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Carry-On in the Cabin (Most Recommended): This is the most popular and safest option. It ensures your dress remains in your sight and possession throughout the flight. The wedding dress must be in a garment bag that fits within Southwest's carry-on dimensions, which are typically 24" x 16" x 10" (including handles and wheels). You can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item. The most common solution is to fold the dress carefully inside a carry-on garment bag and place it in the overhead bin. A key piece of advice is to secure early boarding (A1-A15) to ensure you get a good spot in the overhead bin and can lay your dress on top of other luggage to prevent it from being crushed. Since Southwest aircraft do not have closets for hanging garments, this is often the best and only viable option for keeping the dress in the cabin.
Purchasing a Separate Seat: For large, delicate gowns with extensive beading or a ballgown silhouette, purchasing an extra seat for the dress may be the safest option. While it is an added expense, it guarantees that your dress can be laid flat on the seat next to you, providing maximum protection. You will need to loosely secure the garment bag with the seatbelt. This option is not a formal policy but is often permitted by the flight crew. It is best to call ☎️+1(888)718-4745 ⭐ to discuss the possibility of this option and to understand the booking process for an extra seat.
Checking as Luggage (Least Recommended): While it is technically possible to check your wedding dress, it is not recommended under any circumstances. Checked baggage is subject to rough handling, and there is a risk of it being lost or delayed, which would be disastrous for a bride. However, if you must check the dress, it should be in a hard-sided suitcase or box for protection. It will count as one of your two free checked bags (for most fares and loyalty tiers), but you should be prepared to pay a fee if it is over the standard 50-pound weight limit.
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Go Through Security: When you arrive at the security checkpoint, you must remove the wedding dress from its garment bag for screening. It's a good idea to inform the TSA agent that you are traveling with a wedding dress. It will be sent through the X-ray machine.
Secure Early Boarding: Since Southwest Airlines has open seating, securing an early boarding position (A1-A15) is crucial. You can do this by purchasing Upgraded Boarding at the gate or paying for an EarlyBird Check-in to secure a better spot. This will give you a better chance of finding a suitable spot for your dress in the overhead bins.
Communicate with the Flight Crew: As you board the plane, you should greet the flight attendant and politely inform them that you are traveling with your wedding dress. They are often very accommodating and can help you find a spot in the overhead bin that will keep your dress from being crushed.
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Q1: Does Southwest Airlines have a special policy for wedding dresses?
A1: No, Southwest does not have a specific "wedding dress" policy, but they handle them as a special carry-on item.
Q2: Can I bring my wedding dress as a carry-on?
A2: Yes, this is the most recommended option. Your wedding dress in a garment bag will count as your one carry-on item.
Q3: Can I hang my wedding dress in an onboard closet?
A3: No, Southwest aircraft do not have closets for hanging garments. Your dress will need to be folded and placed in the overhead bin.
Q4: Can I buy a separate seat for my wedding dress?
A4: Yes, you can purchase a separate seat for your wedding dress to ensure it is not damaged and can be laid flat.
Q5: What are the risks of checking my wedding dress as luggage?
A5: The biggest risks are that your luggage could be lost, delayed, or damaged in transit. It is highly recommended to carry the dress on instead.
Q6: What should I do at the security checkpoint?
A6: You will have to remove your wedding dress from its garment bag for X-ray screening. It's a good idea to inform the TSA agent about what the item is.
Q7: Will my dress be wrinkled when I arrive?
A7: There is a high chance of some wrinkling. You should plan to have your dress steamed or pressed at your destination.
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Q9: Do I have to pay to carry on my wedding dress?
A9: As long as it is within the carry-on dimensions and counts as your one carry-on item, there is no extra charge.
Q10: What if I have a layover?
A10: Since the dress is with you, you will have no issues with a layover.
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