Flying with musical instruments is problematic. Instruments not only have great monetary and sentimental value, they are a source of livelihood for professional musicians. However, they are also big, unwieldy and fragile, making it difficult to get them safely from point A to point B. Here are some tips to get your precious cargo where it needs to go.
Consider using an air courier service. Couriers are more dedicated to getting special, valuable, and fragile cargo to distant locations than airlines. You can also find services with an option to insure your instrument.
Remove all items from your case that are prohibited in airline carry-on luggage. Musicians often have many such items in their cases, such as valve oil, screwdrivers, reed knives or razor blades and fire lighters.
Bring with you a printed copy of the letter from the TSA saying that musicians are allowed to bring their instruments through security check (see link below). This letter won't allow you to bring your instrument on the plane, as this is up to the airline staff, but it will at least let you get it as far as the gate.
Prepare your instrument for the cargo hold. It is best to try to keep it from being checked, but if you end up having no other options, you will want to pack it in such a way that it's as well-protected as possible. Pack soft things, such as clothes or bubble wrap, along with your instrument in its case. Remove shoulder straps and tape down the handle with duct tape (as this will make it difficult for handlers to grab the case and throw it long distances). If your case has latches rather than a zipper, you will want to duct tape it closed as well. However, since you may be asked to open your case during security screening, bring the tape in your carry-on bag and tape the case closed while waiting at the gate.
Arrive early. You may have to talk to flight attendants about finding a place to put your instrument if it doesn't fit in the overhead compartment, and if this is the case, you don't want to be dealing with this issue in the busy last minutes before takeoff.
Request a seat assignment that is as far back in the plane as possible. The sooner you can board, the better. Not only will the overhead compartments be emptier, but there will be fewer people in the plane if you need to move around and ask the flight attendant to help you find a place for your instrument. If your instrument does not fit in the overhead compartment, ask the flight attendant if it would be possible to place it in the coat closet.
Gate check your instrument, if necessary. Gate checking means that your instrument will be taken from the boarding corridor and placed in the cargo hold, then be taken immediately out once the plane lands in order to be waiting for you in the next boarding corridor once you exit the plane. This is not as good an option as having it with you in the seating area, but it is better than standard checking. This is because your instrument is more likely to get damaged on the way to the cargo hold than to be damaged from the cargo hold itself.
Be courteous, polite and thankful at all times. You will have better results when dealing with airport and airline staff if you treat them well and recognize that you are asking them for special help. Plus, it's just the right thing to do.
