So, how can you take a piano keyboard on a plane? What are the other ways to travel with a piano keyboard? Can you put a keyboard in checked luggage? How do you travel with a piano keyboard? When it comes to traveling with a musical instrument like the piano keyboard on an airplane, it is important to know how to travel with it on an airplane or any mode of transportation. It is also important to know what the restrictions are in bringing a piano keyboard with you and how to pack it safely on your own.
So are you excited to go on a trip with your piano keyboard? Then, join us, and let us find out what things you will need to keep in mind before you proceed with your journey.
Can I Bring My Piano Keyboard On A Plane
Are you planning to bring your piano keyboard on your trip? Are you a traveling musician who likes to bring his or her own gear when playing at a gig? Then you are at the right place. We are going to have a deeper discussion on how you can bring your keyboard with you, especially if you are on a plane.
So, the first question is, can you take a piano keyboard on a plane? Absolutely, yes; however, there are some conditions before you can bring your piano keyboard with you. One thing that is a requirement after you have reached the airport is for it to be checked by x-ray screening at the airport’s security checkpoint.
If you are unsure whether you can bring your piano keyboard as a carry-on or checked-in luggage, then you should first contact your airline to check their policies on bringing such a musical instrument. There are some airlines that do not require you to tag your piano keyboard as checked-in luggage; however, there are also some that would require you to do that, so before complications can happen, you should have at least contacted the airline the day before your trip.
There are some factors that could decide whether your piano keyboard can be brought in as a carry-on or checked-in baggage. The first is its size. Airlines have their own policies for the dimensions as to what is the limit of the baggage to be tagged as carry-on or checked-in luggage. So, if it exceeds the limit of the dimension for carry-on baggage, then your piano keyboard would be brought in as checked-in luggage, as carry-on baggage has smaller dimensions than the latter.
The second factor is also its weight. As carry-on luggage should be lighter than checked-in luggage, most airlines place your piano keyboard as a piece of luggage, although some airlines would allow you to bring it as carry-on luggage. However, you will usually need to place it inside a keyboard gig bag before they would allow you to bring it on the plane as carry-on luggage.
Most airlines usually consider carry-on luggage as baggage that can easily fit on the plane’s top compartments, though if your piano keyboard doesn’t fit in it, they will still usually allow it to be placed in your leg area; however, it can be pretty uncomfortable for you, especially if you are traveling on a plane for very long hours.
If your piano keyboard’s size and weight exceed the limit for checked-in luggage set by the airline, then you might have to ship it using another courier separately. So, it is really important for you to contact your airline before the travel date if you are planning to bring your piano keyboard with you, so you can avoid having issues with your luggage. If it would be a hassle for you, you might want to consider not bringing your piano keyboard with you.
How Do You Travel With A Piano Keyboard?
It is important that if you are planning to travel with your piano keyboard, it must also be safe, so you can protect it from getting damaged. Repairing or replacing a new piano keyboard can be very costly, so you must really ensure that nothing happens to your gear, as this is a very expensive consequence.
These are some of the ways that you can safely travel with your piano keyboard that will protect it from getting damaged:
Use A Keyboard Gig Bag
When traveling with your piano keyboard on a plane or when you are on a ship or car, one way you can protect it is to place it inside a gig bag. Although gig bags are softer, they are also lightweight, so you can easily carry your piano keyboard without any problems. Gig bags also have shoulder straps and the usual handle, so you can easily carry the bag with either of these options.
Use A Keyboard Hard Case
Another way you can protect your piano keyboard while you are traveling is to place it inside a hard case. If you are really concerned with full protection from bumps, vibrations, and scratches, using a hard case would be the way to go. These hard cases are usually made using durable plastic, wooden frame, or composite fiberglass to ensure that they would totally protect your keyboard from any physical damage.
However, using a hard case will make your piano keyboard harder to carry, as it is heavier than a gig bag. Although it has a thicker layer to protect your piano keyboard, it also means that it is bulkier, so if you are traveling on public transportation, it can really be a hassle to bring it with you.
Pack The Piano Keyboard In A Box
The third way to safely bring your piano keyboard when you are traveling on a plane, boat, or vehicle is to place it safely inside a box. How to do it? The first thing you should do is to secure a box that your keyboard can fit and possibly should have some little space to allow you to put some padding inside the box. If it is difficult to find the perfect box that would fit, you can find a larger box and cut it down to its right size.
The next step is to wrap your keyboard with two to three layers of bubble wrap. Also wrapped its cables separately. The third step is to place the keyboard in the box and some foam and put it in the corners of the box to serve as additional protection. Make sure that there is no movement inside the box, or else try to add foam again to where there is movement.
Now, start to pack your box using a packaging material. Make sure that it is tightly packed so that you can be ensured that it is protected from getting damaged while traveling. You can also do this method if you are planning to ship your keyboard to your destination, especially if your chosen airline would not allow you to bring it with you.
So, can you take a piano keyboard on a plane? Yes, you can; however, you should always contact your airline of choice before the date of departure, so you can have a better idea of their policies if you are planning to bring your piano keyboard with you.
