ManiacQuilter has the only real concern (BTW: I love that name!) - dimensions. I worked in the electronics industry, and I have carried all kinds of very odd pieces of equipment through security as carryon items. There have been times when I've been asked what the equipment was, and I certainly have had to take it out of packaging a few times, but I've never been turned away or had the equipment confiscated. You do have to be really careful about the dimensions though. I generally have to fly a small plane (25-50 passengers) to a larger hub airport. The amount of space on those little planes is astonishingly small! I would think a Featherweight would fit under the seat even on those planes though. Even on big planes the airlines are beginning to enforce their long-existing rules for carry on sizes (thank goodness - this is a pet peeve of mine!).

Pam

I bought an inexpensive backpack that can convert to a carry on bag and stick my Janome 720 in that for travel. I wrap it in a large piece of bubble plastic (I have dropped it and nothing was damaged). It's small enough to stick in the overhead compartment. Never had a problem.

[QUOTE=MaryAnnMc;4709252]I have to travel to NYS next week to babysit for two weeks while my BIL has heart surgery in Ohio. This is going to put a crimp in my gift making plans, so I'm thinking of taking my FW in my carryon. Has anyone ever taken a machine on a plane? Will the airline give me any hassle, or TSA?? Mat & rotary cutter will go in my checked bag, along with needles (and you can be sure, there will be prayers said for that suitcase's safe and timely arrival!).

I would call the airlines & chk w/them first to see what their procedure is. A friend of mine will traveling & wants to do hand work & her airlines told her that the scissors has to be a certain size. Good luck, have fun & safe travels :)

Have Featherweight will travel! Have a great trip.

I took my Mom's FW on plane many years ago, but since 9-11 I traveled with my serger. That was a hoot! No one knew what it was! I took the needles out, but was told I could have left them in, and I did for the return trip. I had packed in into a carry on satchel and other than having to re-pack all the thread cones around it when they were through with the inspection, it was ok. The biggest problem was that fact that it wouldn't fit in the overhead. The flight attendants put it in their cubby for me. Linda

I
did the same thing and had no problems. I did purchase a carry on that had metal reinforcement bars, simply to protect my machine a bit more. They opened the bag, laughed, swabbed and sent me on my way. Had a great time sewing with my East Coast cousin!

My stepdaughter took a Singer 301, which is a full size machine, on a plane. She said security didn't giver her any trouble at all. We packed it in a rolling carry on bag, padded carefully with clothing. The machine made it home with her in perfect condition. I imagine a featherweight would also travel easily, but again, I recommend padding carefully.