I'm flying home for three weeks, and I want to check out a couple faires while I'm there. I'm pretty sure I can fit the skirts, chemise, and bodice in my suitcase just fine, but how exactly does one go about flying with a farthingale? My suitcase is 23"x16"x6". If I take the hoops out and roll them up, will that work, or will it bend the metal out of shape?
It depends on what type of wire is in your hoop. Normal bridal style hoops will fold into themselves, to a very small circle. It should not bother the bend in the wire. You can always put it into a thin garment bag (like you get from a long dress purchase) and bring it as a carry on. It will be large, and depending on what airline, they may store it in the attendants closet or put it in at the last of the luggage check in. Or you can wear it. I have :D
Wow, you've worn a hoop onto an airplane? How did you fit?
It's fairly heavy duty metal hooping. I got it from Moresca at Scarborough, if that's any help. I know the metal does bend, because it had bent a little just lying it flat and driving it the four hours back in a fully loaded trunk, though I was able to reshape it no problem.
Do you figure that if I bring it separately, they'll have no problem with me bringing it on the airline (I wouldn't want to risk it without it being in a suitcase if I checked it). The airport I'm flying out of is a good 2hrs away from me, so there's no going back once I get it to the airport!
I just can't imagine going to a faire without it at this point. It makes things so much cooler, not having your skirts keeping your legs warm.
I flew from NY to FL this past March, and I got some of the XL zip-top storage bags, twisted my hoop skirt into sort of a figure-eight shape, put it into the storage bag and it fit beautifully into my suitcase.
They (one of the major zip-top bag companies) make three sizes of big storage bags - L, XL, and XXL - the XXL are 2' X 2' and they go down in size from that - I just happened to be near the box with the REALLY big ones, sorry I don't have the dimensions for the others :-\
I found them in the sandwich/garbage bags aisle at the grocery store...
I was going to a wedding and didn't have time to dress before it. As I was being picked up and driven right to the site, where the ceremony was to being within 30min. I did call the airport security, and the airline to warn them what I was going to be wearing. I had to prove what each layer was made of. Had a low level search, and many hands touching and searching. It was all worth it just to see the eyes of the security as I walked up. Only thing I regret... none of it was on tape! It would have been a great America's funniest video. Oh, I did learn a very painful lesson. DO NOT fly with a tightened corset!!!!!!! The take off pressure makes it impossible to breathe. Tho I did get moved to first class and had many helpers to loosen the gown and the corset. :D
That would have been a true sight to see. Too bad it wasnt taped
Oh my gosh, I can't imagine wearing a corset on a plane! I can't even keep my ring on!