Whether you’re jetting off for a big performance or simply visiting family for the holidays and want to bring your violin, you’re about to fly with your violin for the first time. You might have some questions like, “Can I bring my violin on the plane?” (Yes!) Or, you might be looking for packing tips and travel advice. Either way, we have you covered with this guide.
Do Violins Count as a Carry-On?
Yes, violins can count as a carry-on. The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 requires airline carriers to accommodate small instruments (like a violin) as long as they are stowed in the provided overhead bins or under the seat in accordance with FAA safety regulations. Even with this rule in place, it’s important to double-check with your carrier to see if they have policies or requirements around case dimensions.
Remember, this rule allows you to bring and stow your violin if space is available at boarding. Depending on which airline you are flying, you want to ensure that your ticket includes a carry-on, and you may want to purchase upgrades that let you board earlier to guarantee space. If you have another bag you need to keep with you or your violin doesn’t fit under the seat, you may need to check it.
Packing Your Violin and Bow for Air Travel
Traveling with an instrument always involves some risk of damage, especially if you have to check it. Your violin — and its bow — means a lot to you, and the last thing you want is to show up at your destination with a snapped bow or unplayable violin. Here are some packing tips to help keep your violin safe during travel:
- Choose the Right Case: It’s best to pack your violin in a hard-shell case. Soft cases are more vulnerable to impacts.
- Protect the Bow: Ensure your violin bow is secure in the holder within your violin case. If your case doesn’t have a quality bow holder, consider putting your bow in its own case. Be mindful of airline carry-on policies, as these might count as two separate bags.
- Loosen the Strings: You should loosen the strings on both your violin and its bow to relieve tension. Doing this can help lower the chances of any snapping from pressure changes.
- Add Padding: You want your violin and bow to move around as little as possible. Add bubble wrap or other padding to open spaces in your case to help keep your instrument secure.
- Insert a Humidifier: If you’re traveling to or from a dry area, a humidifier in your case can help protect your violin from drying out and cracking.
- Label Your Case: Add an identification tag to your violin case like a standard luggage piece. Include your name and contact information so it can be returned to you in case you somehow get separated.
- Consider Buying a Seat: Depending on the value of your violin, you may want to ask your airline about purchasing an additional seat for your instrument. Many airlines will let you do so, helping you avoid any possible damage from the overhead compartment. You also won’t have to worry about being forced to check your violin at the gate if overhead bins become full.
In addition to carefully packing your violin and bow, you should consider insuring your instrument if you haven’t already. Check that your current homeowners’ or renters’ insurance doesn’t cover it, and look into getting an independent violin policy that could cover theft or damage.
Considerations for International Travel
When traveling outside the United States, you may have extra considerations regarding your violin and bow materials.
If your violin or bow contains materials from endangered species (such as ivory, certain woods, or tortoiseshell), you may need to comply with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). A permit might be required to travel with your instrument across international borders. This permit will show that the instrument or bow was legally obtained or made before the material was protected.
If your bow is made of Pernambuco wood, you should be fine traveling with it, but it’s always best to check the CITES website for the most up-to-date information. The certification is generally only needed when the wood is first exported from Brazil, even as a finished violin bow. However, you will need a permit if your bow contains material like ivory or tortoiseshell.
Consider purchasing a bow made from travel-friendly materials to make traveling, especially internationally, easier. CodaBow’s violin bows are made of durable carbon fiber instead of Pernambuco wood, so you don’t have to worry about possible changes in permit requirements. (And the more durable material means less chance of damage during travel.) They don’t contain any other regulated, endangered, or monitored species, either. The frog is made of Xebony®, a proprietary blend of natural fibers and resin. Our bows truly let you travel worry-free.
CodaBow Is Ready to Travel Wherever You Go
Traveling with your violin doesn’t have to be stressful. Protect your sound and your instrument with a CodaBow. Our durable bows are made from sustainable, travel-friendly materials, so they can go with you no matter your next destination. Shop our selection of carbon fiber violin bows now and fly with confidence.
Don’t let travel restrictions limit your musical journey. With CodaBow, the world is your stage.
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