Travelling for drag is NOT the same as throwing a few t-shirts into a carry-on and heading to the beach. It’s a full-scale operation, requiring strategic packing, foreseeing potential problems, and the patience of a saint when dealing with baggage handlers.
That might make the job seem VERY serious but regardless of whether you’re off to a gig, a festival, or to celebrate Pride, here’s how to pack smart, travel efficiently, and avoid the dreaded lost luggage nightmare.
Be prepared for delays, humidity, sticky floors, and confused looks from security.
Choosing the right suitcase: hard case or bust
I’ll be honest with you…drag luggage takes a beating. Between being flung onto conveyor belts, dragged across the London Underground and tossed into plane cargo holds, you need something that can rise to the challenge – I recommend Samsonite.
- Hard-shell suitcases: a non-negotiable if you want to protect your precious costumes, wigs, and makeup from getting crushed. Most importantly, you can sit on them when you’re stuck waiting at check in and a little tired (or even hungover)
- Wheely wheely good: a decent set of four spinner wheels on all cases is a must. Drag involves enough heavy lifting without adding a three-wheeled, broken suitcase to the mix
- Size matters, but so does weight: airlines love charging you for an extra kilo, so check allowances before you start shoving everything in. And do some Carol Vorderman quick maths on your home scales before you leave. Don’t be THAT person at check in!
Packing essentials: what every drag queen needs
If you forget your toothbrush, you can buy one. If you forget your corset or wig? DISASTER! Here’s a checklist to make sure you’ve got everything you need.
Makeup: only take the essentials (yes, really)
It’s tempting to bring your entire kit, but space is precious. Instead, pack:
- A small 6-9 shade eyeshadow palette: versatile, compact, and does the job. We don’t need to pack three full-size shadow palettes, it’s time to make cuts!
- Waterproof everything: in high humidity countries you’ll be sweating in places you didn’t know you could! Top tip: I take a hairdryer to blast my face dry.
Lipsticks: just take one waterproof liquid lipstick that’ll go with everything.
Travel-sized setting spray – you better lock that make-up like you lock your suitcase.
Wigs: keeping them safe & styled
A bad wig day is not an option, so pack them properly:
- Brush them out before packing.
- Clean the lace: no excuses for a dirty lace, no matter where you’re going!
- Use a big hairnet to stop them from tangling and getting messed up in transit.
- Store them in the zip-up compartment of your case (I sandwich mine between my pads so they stay in place.)
Shoes: be ruthless
Heels take up a ridiculous amount of space, so think versatile. Try and pick only two pairs that’ll go with everything, think nude, black or something sparkly. To save more space, stuff them with your tights, undergarments and socks.
Padding and bling
- Hip pads and corsets – non-negotiable, so make sure they are the first to go in your case.
- Jewellery – you don’t need to take the whole lot! a few items in a small piece of Tupperware. If you have pierced ears, spare backs are essential.
- Gloves, tights – pack spares because they disappear into the void. Honestly, I have lost so many.
- OOD – Out Of Drag One thing I’ve forgotten time and time again, is a change of clothes for after the gig. If you’re leaving the house fully ready, it’s easy to let a normal pair of shoes, clothes and socks slip your mind. You can fit them into your case or backpack.
If travelling long haul, you may need one big case for drag and one case for your OOD clothes and essentials. It’s also a good idea to mix the two in case one of them goes walkies!
Flying for drag: carry-on vs checked luggage
Checked baggage is risky but drag doesn’t fit into a carry-on unless you’re a minimalist (and let’s be real, drag is anything but minimal). However, you can fit a surprising amount into a carry-on. Here’s how to play it safe…
What goes in your carry-on:
- Essential makeup: delicate or expenny makeup, foundation, lashes, glue, and setting spray (100ml max).
- One wig: just in case your checked bag pulls a disappearing act.
- Jewellery and valuables: replacing a lost corset is annoying, but losing custom jewellery? Heartbreaking.
- A gig outfit (if possible): especially if you’re heading straight from the airport to a show.
- Chargers: the last thing you want is to be stranded with no battery.
Dealing with airport security
Drag luggage can look suspicious to the untrained eye, and airport security loves a rummage.
- Expect your bag to be opened if you’ve packed wigs, padding, or breastplates.
- Be ready to explain glue, powders, and setting sprays. They will assume it’s some sort of illicit operation and not your alter ego!
- Pack liquids in a clear ziplock bag before you’re at the airport – it saves everyone time and hassle.
What to do If your luggage is lost
Firstly, don’t panic. Secondly, have a backup plan.
- Report it immediately: get the tracking number, be persistent, and follow up.
- Check airline policies: some will reimburse you for essentials, and others won’t, so it’s best to be prepared.
- Call a local diva: there is always a drag queen nearby who can help a fellow queen in need, whether emotionally or to borrow a wig! I’ve done exactly this!
- Travel insurance: it’s boring, it’s adulting, but it can be so useful because drag is expensive to replace.
Final tips: the things you only learn the hard way
- Triple-check before you leave home: I’ve been there. No eyeshadow palette and I’m in the (beautiful) Seychelles, but there’s no Boots or Superdrug… we made it work but it was tough!
- Weigh your bags before leaving: overweight fees are daylight robbery.
- Personalise your luggage: I have my own merch stickers on mine, no one else has them! Make your bag stand out in the sea of grey, and don’t be that annoying person who has to stand literally by the belt (deep breath)
- Use tracking tags: this is a fancy one, but if your bag disappears, at least you’ll know where it went. This will also save a lot of time as you can show the airline exactly where it is.
Packing for drag is part science, part fabulous, part nightmare. But with the right tricks, you’ll be ready for anything. Safe travels, and may your luggage always arrive with you!
