life!
Editor Notes: This post was originally published on November 2, 2017, and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness or relevancy.
Courtnie is the founder & CEO of TravelBash. After years as an ambitious fundraiser, she took her passion for travel full-time. She has lived all over the U.S. and abroad and after planning her own destination wedding, she decided to help other couples plan their big day abroad too. She has written “Passport to Paradise: The Complete Destination Wedding Guide,” a top seller on Amazon. She has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, Destination I Do and The Washington Post. As a certified travel advisor, expert event planner and natural connector, she uses her powers to create VIP travel experiences.
