Violinists, violists and cellists know the score: It can be hard to fly when stringed instruments. Savvy musicians know the top tips of expose travel.
Traveling on airplanes subsequent to musical instruments of any kind can be a challenge, particularly if we’re next professionals who are carrying good violins as opposed to a child traveling like 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 above ground with, as competently as the explanation of the rules by each plane’s flight crews. The rules on associated Airlines might vary from those on Spirit, American, Southwest, Alaska and JetBlue airlines. Even the era you board your flight can make a difference.
But at least there are, past 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.
The taking into account provides a fast run-down of the rules and recommendations for violinists, violists, cellists, double bassists, and, of course, musicians who play a role the viola da gamba:
Small tolerable to carry on board (no seat) - Violins and violas are usually deemed small passable to carry on board on most flights. Tip: Pay for in advance boarding, as that makes it more likely you’ll acquire sky in the overhead bins near your seat.
Carry upon board taking into consideration a seat - though 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 create that buy in encourage to ensure you and your instrument will be on the thesame flight. There is some judgment that may be left happening to the flight crew as to whether your cello needs a chair in coach or first class, further emphasizing the obsession to play a part this out in advance.
Must check similar to baggage - afterward on-board impression does not allow (which might happen past smaller regional carriers), it may be necessary to check your instrument. This is why your local violin shop recommends a sturdy case, even while many violinists would never adjudicate checking their instrument; at such times, particularly in lieu of shorter regional distances, travel by car or train might create more sense.
Humidity issues - Planes as competently as destinations might have a enormously 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 build up containers are affable to freedom moisture in a controlled fashion; question your violin maker not quite whether he or she carries these in their violin shop.
TSA screening -Minimize any new items inserted into your violin’s case, as it might prompt the Transportation Safety Authority employee to right of entry 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, connecting and smaller (regional) planes - If you have to amend planes on a trip it means repeating the boarding events and possibly educating a further flight crew upon what you’re doing. Or if you have a larger instrument that is checked in baggage, it’s one more opportunity to be mishandled or lost. so pick your itinerary to be as direct/non-stop as possible.
So is travel worthwhile, resolved all these factors? by yourself you can decide. But the greatest musicians travel the most - follow their guide and learn to adapt.
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