traveling with machine

[Joan J.]

Hi all, not sure where to post this question! I am flying to Florida in October to take care of my parents for 4 weeks while my sister takes a break. I'd like to take my machine! I have one of those heavy duty rolling cases. Has anyone ever taken their machine on a flight? I'm sure with all the quilter camps and retreats that someone has taken a machine! Do I check it or can I roll it on board? I'll just pack a small backpack of clothes etc, in order to take my machine! I'm hoping to do some quilting with my mom, something to keep her busy. Thanks for the help!
Joan

[Joan J.]

Hi Joan! I have traveled with my machine in a rolling case. Whatever you do, don't check it. I took my Pfaff with me on a flight to a retreat in IA and Delta airlines ruined the LED mechanism. The whole thing had to be replaced. The problem was the part was not in stock in the US and had to ship from Europe. 8 weeks later I got my machine back from my local quilt shop.
It is fine to take it onboard the plane with you however be sure and put it under your seat. Up top it has the chance of sliding or falling out of the compartment.
Hope this helps.

[Joan J.]

Thanks Patti, but I don't think it will fit under the seat! I have a Janome 6125 and had to buy the large case! And I know I wouldn't be able to lift it to the overhead bin! Maybe it can be stored in another compartment?
Joan

[Joan J.]

With all the extra costs and restrictions on baggage, it might be worth looking into UPS and mail it. But try calling the airline and ask what their policy is. I haven't flown in a long time, but you still have to fit carry-on in either the overhead or under the seat. Cheryl

[Joan J.]

Joan, I have seen the people store bags that wouldn't fit in a small compartment they have up near the hatch and galley of the plane. The attendent has to be willing to do it for you.
Also, UPS shipping is not a good idea. There is the same problem of the packages getting thrown around. The handlers just aren't careful, they have too many packages to handle a day to even try to be careful. Of course, UPS does offer insurance in case they damage something.
I still think it is best to carry it on the plane.
Good luck!

[Joan J.]

Thanks for all the help. I have decided to leave my machine at home! I have fused 48 leaves and have them ready for mom to cut. They are large leaves, I'll do the smaller stems, and then after I iron them down we will sew around them on the squares. If she can't manage the blanket stitch, I'll take a zig zag or whatever she can do! She has dementia, and I just want her to be able to focus on something to help work her brain! And then I'll have a quilt we worked on together.
Me sitting at the machine is not interacting with her, so I'll leave it home where it will be safe from baggage handlers!!
But I'll keep all the tips in mind if I ever do need to take it somewhere!
Joan

[Joan J.]

Ok, not needed for this one, but someone might find this helpful...

Check the airline's baggage policies, you might be able to check it as a "special" item, although that could incur a charge too. I was checking about checked baggage for our recent trip to San Francisco, since we were going to a wedding I knew we couldn't get it all in carry-on, and saw some mention of "special" baggage-- I think the examples were Guitars, skis, car seats. Maybe they'd handle it nicer, especially if you stuck "fragile" stickers all over!

Florence