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Has anyone flown with a sewing machine lately?

Has anyone flown with a sewing machine lately?

Old 01-16-2010, 07:29 AM
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I'll be flying with my sewing machine week after next - and haven't done that in a couple of years. Last time, we used one of those wheeled totes from Joann's - but ended up having to check the machine as baggage, which I'd rather not do (betcha can't imagine why, right? :lol: ) The airline at that time told us beforehand we could stow it with the wheelchairs on board, but alas, the boarding counter didn't get the memo :cry: I'm not counting on that this time!

The carry on size limit is 10 x 16 x 24, and the machine I'm taking will fit that - if I can find a tote that size. My backup plan is on the cutting table right now - if I can't find one, I'm trying to make one. I just won't have the little plastic feet for the bottom. I'm taking a Viking Scandinavia 400, the same profile as the Viking Rose (and every bit as heavy!)

At this point, I'll take all the ideas and suggestions I can get!
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Old 01-16-2010, 07:33 AM
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No, is their a reason you are taking it with you?. When I have flown to classes or a retreats, I have just rented a machine. I will say I have just recently bought a featherweight just so I can take it with me, if I decide I want to take a machine.
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Old 01-16-2010, 07:41 AM
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I'm attending Teacher Certification at Quilt in a Day - they only had a limited number of machines to use, and I'd feel better using a machine I'm very familiar with (more time to concentrate on assignments, less time fidgeting with the machine.) Their machines are Babylocks, and I have Vikings and Brothers - figures! I'll be there 3 days, so it'll be worth the trouble (not to mention leaving all this Iowa snow for Southern California!)
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Old 01-16-2010, 08:03 AM
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I will welcome you ahead of time to So. Cal. I have been at the Road 2 California show for the last 2 days. Eleanor Burns had her booth here and was here teaching classes.
I know about trying to get use to a new machine, it is always a challenge and does take away time. I would just be afraid to travel with my Bernina. Have you thought about sending it ahead insured to Quilt in A Day? I know you can do that with luggage when you are going on a cruise and it is there when you arrive.
Originally Posted by Roben
I'm attending Teacher Certification at Quilt in a Day - they only had a limited number of machines to use, and I'd feel better using a machine I'm very familiar with (more time to concentrate on assignments, less time fidgeting with the machine.) Their machines are Babylocks, and I have Vikings and Brothers - figures! I'll be there 3 days, so it'll be worth the trouble (not to mention leaving all this Iowa snow for Southern California!)
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Old 01-16-2010, 11:39 AM
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In June, I flew to California from Michigan to do altering of uniforms for the Blue Devils (World Champions!!) Drum & Bugle Corp that my son was marching with. I put my machine, Janome 4000, in a carry-on suitcase. I padded it with towels and it went right up in the overhead compartment. I did need a little help in lifting it but had no problem getting it (the help). Interestingly, it was not the airline personnel but other travelers that were most willing to help. I did let them know when I went through the scanner that I had a sewing machine. If you wanted more padding, you could use bubble wrap or put heavy cardboard on each side. My concern was the weight; it could not weigh over 40 lbs. I flew NW (Delta). Good luck. I know what it's like to not have YOUR machine. I spent 2 weeks on a horrible machine when helping with another drum corps and vowed never to do it again. It was worth it to have my own that I knew the ins and outs of.
Wendy
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Old 01-16-2010, 12:20 PM
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When I questioned the airlines about this, I was told that IF there was room in the closet, it could be stored there inside the plane. However...you have no control over what the attendants shove around or place on top of it :shock:

If it meets the carry on requirements, it could be placed in the overhead compartment. I would go with the over head compartment, as you can keep a better eye on it :wink:

Congratulations on becoming an instructor!!! :D:D:D
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Old 01-16-2010, 05:13 PM
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Thank you so much for the info! Luckily, DH is traveling with me, so he gets to lift it into the overhead :thumbup: I just got back from a visit to the Babylock dealer to check out the Espire, but I'd still be more comfortable with one of my girls.

I love the idea of a smaller suitcase, and will be on the lookout for one. That is a great tip! All of my class supplies & sewing stuff will be checked (nothing on that list I can't replace if necessary) and I *plan* on reading during the flight so no sharp object objections :lol: I say *plan* because I keep buying the Elm Creek Quilt novels, supposedly for the trip - but I can't help going ahead and reading them!

Hey, Amma - save those congrats until I'm actually certified - right now I'm just certifiable :lol: :lol: :lol:
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Old 01-17-2010, 08:56 PM
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Roben, I just used a regular, I think it's a 19", suitcase that is the carryon size. I turned the machine on the side so it was sitting on the bottom of the suitcase but I had no problems with the operation of it once I got to CA. Good thing DH is traveling with you. I had to look all helpless and needy. I must say it worked well, hehe. Although, there would have been no way I could have lifted it myself. Have a wonderful trip and contratulations.
Wendy
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Old 01-18-2010, 01:02 AM
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I've had to take my machine on the plane a couple of times. I went to Walmart and got a nice carry on duffle bag for $12.00. It fits in the overhead compartment. I put bubble wrap around my machine to pad it and I usually remove my needle and make sure my pressure foot is down. I don't know how big your machine is so this may not work for you. I use to haul around my old Brother VX-970 electronic machine, it weighs a ton, but I call it my testosterone machine because it just keeps going and going. Unfortunately I can no longer handle the weight so invested in a Janome Gem Platinum 760. Much easier and lighter to handle and the parts are interchangeable with the Brother.
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Old 01-18-2010, 09:48 AM
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Hi,

I tried, but the wings on the machine were non existent, so I never got off the ground!!!!
Next trip I tried a plane and it worked real well!

James

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