what garment bag did you use for a "bulky" dress

[islandbride317]

Anyone heard of "gate checking" it? That might be the way to go for larger gowns...

 

My travel agent actually suggested placing my gown (already inside the garment bag from the salon), folded/into a suitcase, and then asking at the airport if they can "gate check" it -- which is similar to when a passenger that uses a wheelchair or stroller has it taken just as the plan is finished boarding, it's stowed below with the rest of the luggage, and then it is brought to the gate immediately when the plane lands and given directly to the passenger -- pretty cool idea and although I'd rather not fold it, I'd prefer to do that instead of having something rip through the garment bag and tear the dress!

 

Either way, good luck

[clfaidl2]

That's great then, your dress should be fine!

[clfaidl2]

Islandbride317, thats a great idea! never thought of that. thanks for sharing. What type of suitcase are you using though?

[islandbride317]

Quote:

Originally Posted by clfaidl2 Islandbride317, thats a great idea! never thought of that. thanks for sharing. What type of suitcase are you using though?

Just a "regular" suitcase, but large enough for the dress to be fit into while it's still in a garment bag...at least, that is the plan!

Maybe Google "gate checking" or call your travel agent to get more details? It just might do the trick and get your gown to your DW safely!

[roxyqt]

Quote:

Originally Posted by islandbride317 Anyone heard of "gate checking" it? That might be the way to go for larger gowns... My travel agent actually suggested placing my gown (already inside the garment bag from the salon), folded/into a suitcase, and then asking at the airport if they can "gate check" it -- which is similar to when a passenger that uses a wheelchair or stroller has it taken just as the plan is finished boarding, it's stowed below with the rest of the luggage, and then it is brought to the gate immediately when the plane lands and given directly to the passenger -- pretty cool idea and although I'd rather not fold it, I'd prefer to do that instead of having something rip through the garment bag and tear the dress! Either way, good luck

Island Bride ! Love the monogram!! So CUte!!!

Hey girls!
Some airlines will not let you gate check a actual suitcase on certain planes, they make exception for strollers, wheelchairs, carseats, medical needs, etc... but that of course depends on the size of the aircraft as well ... some planes require all rollerboards to be gate checked when the over-head bins are not large enough to hold them... I would be very cautious doing this though, the worst can happen and bags have been known to be left before, yikes!! Also you have to trust that the luggage people are not just throwing you bag around or crushing it! Which we all know what happens! Also take in consideration weather... if it is raining your bag will be subjected to being on the ramp in the rain so make sure it is water sealed so nothing can happen to it. In my opinion, I would not do this unless the size of the bag requires you to do this on the plane... Guard your dress with your life
If you do decide to do this make sure you have your final destination address on the bag, a phone # to reach you and your resort or wedding planner and your email address, thus to insure your bag will not go back to your home town..., without a actual baggage tag they will have no idea where your bag is going, double yikes! (This happened to me traveling through ATL one time, my bag was sent to the baggage claim in atlanta instead of coming up to the gate. It took them 3 days to get it to me! Thankfully I was traveling home, but it was still an inconvenience.

[clfaidl2]

Hmm, thanks for sharing roxyqt......maybe I wont do that. I do want to guard my dress. this is so frustrating....I wish there was some cut and cry sollution to getting a wedding dress there without an airline issue....