flying with a costume

[nicklaszlo]

I am flying to a competition for the first time.  How should I go about packing my costume?

It sheds glitter.  I am going to a work conference as part of the same trip and I want to be sure there is no glitter on my conference clothes.  I also want to be sure the costume arrives in one piece.

We have some good threads about packing skates.

[icepixie]

I've never flown with one, but I transport a glittery dress to local competitions by putting it in an old zippered purse, roughly the size and shape of a very small canvas tote bag.  It doesn't quite fit in a gallon ziploc bag, or I'd use that.

I think really any bag that zips should work.

[nicklaszlo]

I am not at all worried about glitter on the ice.  The costume has already been through a competition.  Lots of people shed glitter on the ice.  I just want to get my gear there in good condition.

[fsk8r]

I'd put it in the dress bag (zipped and plastic to make sure nothing escapes).
When I flew to my first overseas competition, the dress came with me in the cabin and the crew very kindly hung it in the wardrobe for the duration of the flight. I hadn't wanted the dress to get damaged. Was very easy that way (less easy when on public transport with suitcases and dress bags but that's more being used to travelling to rinks in cars).

[Isk8NYC]

Mod note: Topic split

[Ethereal Ice]

I ordered some cheap garment bags on eBay for my and my husband's  costumes. They are light enough to fold and stick in a suitcase (and protect your other clothes) but still tough enough hang nicely and be carried separately if you wished. They are zippered with an extra hanging loop at the top , less than $10 free shipping. Just do some garment bag searches.

[FigureSpins]

I also used a thin nylon zipper bag for costumes, keeping it on a hanger.  That fit inside my "real" garment bag and I used the pockets for tights, soakers, etc. when traveling.  You could also fold it in half, with a rolled sweater inside the crease, to fit inside a suitcase. 

If you do get glitter on your regular clothes, a sticky-tape lint brush picks it off easily.  Or, wrap some masking tape around your hand, sticky-side out, and dab at the glitter.  This also works for picking up lame' shreds, loose threads and broken glass.