<p>We have traveled both with instruments and with paintings rolled up in tubes. I highly recommend the “everything on your back” approach. Flight attendants just don’t examine backpacks. My artist daughter has traveled a number of times with her paintings–worth $10,000 and more–rolled up in tubes and on her back, along with about 70 pounds of stuff in a backpack. </p>
<p>My S has mastered the art of carrying like 70 pounds of stuff in his backpack and then slinging his clarinet double case (which is almost larger than your regular carry-on) next to his side in a way that it is basically out of view of the flight attendant as he checks in. (Winter helps when he’s wearing a coat, too.) Plus the ‘pleasant’ approach mentioned above. So far, four years of no problems bringing it all on the plane…knock on wood. </p>
<p>My S flies almost exclusively on Delta and has never had a problem. (Except that they did lose a checked bag a few years ago but that can happen on any airline). He has learned by experience most of what has been posted above; (what’s a viola? 
) always be friendly with a smile, always say the instrument is a violin, wear it on his shoulder on the opposite side of the gate agent, always be prepared to refuse to check instrument and get off the plane (with printed version of rules in his case), and be in the front of the boarding line for his zone. He has a Delta credit card which allows him zone 1 boarding which pretty much guarantees a spot. </p>
<p>If flying on other airlines, buying a preferred seat is the best investment to guarantee earlier boarding. (Once on Jet Blue we had a situation where they had a free for all boarding situation and when I wrote them a letter they credited my money for the upgraded seat).</p>
<p>The flight attendants often find a space in the coat closet. The palming of the gate check tag has been a trick we have used on the regional jets for many years, we know which bags will fit in those tiny CRJ overheads. </p>
<p>Always allow ample time between connections, it may be a longer travel day but it takes the stress out of worrying about missing your connection.</p>
<p>When flying with carry on’s only, the laptop is the big issue. I recommend carrying a small tote bag in your carry on in case you are forced to gate check your bag, you can transfer necessities and valuables to the tote and reluctantly put the carry on in the hold.</p>
<p>Going on 6 years of commuting from Rochester to Florida and I see many more in the future. </p>