Traveling Safely With Your Musical Instrument

Travelling with your precious musical instrument can be something that makes us anxious, however there are a number of things you can do to prevent problems and travel with ease.

Pass Through Airport Security With Ease

Because any luggage item is subject to search by TSA personnel, the agency recommends that people traveling with delicate musical instruments place clear instructions in a noticeable place about how to handle and repack the instrument for the security officer. Because of the possibility that your luggage may be involved in a lengthy unpacking, inspecting, and repackng process, the TSA warns travelers to allow themselves additional time to pass through the gate. More details are available on the TSA website.

Insure your Musical Instrument

The reality is you can do everything possible to prevent your musical instrument getting damaged. However, it’s hard to always ensure you cover every angle. Purchasing quality musical instrument insurance from a good vendor can be perfect in this case.

Preparing The Instrument Prior To Travel

The instrument strings should be gently loosened, but kept taut enough to ensure that the bridge remains in place during transit. This is done to make sure that changes in humidity and temperature won’t tighten the strings and cause them to snap. In addition, this action prevents the strings from placing additional pressure on the instrument’s face which can cause it to crack. Due to similar weather changes, the bow hairs must also be loosened to prevent it from snapping.

 The Instrument Case Should Be Well Padded

Their are many bumps along the travel road. Add extra padding into the case to make sure that your musical instrument is secure with a snug fit. Use soft materials such as socks, foam, or washcloths to prevent it from getting tossed around. Either carry your bow on board with you or wrap it in bubble wrap inside of a cardboard tube or bow case. To prevent your resin from shattering, wrap this up as well.  Before putting any instrument into an overhead bin, make sure that the case is shut tightly so you don’t open it when you get off the plan.

Tag Your Instrument With Your ID

One of the worst things that can happen to a musician on their way to a performance is to lose their instrument. Attach an ID tag to it with your information including your address, email, and phone number.

Your instrument should be fully covered by an insurance policy to protect you from losses. The first step towards getting a policy is to have an appraisal done. Contact a luthier and arrange for an appraisal. If you are a regular customer, you might get the appraisal done for free. If your instrument is lost, stolen, or damaged during air travel, airlines do little to help you recover your instrument. It is best to maintain your own separate insurance policy to fully protect yourself. Your insurance agent will be able to help you with this.

Protect It From The Elements

Whenever you are traveling, it is vital that you protect your instrument from the weather. Never place it in a car trunk for a long period of time. When temperatures are warm, your instrument might quickly need extensive repairs because the seams have broken, the wood was warped, the rosin melted, the varnish lost luster, or the finish was destroyed. For short flights, even though the weather might get cold, your instrument should be fine when stored underneath the plane. Keep in mind that your destination might have different weather from what you are used to. If you will be in a dry climate and you live in a moist one, arrange for a humidifier.