Traveling with string instruments can be
nerve-wracking!
Here are some tips to make travel a little bit easier.
1. Humidify your Case
Whether by car, train, or (especially) plane, traveling to different areas can introduce changes in humidity. Make sure to activate and install a humidifier in your case to maintain consistent levels of humidity. Humidifiers can help prevent shrinking bow hair, cracks, and other weather-related issues.
2. Tune Your Strings Down a Half-Step
Tuning your strings down even a half-step will reduce some of the tension placed on the body of the instrument. **Avoid removing all tension from your strings as this will cause your bridge and soundpost to fall.
3. Loosen Your Bow Hair!
Even though loosening your bow hair should be done EVERY TIME you finish using your bow, double-check that you have loosened the hair before travel.
4. Add Extra Padding Where Possible
Add additional padding around your instrument to ensure a snug fit in your case.
For even more peace of mind, you can wrap a soft fabric around the instrument's bridge and under the tailpiece. This additional padding will help protect the top of the instrument in the event the bridge falls due to loosening of the pegs or a hit to the case.
For even more peace of mind, you can wrap a soft fabric around the instrument's bridge and under the tailpiece. This additional padding will help protect the top of the instrument in the event the bridge falls due to loosening of the pegs or a hit to the case.
5. Carry-On Your Instrument or Purchase a Seat When Possible
While this may not be a viable solution for every situation, keeping your instrument with you is the safest protection.
Since each airline has different rules on what is permitted as a carry-on (or whether or not they will permit you to purchase a seat for your cello), you will need to research your specific airline's regulations for what is permissible.
Since each airline has different rules on what is permitted as a carry-on (or whether or not they will permit you to purchase a seat for your cello), you will need to research your specific airline's regulations for what is permissible.
6. Invest in a Good Case with Suspension
Elevating and supporting the instrument by foam and fabric, suspension cases guarantee that the arched portions of the instrument's back are not fully resting on the back of the case. Case suspension helps absorb any shock that may occur to the case.
7. Know What is in Your Case
Traveling with an instrument or bow that contains ivory, Brazilian rosewood, tortoiseshell, or another endangered species requires special certifications to travel across international borders.
Click on this link to the American Federation of the United States and Canada to learn more about what to do if your bow or instrument has a protected item.
Click here to visit the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada to learn more about owning and traveling with Pernambuco bows.
Click on this link to the American Federation of the United States and Canada to learn more about what to do if your bow or instrument has a protected item.
Click here to visit the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada to learn more about owning and traveling with Pernambuco bows.
8. Mark Your Case as Fragile
Even if it clearly looks like a cello case, make sure to label the outside of your case as fragile.
9. Label Your Case with Your Contact Information
This may feel like a more obvious one, but make sure your name, permanent address, and phone number are clearly labeled on your case. Include an additional note inside the case with the same information.
10. Know Where to Find a Luthier
It is also a good idea to research and make note of where the closest reputable luthier/restorer is before you arrive to your destination. This luthier may be able to help with minor setbacks like fallen soundposts or any larger issues.
More Questions? Need to Complain to an Airline?
Click here to visit the Department of Transportation's website for more information.
Click here to visit the Department of Transportation's website for more information.