I've taken my machines on the plane but they are small ones, Janome 720 and 760 and a Brother 2125i (not all at the same time!). I found a really nice back pack that also had straps that made it a carrier at Walmart. It fits perfect in the above compartment, I wrap bubble wrap with the big bubbles around my machine to protect it (a lot lighter than fabric), needle and foot down, never had a problem.