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Carry-On is Best: The safest and most recommended option for traveling with a wedding dress is to carry it on board. This keeps the dress in your possession at all times, eliminating the risk of it being lost or damaged as checked baggage. If your dress can be folded or rolled to fit within the standard carry-on size requirements (24" L x 16" W x 10" H), you can bring it in a garment bag or a small suitcase.
Overhead Bin Storage: Southwest's open seating policy means that finding space in an overhead bin can be challenging, especially on full flights. It is highly recommended to get an earlier boarding position by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight, or by purchasing EarlyBird Check-In or Upgraded Boarding. This gives you the best chance of finding a spot to lay your garment bag flat on top of other luggage, preventing it from being crushed.
No Onboard Closets: Unlike some other airlines, Southwest does not have closets on its aircraft for storing garments. Therefore, asking a flight attendant to hang your dress in a closet is not an option. Your dress will need to be stowed in an overhead bin or under the seat, depending on its size.
Checked Baggage as a Last Resort: While it is possible to check your wedding dress as baggage, it is strongly discouraged. Checked bags are subject to rough handling and can be lost or delayed. If you must check your dress, pack it in a durable, hard-sided suitcase with extra padding and protection. It will be subject to the standard checked baggage fees and the risks that come with checked luggage. It is critical to pack your dress professionally, using tissue paper and other materials to protect delicate beading or fabrics.
Purchasing a Seat for the Dress: For very large or delicate gowns, a viable option is to purchase a separate, non-refundable seat for the dress. This guarantees that your dress stays in the cabin, secured in a seat next to you. You must call the airline to book this option. The dress must be placed in a seat closer to the window than any other passenger, fit in the seat, and be secured with a seatbelt. Note that you must sit in the adjacent seat.
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Arrive Early at the Airport: Plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. This gives you ample time to check in, especially if you are checking the dress, and to navigate security without feeling rushed.
Go to the Ticket Counter (If Checking): If you are checking your dress, head directly to the Southwest Airlines ticket counter. Verbally and clearly declare that you are checking a special garment. The agent will weigh your bag and check it in as a standard checked bag.
Go to the Gate (If Carrying On): If you are carrying on your dress, you will not need to go to the ticket counter unless you are also checking other bags. Proceed directly to the security checkpoint. Be prepared for the dress to be screened and potentially manually inspected.
Boarding and In-Cabin: Once you are at the gate, it is critical to board as early as possible. As you board, communicate with the flight attendant. Politely let them know you have a delicate garment and ask for their assistance in finding the best place to stow it. They are often very accommodating and will help you find a spot in the overhead bin.
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Q1: Can I carry on my wedding dress?
A1: Yes, it is the safest and most recommended way to travel with a wedding dress. It must fit within the standard carry-on dimensions and be stowed in an overhead bin or under a seat.
Q2: Will Southwest Airlines let me hang my dress in an onboard closet?
A2: No, Southwest Airlines does not have closets on its aircraft for storing garments. Your dress must be stowed in the overhead bin.
Q3: Can I purchase a seat for my wedding dress?
A3: Yes, for a large or delicate gown, you can purchase a separate, non-refundable seat. You must call to book this option.
Q4: Can I check my wedding dress?
A4: Yes, you can check your wedding dress, but it is not recommended due to the risk of damage or loss. If you do, it should be packed in a sturdy, hard-sided suitcase.
Q5: What is the best way to get overhead bin space for my dress?
A5: You should get an earlier boarding position by either checking in 24 hours before your flight or purchasing EarlyBird Check-In or Upgraded Boarding.
Q6: What happens if my dress gets wrinkled?
A6: It is very likely that your dress will get wrinkled. You should have a plan to get it steamed or pressed at your destination.
Q7: Do I have to declare my wedding dress at check-in?
A7: If you are checking the dress, you should verbally declare it as a special garment so the agent can be aware. If you are carrying it on, you will communicate with the flight attendant upon boarding.
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Q9: What if my dress is too big to fit in the overhead bin?
A9: If your dress is too large to fit in the overhead bin, you must either check it or purchase a separate seat for it.
Q10: What should I do with my other bags if I'm carrying on my dress?
A10: It's best to check your other bags so that you have your hands free to handle your wedding dress and find space for it in the cabin.
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