Flying with a Musical Instrument: And Another Thing…
Our recent article about flying with a musical instrument drew a lot of responses and some great added advice from our ever-resourceful readers. While the initial list was limited to seven tips in order to focus solely upon the key points, here are a few more things that are good to know when preparing for a flight.
Thing 1: Oils, greases, and sprays belong in a bag
If your instrument requires liquids or semi-liquids to operate, those items must be in a clear plastic bag…just like your shampoo and toothpaste. Having your valve oil, slide or cork grease, and slide lubricants in a clear plastic bag makes life easier for those screening baggage and helps make the process go more smoothly for everyone.
Thing 2: Be ready to perform
Airport security personnel are trained to be suspicious, and that is a good thing. They may ask you to demonstrate that your instrument really is an instrument and that you really are a musician. To avoid uncomfortable moments, have something in mind that you can play “on command” to demonstrate that all really is as it seems.
Whatever you play doesn’t have to be fancy, and you shouldn’t get nervous about it. Look at it as a chance to show off that fun little piece you secretly delight in playing at the end of your practice sessions. No one expects you to be a Perlman, Marsalis, or Van Halen; just have fun with it! And once the applause dies down, put it quietly back into the case. No encores. 
Thing 3: Sending it ahead might be a good idea
Another option for flying with your instrument is to avoid it entirely. In some cases, it makes sense to send your gear ahead via private carrier. If you absolutely must have your valuable cello or guitar with you at your destination, this provides a way to skip all worries of your baby being “bumped” to the cargo hold. Compared to the cost of buying a ticket for your larger instrument, it can also be a cost-effective alternative. (NOTE: Pack properly and purchase insurance if you choose this option…just in case.)
Thing 4: Ask the attendant to stow your instrument behind the cockpit
Most planes have a small storage closet, specifically for bulkier items, located just behind the cockpit. A kind attendant often will offer to stow your instrument there if room is still available, but don’t be afraid to ask if no one thinks to volunteer it. This is the best of both worlds: your instrument is in the cabin, but it’s safely stored out of your way for the duration of the flight.
Thing 5: In case of emergency, appeal to the Captain
The word is that the pilot has final say on what stays in the cabin and what goes. If a flight attendant insists that the instrument for which you bought a seat must now be moved to the cargo hold – and just won’t have it any other way – politely ask to speak with the Captain. No one wants to delay a flight, and pilots often are more accommodating than well-meaning, but often passenger-stressed, attendants. Give the attendant a break and plead your case with the final (flight) authority prior to taking any further steps.
Thing 6: The case must go
If the pilot says your instrument must move to cargo, there may yet be hope. More than one reader reported that they were allowed to remove their instrument from its bulky case and send the case to the cargo hold sans instrument. Wrapping their instrument in a T-shirt, jacket, or cloth bag and placing it under their seat resolved the situation to everyone’s satisfaction. (NOTE: This only works for smaller instruments, and only then if pilot/attendants agree that the carry-on/instrument doesn’t have to fit completely under the seat.)
Thing 7: Plan for the worst…but it probably won’t happen
All of the initial Top 7 Tips and these “other things” assume the worst because it pays to be prepared. In all likelihood, however, you will have a smooth and pleasant, incident-free flight…especially if you are prepared. Do your homework, and be ready with polite responses and maybe even a short selection – but don’t stress over it. The earlier advice still holds: plan well, pack well, and play well.
Have a comment? Please leave one below, or email us! We’d love to hear from you.
Keep playing (and flying!),
Mark
Acknowledgements
A tip of the hat goes to the following PTM readers who provided many of the above points: Jeff Helgesen, Ellis Workman, Dr. James Klages, Denny Schreffler, Ann Frederking, and Virginia “Ginger” Lawrence. Thanks to all!
Hei! I’m Bendor, keyboardist of black metal band Eternal Decay.
On june we’re flying to perform in south africa, from Israel.
And I wish to bring with me at least 3 of my synths, 2 of them are absolutley required, as for the 3rd, I could leave it at home if there’s no choice.
I’ve never before try to fly with such equipment (5500$ worth)
And I’m truly worried about the airports treatment of gentle comuterized instruments.
It is not an option for me to rent a replacement there, nor sending it
With an external shipment.
I also have hard-shell flight cases for all my gear.
I’ve been told of a service that’s offered by airlines of transporting gentle equipment with extra care that’s not with the regular bags..
Well I do hope to get more tips of how to pack, what other questions should be asked and actions taken etc..
Thanks!
Hi Bendor,
One thing I’ve found with the airlines is that every one has rules that differ, sometimes DRAMATICALLY, from every other airline. Your best bet is to find something published, with details, on the airlines’ public websites, PRINT A COPY, and call to arrange whatever “fragile item” service they might offer (for musical instruments or otherwise). My recommendations are:
1. Read the fine print, then read it again. You have to assume that even the strangest, smallest clause could be quoted by a desk agent and cause you to check your precious instrument(s) or miss your flight. That…is bad.
2. If you call the airline to arrange that service, make note of the time and date of the call and the full name of the person who scheduled it and agreed that your instruments conformed to any requirements they might have for that service. Record all requirements (if any) that may have been stated by the phone agent that are not documented on the website.
3. Bring all documentation with you, just in case someone at the airline counter tells you that you don’t qualify, the rules have changed, or whatever. Most of these folks are just trying to do their job, and if you make it easier for them to help you get your instruments safely on board, they’ll do so. For those very few airline workers who are having a bad day and decide you will be their “rage release”, documentation helps you when you ask to speak with the supervisor.
4. Remain calm (even if difficult) but firm. Facts presented calmly almost always win the day. And remember, the goal is safe transport of your synths and a nice flight for you. Even if boarding isn’t smooth, the flight will feel smooth if everything is safely aboard!
The hard-shell cases are a definite help, but I have seen those cases take a lot of abuse. But…they CAN take a lot of abuse. Short of mishandling (which is always a possibility in the best of cases), you should be fine…as long as they don’t just load them into cargo. I would NEVER place an instrument of any value into the cargo hold of a plane with every other piece of luggage. It might be fine…but why take unnecessary chances?
Good luck on your trip! Hope everything turns out well for you.
All the best,
Mark