How to Fly With a Cello
- 1). Call up a your airline to book airplane tickets for yourself and your cello. According to the FAA regulations, your cello is a piece of cargo. Section 14 CFR 121.285 states that cargo traveling in airplane seats must be set in a window seat without an emergency exit. Take this into consideration when arranging the tickets.
- 2). Inform the airline receptionist that you will need a seat belt extender. According to the FAA regulations, cargo (such as your cello) must be strapped in during flight.
- 3). Place your cello in a hard case on the day of your flight. Buckle the case closed, making sure that the cello is secure.
- 4). Travel to the airport with both tickets and your cello.
- 5). Place the cello in the window seat between both armrests. Position the cello so that the back of its case is resting against the backrest. Weave the seat belt extension through the cello case's handle and over the top of the cello case. Cinch the seat belt so that is tightly holding the case.
Source...