Flying with two mandolins?

[Josh Levine]

Does anybody have experience flying with 2 mandolins? Would you just carry both of them on? Am I going to be the crazy mandolin person?

[Tobin]

The trick to flying with two mandolins is to hold one in each hand and flap really hard. Don't worry; nobody will think you're crazy. The crazy ones try it with banjos.

[Bren]

Flying to where? It could be done under some airline's rules, not some others.

[Gary Alter]

JWalter, if you're thinking of your trip to Swannanoa, you might consider shipping one of your instruments to someone at their offices in advance. Might be easier than trying to maneuver through all the airport shenanigans. Perhaps Jim Magill would have a suggestion.

[Bill McCall]

You know if it's too much trouble flying, you know you can leave one with me

Just trying to help

[allenhopkins]

Double mandolin case?

[colorado_al]

I fly with 2 mandolins frequently. I use a backpack that one with case can mostly fit in, with the neck sticking out, and the other is my personal item. If I fly Southwest, I pay the extra $15 each way for early bird check in so I know there will be room for them when I board. If I fly United, I'll book a seat with extra leg room so that I can also board a bit earlier.

[Josh Levine]

Yes, I am thinking of my trip to Swananoa. I am going to get work done on one of my mandolins while there, so wanted to have another one to play. Don't really want to ship it because of price and not looking to invest in a double case at the moment.

[UsuallyPickin]

Borrow a Calton ... if you don't get to carry both on it will still be safe... R/

[Josh Levine]

I have a Calton. Still am not excited about checking it. I may just try to schedule the work during off time or something.

- - - Updated - - -

Maybe I can convince someone to let me borrow one of theirs. Or if the Dude has one for sale maybe I can "demo" it.

[Jordan Ramsey]

I did it successfully from Denver to Portland last year, gonna try it again next Tuesday. Both times on Southwest with early bird, carrying a Calton with an F5 and my bowlback in the moderately fragile original case. No other carry ons, just the mandolins. They actually stack on top of each other in one space in the overhead, last time was no issue. I'm gonna go in with confidence and a smile. I'd say go for it, JWW, and have a Calton for one just in case.

[Bertram Henze]

The trick to flying with two mandolins is to hold one in each hand and flap really hard. Don't worry; nobody will think you're crazy. The crazy ones try it with banjos.

There's one application where A-style is better than F-style.

[UsuallyPickin]

J.W. .... I'm never excited about allowing one of my instruments "out of my sight" on a trip. I get it. Worst case scenario is an instrument surviving the experience of bad luck intact. Hence my comment. R/

[Josh Levine]

Thanks for all the suggestions, folks. I think I may just bring my Mid Mo Mini-Mo as a back up for the day(s) I am getting work done. I was going to bring a nicer mandolin, but the Mini Mo travels pretty well and should not be as much of a concern as bringing two expensive mandolins.