7 Ways to Protect Your Instruments at Airports and on Planes

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Insuring your instruments is one way to protect your instruments and gear when flying: what follows are some risk management ideas.

1. If possible, keep the musical instrument with you as hand luggage when flying. This will prevent damage by airport baggage handlers. The cabin temperature is also more stable than the hold. Some delicate instruments can be damaged by fluctuating hold temperatures.
   
   
2. Arrive at the airport early so that the musical instrument can be searched and then properly re-packed.
   
   
3. Use proper traveling cases such as a hard-bodied, foam-lined, locking Pelican case [Amazon Link] or other brand designed for the road. Let your insurance broker know the type of traveling case so that they can advise the insurance company and secure the lowest premium due to the lowered risk.
   
   
4. If you did have to check it as luggage: inspect your musical instrument carefully after pulling it from the airport baggage carousel. If damaged, be sure to report it right away to the airline while you are still at the airport and get a copy of the damage report. This will be helpful in the event that you need to make an insurance claim as it will have all the details needed to set up a claim.
   
   
5. Keep watch on your musical instrument while in the airport terminal. Consider using a Velcro strap [Amazon Link] to attach it to your trolley to prevent theft.
   
   
6. Insure your gear with a specialized music insurance broker.
   
   
7. If it does get stolen: hiding a Tile [Affiliate Link] or other tracker in your cases results in a good recovery rate for stolen gear. These items are especially valuable for vintage gear.

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