Advice about flying with sewing machine?
 

Hi! Do any of you lovely ladies have any advice for me about traveling with my sewing machine? I have decided to take the singer 301 with me when I go to Texas in March for a retreat. I do NOT want to check it. It fits in my carry on just fine.

Do you have trouble getting through security? Did you need extra time? Will I need to remove it from the bag? Should I loosen the covers so that I can easily open it up for them to see inside of the machine?

I plan to put the needles, scissors and rotary cutter in my checked bags (and pray!). I just don't want my baby banged around like that.

Btw, her name is Ida, after my husband's great aunt that I positively adored. Neither Ida has ever flown before!

Thanks for any and all advice - except to check her!

Mary

Be ready to open it up and get it out of the carrying case. It really should not be a problem.

The only other thing I have heard is that you should remove the needle from Ida. Have fun at the retreat.

One thing is call the airline and ask them if there are any special rules concerning your machine.

Will it fit under your seat? If you have to put it in the overhead, is it ok to put the machine on it's side?

I have traveled many times with my Featherweight. I put my sharp items in a ziplock, including my machine needles in my check thru. One time she got swiped for drugs (like I would put drugs my BABY!!!) and the next time, they didnt even open the bag! I did find a rolling backpack that she fits in. I got tired of schlepping her. She is not heavy, but after lugging her all over the airport, she GOT heavy! I did precut my project, put it in a ziplock and used it as padding around her in the backpack. My husband golfed and I sewed. Happy campers!

I'd contact the TSA. The airlines are not experts at what the TSA will allow.

My first thought was ---- does it have a computer in it? My small Janome that I want to travel with does........would the Xray machine they use cause problems?????? Might talk to the manufacturer!

There are no computerized parts in a Singer 301, so that shouldn't be a problem. My question would be whether you can lift it into, and out of, the overhead without injuring yourself or anyone who may be sitting under the bin.

Besure your lugage fits the weight and other measurement requirements.