IME, if you take a hanging garments bag (the kind that fold) they will usually let you hang it --- esp if you tell them it has wedding dresses!

Thanks Mtn. i just reposted the rest of my thread. Read for my other question.

She has 2 garment bags. i think I need to call British airways to clarify.

My DH uses a backpack. The airline website should give dimensions for the maximum size of personal items. In my experience, it depends on the people at the gate if you can get away with something larger.

What mtn said...if they have the room. For my daughter's wedding this past summer (not overseas, but on the opposite coast) I took my dress as my carryon and they let me hang it, but I was prepared to fold it and put it in an overhead bin. I had called the airline before we went and asked about this, and they said that sometimes the closets are filled with, for instance, folding wheelchairs, etc. We also checked bags, which we rarely do, and thankfully everything made it just fine.

As for my husband's personal item, he usually uses a small square tote that fits under the seat.

DH and DS take backpacks; not sure what a flat backpack is.

This is good info. I will have to bring my dresses and DD’s (bridesmaid) — for both rehearsal and wedding — on a plane and I don’t want to check them in case they get lost! (Says the woman who still has PTSD from losing honeymoon luggage.) I didn’t think about a garment bag, just figured I’d roll everything up in my bag and steam them when we arrive. DH will also have 2 suit outfits.

I wonder what happens if you show up with a garment bag and they won’t let you carty it on, though? Airlines are so screwy these days.

DS and fiancee are here this weekend, hmmm… I may try to get them to take DD’s dress and shoes with them when they leave.

DH always uses a backpack as his personal item, has never had an issue.

We always split our clothes between our two suitcases, just in case. And anything like medicines, contact lenses, glasses, and chargers go in carryons.

I've been to ~80 countries and never lost luggage, so I assume it is rare. But who cares, if it happens to you. Air tags are a must for this situation.

I wonder what happens if you show up with a garment bag and they won’t let you carry it on, though?

The only reasons you wouldn't be able to carry it on would be if it is too large (I have never had one that was too large for carry on specs) or if you already have used up your carry-on allotment (which varies of course). Then it would be checked.

Looks like I will have to pack the dresses.

Sueb, smart thinking to send ahead some items.

Years ago, my brother mailed his suit from Alaska for my wedding. He felt if it didn't get there he could just run out and buy a suit! ( He rode a motorcycle and was making a trip out of it. Yes, from Alaska to NY)

I’m envisioning 3 dresses of this ilk and wondereing how you are ever going to pack them at all, much less in a carry on. (just kidding…sorta)

BBSTX - Eld is a little slip of a thing, but even so I wondered, too.

My sweet mother did this for me when I got married in Hawaii. We were traveling to Hawaii early, and then honeymooning across several islands for a few weeks. My parents were coming for just a few days and so my mom brought my dress in a garment bag and they let her hang it. They may have called ahead of time, but I'm pretty certain it's as mentioned that hanging space can be used if it's not already full, but there are no guarantees.

My husband and I both do a backpack for our personal item when we're traveling for pleasure. (My husband is a pilot so his work personal item is a flight bag.) I think we checked measurements on airlines to see what was generally allowed and picked one. They're not fancy, just Marmot. (Yes, we have cute matching backpacks in different colors.)

Here is what is happening:

One crocheted long white dress for the welcome dinner

The long white ceremony dress

The short sparkly reception dress.

Plus some odds and ends that are being shipped to my house.

It is going to be so beautiful!

My husband uses a backpack. Inside is a change of clothing, laptop, toiletry bag and prescription meds.

I use a small wheeled carry on that fits in the overhead bin. I tried the backpack method, but I felt like a pack mule and I didn't like how I was always bumping into things if I turned around, especially in small crowded airport shops.

Not sure that you'd be willing to risk it, but you could send the dresses to the care of the hotel via Fed Ex. Hotels are usually happy to hold items for incoming guests - just let them know ahead of time. We've done this several times when we had something too bulky to bring on a plane and didn't want to check it.

How exciting! I know things have changed so much with fflying in the last year or 2 that I;m not sure what is valid. I was thinking that if at all possible, to send some stuff to the hotel would be great; I just don't know if that's reliable still?

Fwiw, I/we have had delayed luggage 3 times that I an recall. Nothing ever lost entirely, but when time is of the essence, wiating a few days could be devastating. I would definitely check into the Fedex, DHL whatever company where you are heading.

Salvona, i would be afraid to ship, as it would have to go on a boat after the plane.Too risky.

Yes plus unfortunately there is greater package theft in that part of the world.

oh that's what I was unsure of. I gues that's not an option...

I may be daft but how do air tags help? If you are in Hawaii and you luggage is in Paris - how does knowing where it is help?

I take a leather tote style purse that is capacious and DH takes his laptop case as personal items. Neither of us has ever taken a backpack— or used one, for that matter. DH has back problems and prefers carrying something by a short handle. I dislike having something that big hanging off my body and mussing my clothes!

Good luck and enjoy the wedding, which sounds delightful! I second the recommendation to use air tags in your checked luggage. I am still traumatized since 1971 when Iberia lost all my luggage going back to boarding school, meeting my group in Spain after the Christmas break.

Nekotish,

You may know where it is even if the airline does not. That can be helpful. And as long as you have a day or so, they should be able to get it to you. It doesn't cover all eventualities but can be useful.

So exciting, eld! What a wonderful and memorable wedding! When I transported my DDs' dresses, I purchased an extra seat and buckled them in. Not gonna lie, it did cross my mind that the dress could get "bumped". One of the weddings was about the same United dragged a ticketed passenger of the plane.

eld - so excited for you! Looking forward to hearing all abou the wedding festivities. I'm no help with your question, but have learned so much from this thread. Off to purchase Air Tags...