Flying with Sewing Machine
 

I'll be taking one of my machines with me on a trip to Arkansas. Having never traveled with my machine, what do I need to pack in my suitcase and what can I leave on the machine. Sorry I'm flying from Colorado to Arkansas. Just want to make sure everything is ok as I go thru the security lines.

Thanks,
Jennifer
NE CO

I will be curious to learn as well. Great question.

I would "think" maybe just taking the needle out? Will you be doing it as a carry on? I would be worried about checking it..they throw those suitcases around pretty good. I can't think of anything else that might be considered dangerous but you should be able to go on the site of the air line you will be flying and check the requirements. Of course, scissors, rotary cutters and things like that are probably not allowed except in checked baggage.

I travel a lot with my sewing machine. I do take the needle out, and I make sure the presser foot is down. I include the cord and foot pedal and manual in the bag with the machine, and other miscellaneous supplies that won't make it too heavy. I pack my sewing aids in my suitcase.

I wonder if it would be easier if you packed it, and shipped.

I also travel alot with my sewing machine. I take the needle out and keep the cord and footpedal with the machine. Scissors, etc travel in my checked bag.

Where are you going in Arkansas? We do have machines here. Maybe you could borrow one?

If I were to fly with one of my machines, I would make darn sure it fit into the carry on bag. In fact, I use a carry on type bag for my FW all the time, anyway. Check my clothes, if need be; they can be replaced a lot easier than my precious machine.

Depending on your circumstances you might want to consider leaving or getting a basic mechanical machine to leave at your destination. I have one at each of my sons' houses and they are fine for most things I want to do there. Of course if you are not staying at a place you are going back to this wouldn't work.

i travel with machines, as carry on. I put the needle down and the presser foot down with cloth under it, all accessories travel with machine, scissors travel in check on baggage. Be ready for the airlines to want to put it under the plane at the gate if you end up on a small plane. My Bernina 830, in its' original red case, did get banged around at that point, so i recommend using some packing material that keeps it snug and protects it from hitting the side of the carrying case. My Featherweight has a padded carrying case and fits under the seat in front of me. Makes sure you have a seat in front of you so you don't need to put it overhead. I brought my Pfaff Quilt 4 home from Germany as checked baggage in its' original packing box. Got here with no problems though they had opened it to inspect it and some of the feet were loose in the packing box since they didn't put the lid back on correctly. I have also bought used machines from local sewing machine shops when i was somewhere that the Pfaff/ or Bernina couldn't go before i got the FW. then i shipped it home and gave it to my daughter.

Thanks Everyone for the suggestions. This morning I tried putting my machine inside a carrying case and then into my smaller suitecase. There is no wiggle room at all so hubby wants me to ship it as checked baggage so I don't have any problems. I'm going to pad it some more with purse material and interfacing that I have cut out to take with me. He also doesn't want me to get tired carrying it through Denver International.

To answer the question, where I'm going. I'm going to be in the Fayetteville/Rogers area in Arkansas. I tried to find a shop that would rent me one but didn't have any luck with that.

Thanks again. Have a wonderful Sunday everyone!

Jennifer
NE CO

Put as much padding as possible around the machine, do not leave wiggle room. My machine was smashed and the United Airlines would not pay for the damage. Said it was not packed properly. I had it as a carry on and one of the planes made me put it below, that's when the damage was done.

I just recently travelled with my featherweight from Florida to New York. I kept nothing sharp in the FW case. Needles and such went into my checked baggage. I did carry my FW on-board with me. Going through security, I was 'targeted' and pulled aside. I explained to the very nice officer exactly what I was carrying and he regaled me with stories from his childhood of his mother's Featherweight!! He was appreciative of my FW's great condition and let me continue on my way! Safe travels!!

I only carry my FW, I take the needle out and put it in it's case, then inside the quilted case I made for it. I put it under the seat in front of me. I get pulled aside to be "frisked" anyway because I had both knees replaced. They usually just want to look in the case, but I've never had any trouble with it.

I carry on a small Janome frequently. Almost always have to step aside and screeners swab the machine for explosives. No big deal really, just have it in a bag or case that is easily accessible. Have fun!