Putting My Gown in Checked Luggage?

Bring a stream iron with you. That will help with any wrinkles or crinkles. You can also hang it in the bathroom and take super hot showers. The steam will help wrinkles fall out.

Contact the airline. When my sister was taking her dress to Jamaica they stored it up front for her for free. Much easier and you'll have piece of mind it will arrive with you!

I agree. I had a friend who had a destination wedding recently and she brought her steamer with her to take out wrinkles. Sometimes airlines will take extra care of your dress is you request it, but I would recommend bringing a steamer either way. Also, make sure it's super secure in a gown bag.

What is the airline? I’ve never heard of any airline not accepting additional money at any time if you want to pay to add a carry on, even if it’s the day of. If you want an extra service, every airline I know will always accept the upcharge and take your money.

i would definitely call them and see what you can do. I honestly would NEVER check a wedding dress. Do anything you can to avoid this.

still: do pack a travel steamer. Pack the dress in a hard side suitcase. Roll it into itself. Hang it immediately when you’re done flying, leave it hanging in the bathroom when you shower. Still, wrinkles are an easily solvable problem. Lost luggage is not. I do suggest contacting the airline and finding a way to carry it on. It really should be doable, you just may have to pay for it. To me, worth it for peace of mind.

I dont of an airline that you cant change your bags last minute or when you check in.

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I absolutely agree. I never check luggage anyway and can't imagine checking in my wedding dress! The airline should be able to do something.

Yes just call them. You can add or change bags online nowadays but no don’t check your dress! That’s way to risky!

Don’t put it in your checked luggage, you never know what could happen. We also had a DW with a layover in NY and a 10hr flight to Athens so needed to make sure it got there in very good condition. We purchased this garment travel bag and it was great! We were able to fit in my dress, his tuxedo, both of our shoes, and accesories with plenty of room for more. Had no trouble with it as a carry-on and it fit in the upper bins with no issue. Not all planes have a closet but the flight attendants in all flights were very reassuring it would be fine in the upper bin compartments. Is a bit of an investment but so worth it. When we got to our destination there was no need to even iron or steam my dress or his tux. 😊

My bridesmaid specifically told me never to fly with my gown or check it that it’s not worth the risk. We are driving to our wedding! Co to NV

You should still be able to add a carryon to your ticket. You are not restricted from doing that. You can either call the airline or do it when you get the airport. I do not recommend checking your wedding dress. Luggage gets sent to the wrong destination all of the time. Unless you have a week to spare when you get there, if anything happened, you’d be without your gown.

I’ll be flying to my wedding destination as well and I asked my FH for tips. He was a Flight Attendant for 10 years.

He suggests the following:

1.) Talk to the gate agent and let them know that you have a wedding gown and ask if it’s possible to board the plane with the first group so that you can talk to the FAs before it gets too busy.

2.) Treats go a long way! Bring the FAs a box of donuts or a box of chocolates, they’ll be so touched that they’ll be more likely to extend help. Passengers rarely tip or give anything to FAs, so when someone does, they are usually incredibly grateful.

3.) Don’t put your dress in the overhead bin first, people will smash their carryons right on top of it. Instead, let the FAs know you need to store a dress, and they will probably help you find a good spot to store it ON TOP OF the carryons.

4.) Not all airplanes have closets, and if they do, they are for the captains & small mobility devices. You can ask the FA if there is a closet/room, but the closets aren’t for passengers. So, back to #2, getting the FAs a little treat can go a long way to helping you secure that wedding gown on board the flight.

I wouldn't trust the dress in checked baggage. Can't you just contact the airline and add the carry on luggage to your ticket?

View Quoted Comment These all seem like great tips! I think people are usually happy to help if you just ask. I’m sure if you carry it on in a garment bag the FAs would help you find a safe place for it during the flight. I’ve also never heard of an airline requiring you to pay for a carry on bag in advance - I’m sure it’s not too late to decide to carry on.

I would NOT check it. No way. There is always a chance that a checked bag could be lost and/or the contents damaged.

Federal Express 2 day delivery. So you can take it in a day before you leave, and have it delivered to you at your destination. You can pack it loosely, so wrinkles from crushing are minimized. And it won't accidentally get loaded on a plane to Maine or Alaska, once checked in.