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I usually go to my summer home by car, but this year I may need to travel by air.
I am aware that there are federal regulations that apparently protect our right to bring our instruments on commercial airline flights. I have also heard horror stories of airline personnel refusing to allow this, possibly on a capricious basis. And I’m aware that these days air travel in the United States is often difficult and frustrating.
So I don’t know what are my chances of easily carrying a fiddle onto a commercial flight. Putting my fiddle in the cargo hold is completely unacceptable, and I will not take that risk.
Consequently, I’d like to know of any current experiences of folks in the Fiddlerman community. Is there reason for me to be concerned? Or am I foolishly worried by a few crazy scare stories on the crazy Internet? Are there some airlines that I can trust to let me put my fiddle in the overhead bin? Are there airlines to definitely avoid? Is there some way to verify that I’ll be allowed to bring my fiddle with me? Does it help to put my fiddle in a smallish shaped case or is the larger oblong/rectangular case equally likely to be accepted?
Many thanks for ny help.
Strabo
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Now, I have not done this. This is just my thinking. I would use a hard shell case, small, not oblong. Hardshell will be safer, and small will fit mor easily and less likely to cause issue.
I will strap the hardshell case, also, to keep it from opening if the latches open, even if it can be locked.
Maybe call the airline? Of course, the direct flight personnel might not know the regulations.
Like you said, there are horror stories and successes. There is a video in cello, from a while ago that I posted, of a cellist playing his cello on the plane to put a baby to sleep. I think it is a guessing game, depending in personnel on duty. There are also stories of instruments being broken in the cargo hold. There are stories of violins successfully transported. I think it is a toss of the coin.
But, I think a small hardshell case is your best bet, Things do tend to fall from overhead bins when opening, especially if someone opens it mid flight. And, strap the case closed, even if it locks, Just my thoughts.
By the way, the long oblong may be forced to the cargo hold because it is oversized for the bin and it would not be fair for someone who packed the right size for overhead, only to be bumped for an over sized violin case.
Someone wanted my bag to go to the cargo bin so their oversized bag would not have to go to the cargo bin, it was a full flight. Sorry, I abided by the rules, and it was my med bag, not going into the cargo hold. It was packed deliberately to fit the size for the overhead bin.
Does this make sense and help?
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ive not flown with one but here is info from dot website... read for yourself but i understand they have to let you carry on and not charge as long as it will fit under seat or in storage compartment. There has to be space in the compartment when you board it looks like to me.
https://www.transportation.gov.....nstruments
This from an airlines site...
"If your musical instrument (including case or covering) is within the size requirements for carryon items 24” (L) + 16” (W) + 10” (H), you may bring it with you as a carryon item. If your instrument exceeds carryon sizing requirements, it can still be carried onboard if it will fit in an overhead bin or under a seat if there is space available."
so for me.. Id feel ok flying with it in the overhead bin in a solid case or under the seat. I wouldnt be concerned with that. I wouldnt check it into cargo hold unless it was some type of last minute gotta do it to get it back home or whatever. Thats my personal feelings on it and not based on any experience good or bad.
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Before the pandemic, I flew with my viola several times per year. I have never had a hard time getting it on board; my oblong case fits easily in the overhead compartments on even a regional jet. (And oblong is better -- it's more protective in case of turbulence and doesn't take up much more space.)
Normally I try to board early enough to make sure there is still room in the overhead bin, but don't really stress out over it. My viola has never gone in the hold; on two occasions when I boarded later and the overhead bins were full, I was offered space in the coat closet. Still, because of horror stories I've seen, I always keep a printed copy of the relevant regulation in my case.
And if someone were to be unreasonable and insist that I check it into cargo, I would take a later flight rather than allow that.
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Yes Andrew, I would probably opt for a later flight rather that put my fiddle in the hands of the baggage handlers. I have a friend who manages ramp operations for a major airline and the stories are scary. Also, the airline experience in the USA seems to be on a downward curve, with cancellations, delays, crowding, conflicts, etc. Not something to look forward to.
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