Sometimes, even the most recluse musicians need to travel, and, if they don’t want to overlook their practice, they need their musical instruments with them. Also, if they travel for gigs, all the more important is the ability to travel with the instrument of their choice without fear that they might reach their destination with it broken or damaged in some way.
Learn what policies are in place
Airlines are notorious for their hard enforced policies regarding luggage, so, if you travel by air, a good idea would be to check with the company from which you purchased your ticket about their regulations regarding the weight and dimensions of your luggage.
A small musical instrument such as a viola or a flute is easy to accommodate in your carry-on, even if you’re traveling by plane. If you travel by a ground means of transportation, your musical instrument is the safest if you keep it on your lap.
A hard case is a better option than a soft case
Many musicians prefer soft cases for their musical instruments because they weigh less than hard case models, and also because overall they are more convenient. However, if you plan to travel and your musical instrument needs to go to the luggage compartment together with other baggage, you would be better off with a hard case.
Depending on the model you have, it may come with a hard case or not. Well-known brands usually include such accessories with their products, and the best part about the models they sell is that these are most likely the most robust you can find on the market.
Get early to your bus or your plane
What could such a piece of advice have in common with keeping your instrument safe from harm? It is quite easy if you come to think about it. Arriving early will allow you to manipulate your musical instrument and place it somewhere safe without a problem, and that before the area gets crowded, and you start getting pushed around by other travelers.
If you can afford it, get an insurance policy for your instrument
In case your musical instrument is too large to hold as a carry-on or in your arms throughout the duration of your trip, it will have to go to the luggage compartment. There is no way of telling how it will get handled and what risks it might have to face.
For your peace of mind, consider an insurance policy. Of course, the value of your instrument plays a vital role in this decision. Should it be too inexpensive to deserve an insurance policy, you may feel free to ignore this recommendation.
However, if your instrument is made by a company with a long-standing tradition in manufacturing such products, and it costs a lot of money, it could be a good idea to get insurance. This way, if anything happens to it, you can use the insurance policy to ask for compensation.