TOPIC: airplane travel concerns looking for expert advice

What do you recommend for traveling on an airplane with an expensive banjo?

Try to carrying it on?
If so are you using a gig bag or hard shell?

Or should I send it through as luggage when getting my ticket?
If so what kind of casing are you using?

I have three banjo's values ranging from $3000 to $1500.

I am planning a flight from St. Louis to Dallas to Leon Mexico.

Concerned,
Donny

A

Donny -

I would never check an expensive banjo. My recommendation is to carry it on. If you carry it on, purchase the heavy duty travel cases. They are not cheap however.

A member of my band travels frequently and he claims he has not had any problem to date carrying on his instrument.

Dave

I recently flew SWA and didn't bring an instrument because I didn't want to check it. I asked the flight attendent that same question. She said as long as it's not a tuba or a standup bass, they try to accomidate musicians with carry ons, but it has to fit in the overhead and you will still be allowed only two carry ons including the instrument. I suggest that you check your airline for its policy and bring the one you can most afford to lose.