International flights with mandolins (CASE QUESTION)

[flatback88]

I've always flown with my 1912 Gibson A-1 in a Rockbag - put it up in the overheads and then panicked slightly until everyone is seated and luggage stowed away. However this year I will be travelling with two mandolins - one of which is a thick-bodied guitar-shaped Hoyer (cf. 'Framus') which only just fits in the Rockbag!
I am coming to the realisation that the days of me strolling on-board with Gibby strapped to my back are over; I need some other solutions. Any suggestions? However I am not a pro, so forking out $100's for a Hoffee is totally out of the question!

[Jim Garber]

A few years back (but still in the age of paranoia) I flew with my Flatiron in its hardcase and in my double tennis racket case. It makes a good carry on and those bags are not all that expensive. Of course, you need to check with your arilines for size requirements. I would not fly with any mandolin in a gigbag.

[Mike Bunting]

I've never had a problem in travelling on international flights with my mando in a Calton or Pegasus case. I understand that your congress recently passed a law making it legal for all airlines to allow instruments to be carried on board with some requirements.

[Avi Ziv]

I flew Continental internationally (NY-TelAviv) this year and had no problems taking a shaped hard mandolin case on board. No one even asked about it

[Marc Berman]

The OP mentioned bringing TWO mandolins. This might be a problem. As far as I know most airlines will only allow 1 instrument plus a small carry-on such as a handbag, laptop ...

[nobullmando74]

Is it necessary to bring both? You could always pack one in a shipping box and check that. I've seen that done before.

[Avi Ziv]

The OP mentioned bringing TWO mandolins. This might be a problem.

I missed that point. Apologies

[mandroid]

Eastman's new, lighter Fiberglass case has a redesigned outline,
they made it, apparently to accommodate F4 as well as F5 mandolins

so their less pointy Short neck A types will fit also..

I have one of their older A5 cases , and the close fitting outline , makes it easy to stow
as well as offering 3 D rings on their bottom side for back pack like carrying..

[Martin Stevens]

I've flown several times over the past year with a fiddle (held) and mandolin (with a backpack case cover). I haven't had any problems at all... Airlines are really encouraging passengers that have roll-on bags to gate check, so there has always been extra room in the overhead bins.