bringing my Yamaha keyboard onto the airplane?

Question

I have a 61-key Yamaha keyboard. I'm not sure if I can fly with it on either domestic or international flights. Does anyone know if the airline will let me fit it in the overhead compartment? I've traveled with my guitar before which fitted in the compartment just fine, but I don't know about the keyboard.

I am moving to Japan in a few months and would really like to bring my keyboard with me onto the aircraft. GEnuine answers will be appreciated.

Answer 1

Your best bet would be to call the airline you'll be traveling on. They may allow you to put it in the overhead if it fits, or they may require you to purchase a seat for it (many airlines do this with passengers who are traveling with large musical insturments.

I've never traveled internationally, however, every domestic flight I've been on has had overhead bins that aren't long enough to accomodate a keyboard.

Is shipping the keyboard to yourself an option? FedEx and UPS ship internationally and offer insurance on packages. It may be less expensive then buying an extra seat. If you wrap the keyboard in bubble wrap and pack it in peanuts it should be very protected and arrive safely. I know the UPS store makes custom boxes from boxes they have in stock, so you wouldn't have to try to find one, just take it in and they can do all the packaging and shipping for you.