The Best Airlines to Fly with your Wedding Dress
The Best Airlines to Fly with your Wedding Dress
Our Bride Taylor was married in Destination Wedding in La Foce in Tuscany / Photo by: @kristakphotos
The Dilemma With A Destination Wedding - How To Fly with Your Wedding Dress?
Destination weddings have become an increasingly popular trend in the wedding planning world. Couples love the excitement and adventure of jetting off to a dreamy location to say "I do." While destination weddings are often celebrated for their relaxed vibe and potential cost-saving benefits, there’s one important detail that often gets overlooked: how to properly fly with a wedding dress. Whether it's a delicate lace gown or a voluminous ball gown, transporting your wedding dress requires careful planning. So, which airlines are best equipped to handle such a precious cargo?
Three major airlines JetBlue, United Airlines, and Southwest all have different options for you and your wedding dress. Let’s take a look at each airline and what they are doing to make flying easier for you.
Our Bride Eduarda was married in Mexico City Destination Wedding / Photo by: @efegepho
Our Bride Jennifer was married in Santorini Destination Wedding / Photo by: @anettecookphotography
Major Airlines Commonly Used For Destination Weddings
JetBlue
When traveling with JetBlue, your wedding dress will count as a personal item. Unfortunately, JetBlue does not offer hanging closet space on any of its flights, regardless of seat class. This means that if you choose to bring your wedding dress as a personal item, it will need to be placed in the overhead bin during takeoff and landing. You are not allowed to hold onto it throughout the flight.
That said, you are allowed to store the dress underneath the seat in front of you, as long as it fits. This is a viable option since there’s no additional charge, and JetBlue typically considers it a personal item, even if it doesn’t quite meet their size requirements. The most popular choice when flying with JetBlue is to purchase an extra seat for the wedding dress. This way, the dress can be laid across the seat, and the seatbelt must be fastened over it to keep it secure during the flight.
Our Brides Camille and Tabitha were married in Destination Cancun Wedding / Photo by: @agba.weddings
Southwest
Like JetBlue, Southwest Airlines also allows you to purchase an additional seat for your wedding dress. However, with Southwest, the extra seat is essentially for laying the dress on the floor in front of the seat, rather than resting it on the seat itself. Essentially, you’re buying floor space for your wedding dress.
For both JetBlue and Southwest, we recommend placing your wedding dress in a carry-on suitcase. This allows you to store the dress in the overhead compartment and keep it within your possession throughout the flight, giving you peace of mind about its safety and security.
Our Bride Peggy Destination Wedding in Scotland / Photo by: @conaweddings
Our Bride Emily was married in Destination Wedding in Croatia / Photo by: https://www.lacaweddings.com/index.html
United Airlines
United Airlines offers the best option for flying with your wedding dress. Unlike other airlines where you may have to stow your dress in the overhead bin or underneath your seat, or even purchase an additional seat, United provides hanging closet space at no extra charge! You don’t need to book a specific class of seat to use this service. Any passenger can hang their dress in the closet. And the best part? You don’t need to call ahead to reserve the space; simply inform the flight attendant when you board.
Having your dress safely stored in a closet ensures it won't get jostled during the flight, cramped in an overhead bin, or at risk of being packed with other bags. It also eliminates the need to purchase an extra seat, which may or may not accommodate your gown. With United Airlines' hanging closet, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing exactly where your dress is and that it's been carefully handled from boarding to arrival.
Our Bride Madison married in North Carolina Wedding / Photo by: @sotenderishumanity
Our Bride Breanna at her Romantic Destination Wedding in Mexico / Photo by: @guillermo.munoz.photo
Travel + Packing Tips: For traveling with your wedding dress
Carry your dress with you at all times. If your airline allows you to hang your dress in a closet, that’s the best option. However, if not, and your wedding dress is small enough to fit in a carry-on bag or suitcase, go ahead and pack it, even if it means squeezing it in. Your dress may get a bit wrinkled, but it won't break! The key benefit is that it will remain in your possession, ensuring it won’t get lost or stolen.
Keep all bridal items together. When packing for your destination, make sure all your essential bridal items—dress, shoes, accessories, undergarments, veil, and any additional pieces—are in one place. This will help you avoid any panic moments, like arriving at your hotel or Airbnb and realizing you’ve forgotten your shoes. Yikes!
Expect your dress to be wrinkled. If you’re packing your dress into a carry-on, it’s likely to get crammed and wrinkled. But remember: a wrinkled dress is better than a lost one! On the morning of your wedding, you can easily release wrinkles with a hand steamer and have your dress looking perfect for the big day. Find our travel steamer here!
Our Bride Bailey was married in Nashville, Tennessee Wedding / Photo by: @jennifercodyphoto
Flying With Your Wedding Dress: Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to fly with my wedding dress?
The best option depends on the airline. If they offer a hanging closet, use it. If not, pack it in a carry-on or buy an extra seat.How early should I arrive at the airport with my wedding dress?
Arrive early to allow extra time for security checks, especially if you’re carrying a large or delicate dress. This gives you peace of mind that you’ll be able to manage your dress properly.
Can I bring my wedding dress as checked luggage?
While it’s possible, it's not recommended. Checked bags are at risk of rough handling, and your dress could be damaged. Always try to keep it with you in the cabin.Should I carry my wedding dress in a garment bag?
Yes! A garment bag will help protect your dress from wrinkles and dirt while traveling. Make sure it’s lightweight and breathable.Should I pack my wedding dress with my other clothing?
It's best to keep your wedding dress separate from your other clothing. This way, it won’t get squished, and it will stay clean and protected.
see more of our destination weddings here!
Our Bride Courtney Wedding in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania / Photo by: @mariahtreiberphotography
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Where are you headed for your destination wedding?
Leave a comment on this blog post or DM us your destination on Instagram!
