Post all your carry-on questions here * Carry-on wedding dress/luggage

[McToasty]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jt20 Does anyone have RECENT experiences considering all these NEW security screenings and restrictions?

I am a little worried about this too. We were going to fly direct, but found a cheaper flight with American Airlines that stops over in Miami. I heard that there's a no-carry-on-allowed rule going around. Anyone know anything about this?

[SouthernSweetie]

My FI works for Continental Airlines as a Customer Service/Gate Agent. Travelers are allowed one carry-on bag (check with your airline for dimension and/or weight restrictions); it must be able to fit the overhead compartment.

 

You are also allowed one personal item. This can be a purse, backpack, laptop computer w/bag, diaper bag.... I've actually gotten very creative with this allowance. I usually carry bags inside of bags (like my purse inside of a back pack) so I can get additional items in the carry-on. I have also taken a large shoulder bag for this same purpose. Sometimes I put my laptop in my carry-on suitcase with other things, because it has wheels and the laptop, although thin, can get heavy in large airports when lots of walking is necessary. (This tip will also help if you are trying to carry your dress throught these kinds of airports.)

 

Checked bags don't always show up when you do, sometimes they are damaged, and sometimes they don't show up at all. You should also NEVER check your dress, which means that this is actually your personal item. You can also put things in the bottom of your dress bag, put watch the weight because you may have to carry it for long stretches. Sometimes the flight attendants are willing to hang your dress in the First Class closet. Just keep in mind that some smaller planes don't have First Class or closets, so it may end up in your lap for the duration of that flight.

 

There are also some "free" allowances like infant/toddler carseats, some sporting equipment, etc. They do not count against your baggage allowances. Most airlines have a very specific list of these items on their individual websites.

 

My fiance's personal advice to us brides: be very careful about your baggage weight restrictions. He sees people who have to pay enormous fees for exceeding the weight limitations or have to leave things behind EVERYDAY. He also says that kindness and smiles go a VERY long way. Quietly mention that you are headed to your wedding/honeymoon and ask if there are any special accommodations that might be available, like a bump up to First or Business Class. (Most of the time only the gate agent, not the ticket counter agent, has this power.) If they oblige you, don't make a fuss over it because you are getting a free favor that another passenger may have offered to pay for and it just gets messy from there.

 

Happy Creative Packing and I hope that this helps!

[*Meagan*]

HI ladies!

 

We flew to Turks and Caicos for our wedding in January on Delta and American Airlines. Carrying the dress was not an issue AT ALL!! So dont stress. Everyone was also very nice to hang it up for me!

[L&A2010]

Thanks SouthernSweetie for the current info.

[Snickers]

Yes, thanks for the info on Continental as that is who we are flying with in Sept.

[HereFishie]

Thank you for the info on Continental! Our wedding is next month and we were wondering about this too!

[A la Playa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthernSweetie My fiance's personal advice to us brides: be very careful about your baggage weight restrictions. He sees people who have to pay enormous fees for exceeding the weight limitations or have to leave things behind EVERYDAY. He also says that kindness and smiles go a VERY long way. Quietly mention that you are headed to your wedding/honeymoon and ask if there are any special accommodations that might be available, like a bump up to First or Business Class. (Most of the time only the gate agent, not the ticket counter agent, has this power.) If they oblige you, don't make a fuss over it because you are getting a free favor that another passenger may have offered to pay for and it just gets messy from there. Happy Creative Packing and I hope that this helps!

Thanks for the wonderful info, SouthernSweetie! (Thanks to your FI, too!) That is all valuable information!

When FI and I fly together we always try to ask for exit row seats since he's 6'4", but I wouldn't have even thought to ask if they have special accommodations since it our wedding trip. You are so right about being genuinely kind and sweet....courtesy goes very far, especially when someone is doing a job where they often don't receive the praises they deserve!

[Future Mrs. Coleman]

Has anyone flown with their wedding dress on JetBlue? If you did, where did you stow it? I called the airline and they told me they do not have closets on any of their planes. They said I could bring the dress on with me, but I would have to hold it in my lap or put it in an overhead bin. I really don't want to cram it into one of the overhead bins and I am worried that they won't let me hold it in my lap once we get on the flight.

[beachgirl@heart]

Anyone have recent experience with US Air? We're flying direct out of Charlotte, NC to Cancun in less than 3 weeks. I called the airline (as I was advised to do closer to the time of travel) and the customer service rep could not have been any more rude. She just read to me what was on the website. Duh. I know it can depend on so many things as to what they will allow vs. not. My dress has a little bit of a train so I'm concerned about trying to fit it in a carry-on suitcase but at the same time nervous about carrying the bag. Checking it is just not an option. What to do?? The agent restated the 45" garment bag requirement, which as we know is smaller than that of a wedding gown garment bag. Any more feedback, reassurance, etc. would be helpful and much appreciated!!!! Perhaps I'll call the airport directly and see what they have to say.

[jenninjamaica]

Hi Ladies. Just wondering if anyone has any tips regarding flying with AIR CANADA All the advice seems promising, but I'm still worried about having too much stuff!!!