taking a sewing machine on a plane
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: West Texas
Posts: 2,073
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.
#13
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.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Wichita Falls, TX
Posts: 640
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.
#16
Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 54
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.
I just had to put it as far under the seast as it would go. Good luck.
#17
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.
#19
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Spanish Fort, AL (on the AL Gulf Coast)
Posts: 236
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.
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,312
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).
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