Travel in tempo: a guide to travelling safely with musical instruments
As seasoned musicians will know, travel rarely means packing light. From touring professionals crossing continents to enthusiastic hobbyists squeezing a violin case into an overhead locker for a summer course, instruments are more than just luggage. They’re our livelihoods, our tools of expression and often our most treasured possessions.
With the summer festival season fast approaching, careful planning can make all the difference between a smooth journey and a stressful one. From instruments damaged in transit to those delayed or misplaced at the airport, travelling with your kit carries its own risks – but with the right preparation, your focus can remain firmly on the music.
Specialist insurance providers such as The Insurance Emporium offer tailored policies designed specifically around the needs of musicians. Here, we explore the means of travelling safely and confidently with your instruments and equipment and how you can secure cover before the unexpected happens.
Know your airline – and your rights
Take to the skies with ease by checking airline policies around musical instruments in advance, as they can vary significantly.
While many carriers accommodate smaller instruments like violins in the overhead cabins, larger instruments, such as cellos and tubas – or tech pieces like amps – will require extra seat bookings if you want them onboard with you. Budget airlines in particular can have stricter rules, making reading the fine print extra crucial.
It’s also worth contacting the airline ahead of departure and securing written confirmation that your instrument will be accepted on board – a small step that can save time and uncertainty at the gate. Bringing documentation such as proof of value and ownership can further smooth conversations with airline staff, particularly when travelling with high-value instruments.
Packing for protection
A high-quality case is your first line of defence for protecting your kit. Even if your instrument is travelling in the cabin with you, turbulence and cramped spaces can pose risks, so it’s well-worth investing in a flight case that’s specifically designed for air travel. Aim to choose one that features a reinforced shell, humidity control and shock absorption*.
Woodwind instruments are particularly sensitive to sudden shifts in climate, sometimes leading to cracks or warping. Using humidity control systems inside your case and allowing your instrument to acclimatise on arrival can help mitigate these issues.
When instruments aren’t able to join you onboard for whatever reason, make sure to remove any loose accessories, loosen strings a tone or two and clearly label each case with your contact details. Adding a ‘Fragile’ sticker may not guarantee careful handling, but it doesn’t hurt to include one.
Preparing for the unexpected
Even with meticulous planning, travel rarely moves in perfect time. Delays and missed connections can all disrupt your plans, and your instrument isn’t immune to damage or theft along the way.
This is where specialist cover can help. Policies designed for musicians, such as those offered by The Insurance Emporium, reflect the realities of travelling with instruments, providing cover should these risks occur.
With replacement hire and cover for items like sheet music and CD or record collections, plus worldwide cover on theft, loss or accidental damage for up to 100 days per year, there are policies that recognise the full scope of a musician’s working life.
Ultimately, travelling with an instrument is about balancing practicality with care. By understanding the risks, preparing thoroughly and putting the right safeguards in place, you can ensure that your instrument arrives safely – ready to perform, wherever in the world your music takes you.
Cover that doesn’t miss a beat
From first instrument to full professional set-up, The Insurance Emporium offers specialist cover tailored to musicians. Policies are designed to reflect how instruments are used, stored and transported, giving players confidence that their equipment is supported throughout their musical journey.
Find out more about the cover available at theinsuranceemporium.co.uk/products/music
Terms & Conditions
Lifestyle Policy Limited is an appointed representative of The Equine and Livestock Insurance Company Limited. The Insurance Emporium is a trading name of The Equine and Livestock Insurance Company Limited (registered in England and Wales no: 294940) which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority no:202748.
The Insurance Emporium offers a variety of cover levels, so please check the policy cover suits your needs before purchasing. Excesses may apply. For your protection, please ensure you read the Insurance Product Information Document (IPID) and policy wording, for information on policy exclusions and limitations.
*Damage related to shock absorption is not covered under The Insurance Emporium insurance policies.
