Flying With Sewing Machine
#21
I don't like to see heavy items placed in the overhead compartment of the planes when I'm traveling. One trip to Germany was very rough & a few of the bins popped open, you can imagine if a sewing machine had fallen out on to your head instead of all those sweaters & hats, it could have been very dangerous. Do you NEED the machine or could you rent one at the other end?
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 432
i carry my FW on in special carrying bag i bought off internet. It is small enough to fit under the seats. I've never had to gate check it. I carried my Bernina on as well though it did have to go in the overhead and on a puddle jumper got gate checked. Just be sure it is well padded and the machine won't shift in the carrying case or something will get broken. I ended up with the area around the spool spindle cracked off when i took it in the original red carrying case with inadequate padding and it shifted and hit side of the case. have had the FW swiped for explosives etc. However i've also had my medium format camera swiped. Not every TSA agent knows what these antiques are for LOL
#23
Take the needle out and have it as a carry on. If it cannot fit in the overhead compartment give it to the flight attendant to store on board. I would not send it through with checked luggage. Mine was moved in the original packaging and not on an airplane and I ended up with the bent needle shaft. Good luck!
#25
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Owensboro, KY
Posts: 1,420
Good luck with this. Bonnie Hunter was flying this summer with a custom painted Featherweight, which they had always let her take on board with her. This time they insisted she leave the Featherweight and her laptop with her luggage. Both were destroyed. They had to pay for a new one, but that doesn't solve the aggravation of going through all the claims, etc.
#26
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: MD
Posts: 235
Dear Blackberry
I have traveled with my sewing machine and it came with me onto the flight... did not check it... the TSA agents checked it for bombs...and yes one of them did not know what it was...LOL!! Take out scissors and put them in your checked bag also any thing sharp like seam ripper etc...
It goes in the overhead no problem...
hugs
quiltinmama
I have traveled with my sewing machine and it came with me onto the flight... did not check it... the TSA agents checked it for bombs...and yes one of them did not know what it was...LOL!! Take out scissors and put them in your checked bag also any thing sharp like seam ripper etc...
It goes in the overhead no problem...
hugs
quiltinmama
#27
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 15,506
My sister is flying back to Racine Wisconsin and she is taking a 301A sewing machine with her. She will be flying on Southwest Airlines. Does anyone have any experience flying with a sewing machine. In other words, will the airlines let you put the sewing machine in the overhead compartments? Is there a problem with checking it thru the scanner? If you have to check it, is insurance available for purchase in case they damage it while loading it with other bags? Should it be marked with a fragile sign in case she has to check it? Would stuffing clothing in and around it protect it enough if it has to be checked. It will be traveling in a soft sided machine case? Lots of questions but we are looking for some help.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YGc4zOqozo
#28
Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Aberdeen, Scotland
Posts: 12
Flying with sewing machine
I have flown to and from Trinidad to the UK carrying my Pfaff 2170 (without embroidery unit) in an overhead locker sized wheelie bag. I must admit it was a tad heavy (11kgs) but I managed alone. The only problem I had was leaving Trinidad where they asked me to take out the needle I had left in the machine, however they didn't say anything about the pack of 5 I had in the accessory box! No real problems anywhere else, I had it well wrapped with bubble wrap in the hard case but did have to open it up to show the customs people on 2 occasions. I certainly wouldn't put it in the checked in baggage if you don't have the original packing box and I suspect that is the case here with an older machine, as they really don't take much care with stuff even if marked 'Fragile'. However I also carried the adjustable legs and an extra pole for my Little Gracie II frame from the UK to Oman but they had to go through checked and were fine but they were VERY well wrapped up. Hope that helps.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
KathieS
Links and Resources
11
08-10-2012 06:35 PM
cmw0829
Main
3
11-10-2011 02:34 PM
craftybear
Links and Resources
6
04-19-2011 05:27 PM