Traveling with a musical instrument can be stressful, especially when the instrument is large and heavy. If you are wondering how you will get your hammered dulcimer onto an airplane, there is good news. U.S. federal law provides protections for passengers traveling with musical instruments, provided the instrument meets the applicable requirements.
Here is a quick look at the rules and the options available to you when you want to take your hammered dulcimer (or really, any instrument) on a flight.
It’s the Law
Section 403 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 established provisions allowing passengers to bring musical instruments as carry-on or checked baggage. The rule became effective on March 6, 2015. And it gives musicians specific federal protections when traveling with their instruments.
The Federal Register outlines the Department of Transportation’s requirements for musical instruments in several categories.
Small Musical Instruments as Carry-On Baggage
Under the applicable rule, a covered airline must allow a passenger to bring a violin, guitar, or another small musical instrument into the aircraft cabin without charging an additional fee beyond the standard fee that may apply to comparable carry-on baggage, provided that:
>> The instrument can be safely stored in an appropriate baggage compartment in the aircraft cabin or under a passenger seat. This assumes other FAA requirements for carry-on baggage are met.
>> There is available space for the instrument when the passenger boards the aircraft.
Fortunately, many hammered dulcimer models are small enough to fit in a typical overhead bin, making this the simplest option for air travel.
For example, an ultra-portable mini hammered dulcimer can be as small as 11 inches by 31.5 inches (such as the Songbird Fledgling or backpacker models) and weigh only 4.5 to 6 pounds.
What If Your Hammered Dulcimer Is Too Large for the Overhead Bin?
You can still carry a larger musical instrument into the aircraft cabin under certain conditions. The instrument must be secured in a case or otherwise covered so that it does not pose a risk of injury to other passengers. The total weight of the instrument and its case cannot exceed 165 pounds, or the applicable weight limit for the aircraft.
This is typically fine for hammered dulcimers. The average hammered dulcimer weighs between 15 and 20 pounds (about 7 to 9 kg). Standard models can range anywhere from 13 to 30 pounds depending on their size and wood density.
Extended range models with extra courses (such as 3+ octave or 17/16/8 layouts) often weigh 20 to 30 pounds. Keep in mind that a sturdy padded gig bag or hard flight case will add another 5 to 10 pounds to your total carrying weight.
The instrument must also be capable of being safely stowed according to FAA requirements. In addition, neither the instrument nor its case may contain anything that federal law or regulation prohibits in an aircraft cabin. Most importantly, if the instrument is too large to meet the normal requirements for a small carry-on instrument, the passenger must purchase an additional seat for it.
Checking a Large Hammered Dulcimer
If you cannot stow your hammered dulcimer in the cabin (and you do not want to purchase an additional seat), checking the instrument is another option.
Federal rules provide that a covered airline must transport a passenger’s musical instrument as checked baggage when it cannot be carried in the cabin. This assumes that it meets the applicable size, weight, and stowage requirements.
The instrument and its case must have combined outside dimensions—length plus width plus height—of no more than 150 inches, or the applicable limit for the aircraft. The instrument must also weigh no more than 165 pounds, or the aircraft’s applicable weight limit.
Again, this is typically not an issue for hammered dulcimers. A typical full-size hammered dulcimer measures about 42 inches wide at the bottom rail, 19 inches across the top rail, and 17 to 19.5 inches front-to-back. Typical thickness is only 3 to 4 inches. So dimensions are well within the federal constraints for checking.
Even though checking an instrument may be permitted, it comes with an important practical concern: checked baggage can be handled roughly during travel. A valuable instrument may be at greater risk if it is not packed securely or protected by a sturdy case. For that reason, checking a hammered dulcimer should be considered carefully.
Where to Find Hard Cases for Travelling with Dulcimers?
True flight-ready or wooden hard cases are generally not available on Amazon, or any other mass retail channels. Instead, we recommend getting a custom-ordered case directly from instrument makers, such as McSpadden Dulcimers or Dusty Strings.
Final Tips for Travelling with Hammered Dulcimers
To sum up, below are some final tips on travelling with hammered dulcimers (or any large instrument):
>> Depending on the size of your instrument, you have some options on whether to check the instrument or bring it into the cabin
>> Where possible, choose a travel-sized model. Smaller instruments like a 12/11 or specialized compact designs (such as the Songbird Fledgling or Voyageur) are lighter and often designed to fit in an airplane overhead bin.
>> Keep it in tune. Do not completely detune your instrument. Hammered dulcimer bridges are usually not glued down, so removing all string tension can cause the bridges to fall off or shift, which is really not what you want upon arrival.
>> Protect against climate changes. Wood is sensitive to extreme temperatures and humidity. Avoid leaving your dulcimer in cold or near dry indoor heat sources, which can warp or crack the soundboard.
>> We strongly recommend that you invest in a padded, hardshell case. This is essential protection if you are required to gate-check your instrument or pack it into a crowded rental car trunk.
So Yes, You Can Bring Your Hammered Dulcimer on a Plane
The short answer is yes: you can bring a hammered dulcimer on an airplane. If your instrument fits safely under the seat or in an overhead storage compartment and meets the applicable federal requirements, it may be carried into the cabin.
If the instrument is too large for those spaces, you may be able to bring it into the cabin by purchasing an additional seat, provided the instrument meets the applicable requirements. Otherwise, you may need to transport it as checked baggage.
Before your trip, it is a good idea to review the applicable Federal Register rules and bring a printed copy with you. Having the relevant regulations available can be helpful if questions arise at the baggage counter or when you board the aircraft.
With a little preparation and the right case, traveling with your hammered dulcimer does not have to be stressful. Plan ahead, understand your options, protect your instrument, and enjoy your trip.
>> Looking for a new hammered dulcimer? Check out our post on tips for choosing a hammered dulcimer.
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