What Should I Do If I am Travelling with My Instrument? Tips for Safe Travels!

Are you moving across country?  Going on a long-distance vacation?  Can’t bear to be without your trusted violin or cello?   Taking your instrument to a new place can be fraught and nerve-wracking, but with some care and precaution, travelling can be perfectly safe.

We travel routinely with our instruments: we rarely step onto an airplane without a violin or cello.  But we take care to make sure that our precious cargo arrives safely.  Here are some carefully considered tips.

1.      If you are travelling by air, never submit your instrument to a baggage check.  You’ll want to carry it onto the plane.  For violins and violas, this is rarely a problem as airline staff are used to musicians not wanting to check their instruments and they don’t want to incur the wrath of an angry musician who just lost his or her instrument.  Remember Tom Paxton’s great song “Thank You Republic Airlines for Breaking The Neck of My Guitar”…. A classic and great folk song for anyone who didn’t work for Republic at the time…

2.      Once on the plane, you’ll want to put your instrument in the overhead bin as close to you as possible.  Some airlines offer early boarding if you use their credit card; we take advantage of that as first on the plane generally gets the best choice of overheads.  The cheapest tickets get the last boarding so it may be worth while avoiding the “basic economy” tickets and going for Economy or Economy Plus…modest upgrades that may get you better “dibs” on overhead space.

3.      Most cases travel fine on airplanes.  You will appreciate a light-weight case and many of the manufacturer’s are using great materials that combine protective strength and lightweight design.  Materials like Carbon Fiber, ABS plastic, Kevlar,  and even fiberglass can keep the weight down without compromising structural integrity.  But plywood and plastics are very strong too, just heavy.  We do not recommend travelling with a poly-foam case: these are crushable and might suffer crushing damage if pushed aggressively by someone’s rollerbag in an overhead bin.

4.      If you are travelling with a cello, you’ll need to buy it a ticket.  You can use frequent flyer miles to buy a cello ticket.  Generally, this is known as onboard cargo: as long as the cello can be strapped in with the seat belt (yes, Mr. Cello needs a seatbelt too) it can be done.  Sound expensive?  It is, so explore shipping options too, but you do get an extra pack of pretzels.  Unfortunately, Mr. Cello does not qualify for frequent-flyer miles…

5.      If buying a ticket for your cello is out of the question, consider the Bam Flight Cover: a highly insulated, form fitting, cushion cover for your hardshell cello case and adds valuable protection as a cello is submitted to the baggage handlers.  This expense can pay dividends over the years as the cover is used and reused!

6.       If your instrument is of particularly high value, or just especially precious to you, consider getting an Instrument Tracker for it.  Bam France has recently released a product that provides GPS tracking of your instrument as well as cell-phone access data on the conditions inside your instrument’s case (humidity and temperature).  In the extremely unpleasant situation where you have to check your luggage, you’ll be happy to know how your instrument is faring.  And if you are separated from your instrument or, worst case, it is stolen from you, these instrument trackers can be critical in recovering it.  Check out the Bam Instrument Tracker here https://www.vermontviolins.com/new-products/bam-instrument-tracker-gigs-by-bam

7.      As you are travelling with luggage in addition to your instrument, get yourself comfortable back-pack straps!  A lightweight case with well-padded straps will save your shoulders and make having your instruments with you painless and easy!

8.      If you are travelling a great distance, you will want to consider the environmental changes your instrument might experience.  Some of these changes, especially coming as a sudden change, can be very damaging.   Bows are particularly vulnerable: if you are travelling someplace dry, Bowhair will tighten considerably.  This can cause warping or even cracks in the bow from stress.  Places of high humidity will render your Bowhair loose…sometimes so much so that you can’t tighten the bow!   If you are going someplace like this, we recommend having your bow rehaired before heading off – and be sure to tell your bowperson where you are going so s/he can adjust the tension accordingly.

9.      While we’re on the issue of humidity, there are great humidifier and dehumidifier tools to help keep your instrument at the right moisture level.  Our favorite is the Boveda System: these work well both to humidify (if traveling to arid places) and de-humidify (if going to moist places).  Boveda’s don’t require constant attention too…throw them in the case and they will remain active for over a month in the worst of conditions.  Open seams or worse, cracks, can be avoided by adding an in-case humidifier like the Bovedas.  https://www.vermontviolins.com/products-home/boveda-wood-instrument-starter-kit

10.   Depending on where you are going, it can be safer and easier to simply ship your instrument ahead to your destination.  In our twenty-five years of business, we have seen damage only a couple of times…and usually it is due to improper packing. See our separate blog “how to pack up an instrument for shipping” to see how this can be done safely.

11.   Many times, it makes sense to simply rent an instrument when you get there…especially with cellos.   But we recommend bringing your bow with you.  Often, rental companies do not rent fine bows due to the damage issues and bow hair on “loaner” bows are not always well maintained.  If you are travelling with a bow without an instrument, you’ll want a strong bow case.  Bobelock makes an excellent fiberglass bow case that accommodates two bows and can be slipped into a large suitcase or carried alone and safely stored in the overhead bins.  For more information on bow cases:  https://www.vermontviolins.com/new-products/bobelock-fiberglass-bow-case-single

12.   If you are travelling on business and want to play in your hotel room, a practice mute can be very helpful.  Modern hotel rooms tend to be pretty well sound-insulated, but if you’re travels include stays in older hotels or B&B’s a practice mute will reduce the volume of your instrument considerably!

13.   If you are travelling with an orchestra or touring group, remember to bring small gifts for your hosts!  Magic Rosin, available in many designs, is a wonderful and easy thing to bring along for host families.  Magic Rosin, in addition to being a great rosin, is inexpensive and takes no room in a suitcase! https://www.vermontviolins.com/new-products/magic-rosin-3g-and-ultra

So, whether you are off to visit the grandparents, on tour with a band or orchestra, moving to a new place or travelling on business, there is rarely a good reason to leave your instrument at home.  With a little proactive planning and common sense, your instrument can be your travelling companion without risk of damage or loss.