Ok, here's another one.

[pert_embrace]

This isn't directly related to fiddling, per se, but rather to transport of a violin. I'm flying across the country for Christmas- to NY to visit my husband's family, and my mother in law wants me to bring my violin. I'm afraid that if I bring it on the flight, that I'm risking the death of my violin. My brother in law once brought his guitar on

Comments

[natural_hero]

Shipping should be very safe. But you should ask the airline if you'd be able to bring it as carry-on (I was able to do it once flying to Montreal). But do not check it as baggage if you don't have a travel case, with a nice hard plastic shell and a lock. There's no telling how many pieces it'll come out in on the other side :\

[tarimanveri]

I've checked my fiddle through baggage in a flight case and carried it on. US Customs/the FAA has a bad habit of not closing the case properly after their inspection and if you've got rosin in the case they'll smash it, but I've never had a problem bringing it as a carry-on.

If there really isn't room for it in the overhead compartments, you can always give it to the flight attendants as gateside luggage along with people's baby seats, strollers, wheelchairs, etc. That way it might not end up in the cabin, but you'd avoid conveyor belts and luggage handlers.

[rant79]

actually, you should be able to carry it on. check with the airline if in doubt.
I have a very good case, and personally I would NEVER let those baggage handlers get their hands on my fiddle. have you seen the way they throw baggage around????

shipping is a viable option, but it's gonna cost you a decent amount of money. Plus I would probably loosen all of my strings and flat pack the bridge, if I were you. The biggest thing I would be concerned about with shipping is temperature fluctuations. Don't use UPS, use FedEx or DHL and talk to them specifically about your concerns. I bring my fiddle from Minneapolis to Toronto via plane, and always carry it on. with the airlines allowing 1 "carry on" and 1 "purse" or laptop, with my fiddle and my messenger bag stuffed with crap I need, I'm just fine.
and oddly, I swear to god, you get better treatment in the airport as a musician. the security might raise an eyebrow at what you're carrying at first, but yeah...it's VERY weird!

[pert_embrace]

Unfortunately, in addition to my violin, I will also be taking care of my almost 2 year old son, so I will be rather stretched as far as carry on goes anyway. I'll still attempt to carry it on, though.

[jillwise]

maybe it can count as your son's carry-on! ;P

[pert_embrace]

my son is a carry-on. ;) No, i bought one seat and thus I only get the regular allotment for carry-ons.

[dracostellae]

Since there's lots of good answers coming up here, and I've been wondering this for a while, I'll like to ask an offshoot question.

In July I may be leaving to work overseas for a year, and I'd like to bring both my fiddle and my viola. I know most airlines would alow a purse, a carry-on bag, and a personal item, though granted it's been quite a while since I've been on a plane.

So would I be able to bring both my fiddle and viola with me as carry-on?

[grainya]

<3 your icon! It looks like a tattoo... if so, it's an awesome tattoo.

[dracostellae]

Thanks! And yup, he is on my left upper arm. :)

[hweimei]

I always carry mine onto planes. Dunno about taking two...can't one of your instrument cases double as a purse?