travelling with string instruments
 

Has anyone travelled on a plane lately with a string instrument (violin or viola)? I have heard horrid stories from some musicians with TSA; although these encounters may have been magnified, they make me worry.
Does anyone have any negative experience from the TSA or airlines with your carryon viola?

Last week, into and out of Dulles there were people with string instruments.
First time I have seen 2 consecutive flights with people carrying instruments.
They did not appear to have any problems...

Not a viola but a violin with no problem.

I once traveled to Aruba with a cello named "Paul",his cousin was a viola, but he seldom spoke of her.

nancy, the last time I flew out of Sacramento CA airport there were many musicians carrying all kinds of instruments (in their cases of course).

I had taken a shuttle up to the airport and we picked two people up in Davis that had instruments as well as their luggage. They were going to play in a concert, in Texas if memory serves me right. These people were joined by obviously many other fellow musicians at the airport so they were all around me. And not once did I see anyone have a prolem with TSA.

I on the other hand, as usual, was pulled to the side and wanded and went through much more security checks.

Have you talked to your airlines about your concerns? Every airport seems to be so different. Best wishes with your trip.

My husband travels wiith stringed instruments all around the world and has never had any problems. Lately his carry-on is an ukulele, he checks larger instruments. His many associates also travel with various instruments, from string to brass to percussion--as far as I know, incident free. We have never heard of any TSA horror stories, although I can't honestly say we knwo anyone who carries on a viola. DH does travel with a double bass, but never as carry on. lol

The usual case, even a hard-sided case for an instrument is not much protection - even from being bumped by other luggage in the carry-on overhead bin. Invest in a really good, thick hard plastic case with lots of interior padding - I know they sell such things for wind instruments and guitars, so I imagine they exist for strings as well.

My son performs in a concert choir and the orchestra travels by air without a problem. The only instrument that they must transport by van is the harp.

I've flown with an ukulele and guitar and had no problems with TSA. What kind of horrid stories have you heard? Even when not carrying an instrument on board, most people would chose to gate check it, rather than check it at the counter. So I would think they're used to seeing instruments at security checkpoints.

Thank you all for reply.
One of the tales I heard was that someone with a violin was told to take the strings off the instrument because the strings can be dangerous. but I really doubt the authenticity about this tale.
However, it did make me a bit worry because my teenage daughter will be travelling alone to play an audition. If she were to go with a group, I would not feel so uneasy.
So, thanks for all your input.

As a mother who is at this moment worrying about her 18 year old son flying home for school break, I am wondering if, after reading your last post, you are more worried about your daughter's well-being and her ability to carefully handle an expensive instrument on her own than the actual health and safety of her viola.

If so, repost with questions about her. My son, who has traveled the world with us, actually had me email him instructions on how to "do the airport thing".

From what I have seen, musicians instruments are handled with extreme care.

You could always purchase a seat for the instrument. I heard YoYo Ma's instrument is a frequent flyer :-D