Violinists, violists and cellists know the score: It can be hard to fly with stringed instruments. Savvy musicians know the top tips of air travel.
Traveling on airplanes with musical instruments of any kind can be a challenge, particularly if we鈥檙e considering professionals who are carrying聽fine violins聽as opposed to a child traveling with an inexpensive student violin. But violins are not double basses, just as piccolos are not sousaphones. Size matters.
As does the particular carrier you are flying with, as well as the interpretation of the rules by each plane鈥檚 flight crews. The rules on United Airlines might different from those on Spirit Authentic Marshon Lattimore Jersey , American, Southwest, Alaska and JetBlue airlines. Even the time you board your flight can make a difference.
But at least there are, since 2015, U.S. Federal Aviation Administration rules that bring a semblance of order and universal rules – and prevent last-minute price gouging that plagued musicians for a long time.
Small enough to carry on board (no seat) –聽Violins and violas are usually deemed small enough to carry on board on most flights. Tip: Pay for early boarding, as that makes it more likely you鈥檒l get space in the overhead bins near your seat.
Carry on board with a seat –聽While the rules are left to the discretion of each airline, it is possible to purchase a seat for a larger instrument (cellos and basses). Of course it makes sense to make that purchase in advance to ensure you and your instrument will be on the same flight. There is some judgment that may be left up to the flight crew as to whether your cello needs a seat in coach or first class, further emphasizing the need to work this out in advance.
Must check with baggage –聽When on-board space does not allow (which might happen with smaller regional carriers), it may be necessary to check your instrument. This is why your local violin shop recommends a sturdy case Authentic Michael Thomas Jersey , even though many violinists would never consider checking their instrument; at such times, particularly in lieu of shorter regional distances, travel by car or train might make more sense.
Humidity issues –聽Planes as well as destinations might have a very low humidity factor. This is potentially an issue for the instrument if you originate in a humid environment. Humidifiers in the form of sponges in specially constructed containers are available to release moisture in a controlled fashion; ask your聽violin maker聽about whether he or she carries these in their violin shop.
TSA screening –聽Minimize any additional items inserted into your violin鈥檚 case, as it might prompt the Transportation Safety Authority employee to open and handle the instrument in order to examine it. It is more likely to sail through x-ray screening hands-free if the instrument and bow alone are contained in the case.
Non-stop, direct Authentic Drew Brees Jersey , connecting and smaller (regional) planes –聽If you have to change planes on a trip it means repeating the boarding procedures and possibly educating a new flight crew on what you鈥檙e doing. Or if you have a larger instrument that is checked in baggage, it鈥檚 one more opportunity to be mishandled or lost. So choose your itinerary to be as directnon-stop as possible.
So is travel worthwhile, given all these factors? Only you can decide. But the greatest musicians travel the most – follow their lead and learn to adapt.
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