Do you need to bring your cello on an airplane? If so, you’ll want to make sure you have the best cello case for air travel. There are a few things to consider when choosing a case, such as size and weight. You’ll also want to select a case that is durable and will protect your instrument from damage.
Best Cello Case for Air Travel
Best Cello Case for Air Travel
Bam France New Tech 1002N 4/4 Cello Case with Terracotta Exterior & Black Interior
The Bam France New Tech Cello Case (Buy Online) is one of the best cello cases for air travel on the market. The case is made from ABS composite, making it very rigid and resistant to flexing. This means that your cello will stay put in the case, no matter how rough the baggage handlers get.
The case also features a plush interior and molded interior fittings to keep your cello safe and secure. In addition, the Bam New Tech 1002N 4/4 Cello Case has a padded strap and two handles for easy transport.
However, the Bam New Tech 1002N 4/4 Cello Case is not without its drawbacks. The biggest downside is the price; it is one of the most expensive cello cases on the market at over one thousand dollars.
Additionally, the Bam New Tech 1002N 4/4 Cello Case does not have an airtight seal, so it is not ideal for storing your cello in humid conditions. However, despite these drawbacks, the Bam New Tech 1002N 4/4 Cello Case is still one of the best cello cases for air travel on the market.
Crossrock Poly Carbon Composite Cello Case, for 4/4 Size Cello with backpack and wheels in Blue
The Crossrock Poly Carbon Composite Cello Case (Buy Online) is made from a durable polycarbonate composite and features padded backpack straps, built-in wheels, and a music sheet pocket. At just 12 lbs, this case is one of the lightest on the market and is available in 5 different colors.
While this case does have some great features, there are also a few drawbacks. For example, some people have reported that the wheels can become misaligned, and the snaps that hold the music sheet pocket in place can break during rough handling.
However, the Crossrock Poly Carbon Composite Cello Case is still a good option for those looking for an affordable and lightweight cello case for air travel.
MI&VI MASTERY Premium 100% Carbon Fiber Cello Case (Full Size) 4/4 with Wheels
MI&VI MASTERY’s Cello Case (Buy Online) features a 100% carbon fiber construction, making it one of the most durable on the market. The material is also more rigid than ABS plastic, meaning your cello will be better protected from impact. Additionally, the case features high-quality wheels and a built-in handle for easy transport and backpack carry straps for times when you need to free up your hands.
The case’s interior is lined with a soft fabric and features an adjustable neck cushion, two bow holders, and an interior storage pocket – perfect for stashing extra rosin or strings. Plus, the MI&VI MASTERY cello case comes in three eye-catching colors: Milk Tea, Orange, and Yellow.
While it is one of the more expensive cases on the market, MI&VI MASTERY offers a 90-day no questions asked return warranty on their cello cases – giving you the ability to try it for a few months to see if it meets your requirements.
Bobelock 2000W Fiberglass Blue/Gray 4/4 Cello Case with Wheels
The Bobelock 2000W 4/4 Cello Case (Buy Online) is made of fiberglass, which makes it very sturdy, and it also has a velour interior with a suspension system to protect your cello from bumps and jolts. The wheels make it easy to transport, and the single handle and shoulder strap make it comfortable to carry. There are also two bow holders to keep your bows safe and secure. The only downside is that it’s a bit heavy at 14 pounds, but overall this is an excellent cello case for air travel.
Crossrock Carbon Fiber Case fits for 4/4 Full Size Cello with Removable Shoulder Straps-Black
The Crossrock Carbon Fiber Cello Case (Buy Online) is a the best cello case for air travel. It is made from 100% carbon fiber, making it very light (only 8.5 lbs). The case is also beautiful, with a sleek carbon fiber finish, and it comes with a soft cover to protect the exterior from scratches and bumps.
The Crossrock case also features latches with heavy-duty locks, a durable leather handle, and a removable shoulder strap. It also has an accessory pocket, which is great for storing sheet music or other small items.
The only downside to the Crossrock Carbon Fiber Cello Case is that it is one of the more expensive cases on the market. However, its features and high-quality construction make it worth the investment.
Pelican 1780 Transport Case With Foam (Black)
The Pelican 1780 Transport Case With Foam (Buy Online) is a great option for cellists who are looking for a durable case for air travel. This case is watertight and features an automatic pressure equalization valve, meaning that your cello will be well-protected even if the case is subjected to changes in pressure or temperature.
The Pelican 1780 Transport Case also has a Pick N’Pluck foam system that lets you customize the case’s interior to ensure a snug fit for your cello, and the stainless steel reinforced padlock promises extra security.
While this case is not specifically designed for cellos, it is nevertheless an excellent option for those who are looking to protect delicate musical instruments.
Additionally, Pelican’s customer service is highly responsive and helpful, making them a great company to work with if you should have any problems with your case.
Can I Take My Cello On A Plane
Since the establishment of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-95), it has been the policy in the United States that anyone flying with an instrument must be able to carry it on board with them or stow it in a manner that meets FAA safety regulations.
This means that the instrument must be securely fastened in its case and placed either in a seat, overhead bin, or larger instruments will need to be checked into the cargo hold.
For more information, you can check out this helpful resource:
www.federalregister.gov/articles/2015/01/05/2014-30836/carriage-of-musical-instruments
Cello Case Size Limit for Air Travel
Cello cases have to be less than 150 linear inches and weigh less than 165 lbs. If your case exceeds either of those measurements, you might incur an additional oversize/overweight baggage fee, or it might not fit in the cargo hold.
Best Airlines To Fly With a Cello
There are a few airlines that are more cello-friendly than others. For example, air Canada, American Airlines, and Air Brussels all have policies that allow passengers to bring their cellos onboard as checked baggage without paying excess baggage fees.
- Air Canada
- American Airlines
- Air Brussels
- Southwest Airlines
United Airlines Cello Policy
United Airlines’ musical-instrument policy states that they may charge additional fees if your instrument case measures between 63-115 linear inches or weighs more than 50 pounds. And if the instrument is more than 115 linear inches, you’ll need to get in touch with United’s customer service center before booking your flight.
American Airlines Cello Policy
American Airlines’ policies regarding musical instruments state the maximum size for checked instruments is 150 linear inches (381 cm), and the maximum weight is 165 lbs / 75 kg.
This policy ensures that delicate instruments are not damaged during a flight and do not pose a safety hazard to other passengers.
In addition, American Airlines allows passengers to carry on small instruments, such as violins and guitars, so long as they can be safely stored in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of the passenger.
Delta Airlines Cello Policy
Delta Airlines allows passengers to bring musical instruments or equipment as checked baggage, provided the total linear dimension does not exceed 150 inches (381 cm) and the weight, including the case, does not exceed 165lbs (75 kg).
https://www.delta.com/us/en/baggage/special-items/musical-instruments
Brussels Airlines Cello Policy
Brussels Airlines allows passengers to bring a small musical instrument on board as carry-on luggage, free of charge. However, larger instruments must be checked as baggage and will incur a fee, and all instruments must be properly packed to avoid damage during transport.
https://www.brusselsairlines.com/us/en/extra-services/baggage/musical-instrument
Southwest Airlines Cello Policy
Southwest Airlines Boarding Process is designed to be quick and efficient, which is why they have a strict carry-on policy. Musical instruments are allowed on the plane as long as they fit in an overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. You are also allowed to bring a full-sized cello in its case as a checked bag, but it will count as one of your two free bags per person.
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