Original Post By: Diane1020 Date: 2/1/2010 7:02:18 PM Sorry if this is repetitive. I know I've read something about this here before but with a search I could only find something from 2003. I was wondering if one is allowed to carry on a uke on a plane in addition to a carry on bag, specifically for an international flight. I haven't flown anywhere in about 15 years but I'm sure lots of people here will know this. Thank you. Posted By: counterbug Date: 2/1/2010 10:25:26 PM You carry carry a uke ON AN AIRPLANE Posted By: Diesel Date: 2/2/2010 12:02:21 AM I'd contact the airline and ask. And write down who you spoke to, with their phone number. Last time we went to Hawai'i - well, came back from there actually - I had a carry on and a uke in a case, but it likely depends on the carrier. Posted By: dingo Date: 2/2/2010 3:50:48 AM I have flown repeatedly with a soprano uke in a soft case with no problem. I stick it ontop of the carryon luggage in the overhead bin, being the last one to put anything in before the bin is closed or I have also stuck it on the floor in front of my feet. no problems...internationally anyway. Posted By: gitapik Date: 2/2/2010 6:16:47 AM   (Updated: 2/2/2010 6:17:35 AM) At this point, we're allowed 2 pieces of carryon. For many it's their clothes and a computer. For not so many, it's your clothes and a uke. For others: a soprano and a tenor uke. Etc. Just so long as they can fit in the overhead or under the seat in front of you. But I agree with Diesel: always check first. My friend just came back from Germany after doing a shoot there for an independent movie he's working on. Had two serious cameras with him for carry-on. They took him in a separate room and spent a LONG time going through them. I sometimes wonder if, to speed the process, airlines might begin to change their carry-on process. I do know that one of the reasons I bought my first uke, recently, is so I could travel easily with a fantastic instrument. I hate putting my guitar in the hold of a plane. As far as the safety of the instrument: I've been told to make sure you've got the strings loosened and have a good humidifier in the case, anytime you're flying (or traveling to a new climate). Posted By: Kirbster Date: 2/2/2010 9:14:55 AM My Flea has traveled with me by plane to the Caribbean 3 times, Mexico twice and Florida once. It is always my second carry on and I've never had a problem. I always put it under the seat in front of me until we take off then I bring it up so that it is standing on the floor between my legs. But, just to be safe, I would check with your airline to make sure things haven't changed in the last few months. Posted By: Jim Lenn Date: 2/2/2010 9:36:38 AM I just got back from California.. I travel to California twice a year for business and take my concert Fluke in it's bag along with one other carry on.. Never had an issue.. The Fluke is very durable and I've always found a spot in the overheads to stash it.. It will sometimes go straight in and sometimes will lay across the front in front of other luggage but so far after 4+ years,, no trouble... I might think differently with a custom uke !!! Posted By: AlanJ Date: 2/2/2010 10:12:56 AM As a frequent flyer, the consensus on here is right on. On *most* airlines, you are allowed 1 carry-on and 1 personal item. The uke would count as either one. Check with your particular airline baggage policies particularly if you are carrying on a piece of luggage already. Posted By: TRS uke Date: 2/2/2010 10:47:55 AM I have a friend who consistantly carriers a high quality concert uke in hard shell case while flying around the country. Posted By: Diane1020 Date: 2/2/2010 11:51:29 AM Thank you to all who have offered an answer. Posted By: Warren Blazes Date: 2/2/2010 3:31:09 PM Posted By: Warren Blazes Date: 2/2/2010 3:35:33 PM I had a problem once when I was told that I was allowed only one piece of carry-on luggage. I reminded them that FAA regulations also allowed an additional personal item such as a purse, diaper bag, briefcase or lap top. I said that uke was my lap top and also doubled as a personal floation device. Posted By: gitapik Date: 2/2/2010 5:59:42 PM :) Posted By: Wednesday Date: 2/2/2010 9:00:28 PM The (grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr) FOLKS at Virgin didn't give me a hard time with my uke in my hard shell mandolin case as carry-on on the way TO England this last August...but coming back through Heathrow to America, one of their evil minions tried to tell me it had to go in the cargo hold BECAUSE it WAS in a hard case and not a soft case (of course, I didn't want to bring it in a soft case, considering all the bumpy spots along the journey). I screamed like a stuck pig and got my way in the end, but it was hairy for a moment. Yeah, great thinking, penalize people who try to protect their perfectly compact ukes by carrying them extra-safely in hard cases. First The Minion said, "what is that, a violin??" Yeah, as it happens, I play one of those, too, and I'm damned if I'd trust it to a cargo hold-- no other fiddler I know would, either. I rented a fiddle from a music store over there to practice on while traveling, thinking it would be way too difficult to get my fiddle across the sea. I'd say call ahead to the airline, but the trouble is you might get a different answer on a different day, or a different side of the Pond. Posted By: Diane1020 Date: 2/2/2010 9:10:48 PM Wow. Scary. I was going to bring it in a gig bag but then decided to put it into a hard case in case they make me throw it into the overhead compartment or something. Posted By: gitapik Date: 2/3/2010 6:16:52 AM Yeah...that's what I'm concerned about. My filmmaker buddy had no problem leaving the USA...but coming back was pretty hairy...and could become even more so. But I agree with Wednesday: who knows who you'll talk to when you ask? They're compact instruments and will fit in to the overhead...I'm willing to take the chance, tell you the truth. Make a big stink if necessary. It's easy enough for them to check what's inside. Posted By: popman Date: 2/3/2010 8:17:13 AM Ive never had a problem in the u.s. with a uke in a hard case. I carry a small bag and a uke every where I go. Ive had them grab my bag on a small plane, but never my uke. Ive also never had it inspected. However, if you are ever in an airport for a long time you better know tiptoe thru the tulips. Posted By: Diane1020 Date: 2/3/2010 9:06:01 AM @Warren- I read that three mice crossed the English Channel in a Flea. Any truth to that claim?? Posted By: BrianT Date: 2/3/2010 12:47:55 PM   (Updated: 2/3/2010 12:53:46 PM) Read the particular airlines baggage policies and If you find references to musical instruments print out the piece and put it in your case. I know of at least one airline that lets you have your two carryons and a musical instrument. Here is an example of Delta's policy. http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/baggage/special_baggage/fragile_bulky/musical_instruments/index.jsp Here is united's The following personal items are not counted toward your one bag and one personal item limit: * Assistive devices (canes, crutches, etc.) * Child safety seats for ticketed children * Infant restraint devices (infant seat with or without stroller, front pouch or back carrier) * Outer garments (coats, hats, etc.) * Reading material (a reasonable amount) * Umbrellas (one per passenger) * Food and beverages to be consumed onboard * One musical instrument not exceeding a size of 45 linear inches* Posted By: hashireeightman Date: 2/3/2010 9:43:14 PM Umbrellas? Posted By: cowbelle Date: 2/5/2010 3:43:20 PM hashireeightman --United may be 1)having leaks or 2) be concerned for our health & overzealous in humidifying planes..... Posted By: tejastani Date: 2/5/2010 8:02:12 PM Ukes on a Plane-- wasn't that a movie with Samuel L. Jackson? Posted By: Diane1020 Date: 2/5/2010 9:50:00 PM Ok,I did kind of have that movie title in mind when I named this thread....... Posted By: noel v. Date: 2/18/2010 9:35:06 PM I pack a travel soprano uke in a carry on bag that meets the airline size limits. In a homemade gigbag protected with clothing. Prior to doing this had mixed experiences. If any of your flights are on the smaller connecting regional planes no way. The planes that make you gate check you carry on luggage even if legal size. Had an "interesting" experience on one international flight. Outbound no issue. On the return home I had to squeeze the luckily Gator cased uke into the checked luggage. Posted By: musicguymic Date: 2/18/2010 11:47:46 PM I am flying out tonight with a roll on carryon and two ukes in a double gigbag never a problem...i have traveled on most all airlines and never ever had them say i couldn;t take that double tenor gigbag or a full on Koolau tenor hardcase...then of course i never ask and nonchlantely glide into the airplane...Of course having a big tummy helps hide the gigbag slung over my shoulder LOL see you guys in Oregon tomorrow Posted By: rev hank Date: 2/21/2010 7:19:03 PM I have travelled in Canada on West Jet and Air canada, and had no problems taking my uke on board, as well as a carry on. More often than not, it strikes up great conversations in the airport (security, passengers, etc) Rev Hank Posted By: Gerald Ross Date: 2/21/2010 7:30:14 PM I fly to gigs mostly Delta/Northwest. When I fly I carry on a uke gigbag and a steel guitar gigbag. I don't ask permission. I just sling the bags across my shoulder, try to hide them as much as possible and just walk on the plane. They fit easily in the overhead. Don't ask for permission. They'll always say no. Posted By: Diane1020 Date: 2/21/2010 8:44:12 PM Hi Gerald. Great that I'll finally get to hear you play live now that you're coming to NY for the fest. You carry on two ukes, but is that in addition to a carry on bag? Posted By: Gerald Ross Date: 2/21/2010 8:59:06 PM No, my two gig bags are the total of my carry-on allowance. But, you'd be surprised the amount of non musical items you can stuff into a gig bag. Posted By: Geoff Rezek Date: 2/22/2010 7:47:14 AM   (Updated: 2/22/2010 7:48:52 AM) My Tenor Fluke ukulele, carried in the original soft gig bag, has been on 100+ flights and never had an issue getting it on or it being damaged. I make sure it is placed on top of whatever is in the overhead. I once got 2 free first class upgrades on British airlines in Europe because I played “British Airlines is the Best” to the gate crew. I find that playing the ukulele in an airport is fun, and most of the time appreciated. Geoffrey Rezek Posted By: Tonya Date: 2/22/2010 12:01:28 PM I think the clue in the original question is the "international" flight--mainland and Hawaii flights are rarely a problem for most folks if you're not already overburdened with your allotted *two* items (a carry-on item--in my case an ukulele in Gator or soft case; and a personal item--in my case a small backpack). But international is a far different story and I'd check with the specific *airport* as well as airline you'll be flying out of over there; Heathrow, I've heard, is a real stickler. International airports frequently require you to put your carry-on objects in the "fitter box" to verify dimension and they're notoriously inflexible about letting things "get by." Posted By: Diane1020 Date: 2/22/2010 12:55:15 PM Well, yes Tonya, I was asking about an international flight because I'm going across the Atlantic.

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