What's the best way to fly with a wedding a dress?

Question

My fiance and I are getting married this May in Jamaica, and I'm VERY nervous about transporting my dress there. What is the best way to travel with a wedding dress? I really don't like the idea of checking it with my luggage because I've heard so many stories about people's things getting lost and never recovered. I'd prefer to bring it as a carry on, and I'm sure they will charge extra for that, but is it even allowed? It's in a zippered dress bag, of course. I've had this dress on layaway for months, and it was discontinued so it is irreplaceable. I would be devastated if my dress didn't get there safely with me! Has anyone had this same experience? Please help!

Answer 1

You have two options to get it there safely.  You should be able to carry it on the plane, but that will be your only carry on, so pack anything else you'll need on the plane in your fiance's carry on bag!  You may also want to put your shoes/lingerie for that day ... just incase.

If it's with you on the plane you'll be safe, you may have to fold it up to be allowed to fit it on the place as a carry on, but you can steam it once you arrive (just be sure to arrange access to a steamer at your hotel when you arrive).

OR

You can UPS your dress to the hotel a week or two ahead of time.  You can arrange this with your resort so they will contact you when it arrives (so you can rest assured).  Spend the money to have it sent overnight express (so you only have to worry for 24 hours) and definitely have the package INSURED.  It will get wrinkled, but you will have enough time that the hotel can have it steamed before you even arrive.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

You can board with it. This happens all the time on flights to destinations like that. Board first when they call for people with small children or those needing special assistance and ask the flight attendant to hang it in the front closet for you. Congrats and have a great time!  

Answer 3

My mom owns a bridal shop and she just had a bride who was flying to Guatemala to get married.She advised the bride to bring it as carry on and get to the gate early so she could tell the stewardess that she has her wedding dress and could it be hung somewhere safe or layed flat in its own overhead compartment.Most airlines are accomidating and treat brides very nicely! There is a closet for the flight attendants stuff close to the front of most planes that sometimes they will let you use to hang a wedding dress.When you get to your destination hang the dress immediately.Many  hotels and resorts have access to a steamer to get out any wrinkles that may occur during travel.  

Answer 4

The best choice is to call the airlines directly and ask what your options are.  Or you could ship it ahead to your hotel.  SHipping companies will at least have a tracking number to keep track of the item.

Answer 5

Ask your airline. They may charge you like $20 to carry it on as an extra carry on (how much can a wedding dress possibly weigh as it goes by weight). They will probably let you carry it on. And, I do know for sure that the plane has a closet near the front for the staff's belongings so they might let you hang your wedding dress in there. I don't get why they wouldn't this is very important. And you just have to be sure security is careful with it. They have to check EVERYTHING you carry on.

Answer 6

I would carry it onboard.

Answer 7

Call the airline and ask if they can accommodate your dress. My friend got married in Las Vegas, and the airline allowed her to carry it on and hung it for her. Hopefully, they can help you out!

Answer 8

wear it on the plane, u will look like an idiot but at least it will get there.