Wonder if anyone has had experience of traveling with DC's violin. The airline websites and "customer care" lines are bloody useless in clarifying what's allowable and it seems a LOT is left to chance.
For example, the standard violin case (even the shaped lightweight case is about 80 cm in length) exceeds the maximum allowable of 56 x 45 x 25cm. But then it goes on to say "Where possible, we'll try and accommodate instruments of up to 190 x 75 x 65cm" given at least 24 hours notice. "Try" is hardly reassuring.
It's all a bit iffy, and is making me nervous. The violin can't, under any circumstances go in the hold (it would invalidate the insurance). I know there are special travel violin cases where you pack the bow separately, but they are really expensive (around £350) and we just can't afford that.
But musicians have to travel all the time - and I don't mean world famous, wealthy ones - just the normal, professional and serious amateur musicians, and none of them are putting their instruments in the hold. So what do they do? Hold their breath and hope every single time they fly? What do you do with your traveling musical DCs?
We're traveling BA from UK to US. Any advice/experience would be gratefully received.