Maybe I'm late to the party on this realization, but traveling on a plane with the Chapman Stick can be an absolute pain in the neck!! I've flown with my Grand Stick maybe 15 times this year without a problem. But today's experience at the Bush airport in Houston is unbelievable. Without even trying to fit my gig bag in the overhead compartment (where it has fit every time) the airline refused to let me take it on board and insisted on checking it. I refused and had to get another flight 6 hours later. I would recommend a flight case if you're to travel with it. The agent told me you don't have to check it at ticketing. You can check it at the jetway and not pay the $25. It's not worth the risk to use the gig bag and risk being stranded at the airport.

I've been flying every year (of late) with my Grand. Haven't had your problem yet, however I got tired of "wondering" whether my stick would be "Let on" the flight, so...I started using the flight case last year and so far no problems $60 oversized bag fee each way to Europe and inspection by homeland security, but at least I knew it would make the trip. Not a scratch yet.

Also. I have found that even calling ahead to "make sure" they will let the stick be hand checked means nothing. I was told I could bring my flight case in the cabin until I got to JFK where they said "no way".

So I love the flight case!!!

Brett

I've only flown a few times with my instrument, all but once I was allowed to put it in the overhead bin (or a crew member put it in a closet).

Once, as I was getting on the plane I was told I had to check it, at least in this situation the instrument is put with the other items that are removed first and made available as soon as the plane has landed (and I only had the gig bag, but nothing was damaged).

So it seems if it must be checked as a last resort, it's preferable to do it at the gate and not in ticketing/check-in with all the other normal luggage.

Man, sorry to hear about that. Traveling can be so frustrating and nerve-racking. Here is my experience...

HARD SHELL
Traveling with a hardshell case is stressful because the instrument leaves your possession. I had American "lose" the instrument on a transfer. It was returned a few days later. It was a 3-way tie between feeling pissed, disappointed and scared. It felt like getting a new instrument when it was returned to me.

PADDED GIG BAG
I have discussed this in detail with Don Schiff who routinely travels with 2 instruments, sometimes both his NS and 12 string facing each other in a padded gig bag.

Regardless of whether it's brought on board or checked at the gate, you need to pad the instrument with socks or cardboard at the end of the instrument. It takes 10 minutes to do and you will feel a lot safer traveling thereafter.

A piece of thick cardboard at the base of the instrument and headstock with some socks wrapped around it were all I have generally needed.

I generally push to have the instrument with in the cabin (knowing that max length is 45"), and if they freak (and I don't have a connecting flight), I settle for checking it at the gate. Sadly, there is still margin for error here, which never makes for a pleasant flight.

SOME DO - SOME DON'T
The size of carry on luggage is federal mandated by the FAA - no more than 45 inches which is a pretty tight fit for 36" scale Stick in a padded case. The general constraints are 2" x 14" x 9" or 56 x 35 x 23 cm. Doable for Alto and SG players, not so much 36" scale guys though.

American, United and Virgin are not going to let you bring the instrument in the cabin, that has been my experience. Alaskan will allow you to put the instrument in their small closets located at the beginning of each row of seats in first class.

In any case, the FAA leaves this level of discretion to the travel provider, so it ends up being a bit of a crap shoot.

When travelling, i fulfill the gig bag with a blanket, it may even be difficult to zip it, but the stick is definitely secured.
I have read a few monthes ago that a rule will force air companies to let musicians travel with their instruments in the cabin in 2014. Anyone can confirm?

Confirmed. Doesn't mean when confronted by a gate person, you're gonna win that point.

Don't know if this has improved my chances of bringing the Stick onboard, but I also make sure the instrument is my only carry on, skipping the additional "personal item" that is allowed (using the gig bag pouch for any other items like a Kindle, book, etc). I also lengthen the shoulder strap so the gig bag isn't riding high over my head, just to enhance the perception that I "don't have much". Whether these subtle psychological tricks work for the crew or just me, I'm not absolutely sure.

Like others have said, additional padding in the soft case is good- I wrap the instrument in a large towel before putting it in the gig bag.

Steve is right, the rules change so often and are enforced so sporadically that even airline employees have a tough time keeping up with them. Here's a link to an earlier thread:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=5599&hilit=airline

Safe travels everyone!

Per the FAA site on traveling with musical instruments, the enforcement of size limitations is left to the travel provider

You may bring musical instruments as carry-on or as checked baggage. To help passengers who are traveling with instruments, we partnered with musical organizations around the country to understand the challenges of transporting musical instruments, and we recommend the following.

Check with your airline prior to your flight to ensure your instrument meets the size requirements for their aircraft.

Pack brass instruments in your checked baggage.

Bring your stringed instruments, within carrier size limitations, as carry-on items.

If you have an instrument in your checked baggage, include short written instructions, where a security officer will notice them, for handling and repacking your instrument. Make sure these instructions are very clear and understandable to someone with no musical background.

Having it as your only carry-on is a big psychological plus, along with a big smile. Rob, do you check in your laptop or do you just not travel with a laptop?

I did not carry on my laptop these times, I put it in a large piece of check-in luggage along with my HD500 effects processor and clothing (and every time, this luggage was opened and inspected, with card inside explaining the inspection). And yes, I try to be as friendly as possible.