The last several times I have flown, they have taken my carry on (not sewing machine) and put it in the cargo area. I had no choice. I agree that calling Southwest for consultation is a good idea. I would think that under the seat is better than in a overhead bin. I know that a lot of somewhat heavy things go up there, but I would hate to be bonked on the head by a sewing machine.

I think I would look into renting a machine at my destination. I don't think I would ever take my machine on a plane. I've flown on many small planes where all carry on luggage was put in cargo.

I flew Southwest last fall with my machine with no problem. I bought a bag that would fit under the seats from Ebags I believe was the place. I did not have to remove the needle. I did this on a total of 4 flights...not one problem.

Id just buy another one when you landed and save the hassle :) a great excuse to own another FW!

I've flown with my Pfaff 7570 several times on Southwest without any problems. I packed it in a carry-on roller bag with fabric packed around it. The TSA agents inspected it thoroughly and I had to repack it, but it wasn't a problem. I put it in the overhead area like any other carry-on bag. Flying Southwest, I highly recommend paying the extra dollars for the Early Bird Check-In. It pretty much guarantees that you will have overhead luggage space.

I have traveled several times with my machine .I have a Bernina 730 . My bag would not roll between the seats so it was a difficult task. The machine is almost to heavy for me to carry, but I managed anyway. I also travel Southwest.
I just had to put it as far under the seast as it would go. Good luck.

Thanks Everyone for the replies. It is a Janome DC2011 machine weighing 18 lbs. I have 5 sewing machines and my DIL wants to learn to sew so I am either bringing it to her when I visit in a couple weeks or shipping it. Since I have five I don't want to buy her one especially if she doesn't end up using it. I gave her one of my extras in 2005 and she gave it to a friend, but now she is requesting a sewing machine.

I put my machine in my rolling laptop bag. No problem!

I had to use my machine in a class I was attending at a conference once and decided to take it to the UPS Store and have them pack it and ship to the hotel. It was worth the cost knowing that it would arrive safely and I wouldn't have the hassle of trying to lift it over my head to store it in an overhead compartment. They packed it, included the return packing label, picked it up at the hotel, etc. Just a suggestion.

The good news is Southwest flies all the same planes. If you pay for an early boarding ( an extra $12.50) you will be assured to get a space in the over head bin. Be prepared to have to lay the machine on its back , I doubt it will fit upright( but it depends on your machine and the case).