What about TSA airport security checks with my instrument?

All instrument cases will be opened and x-rayed at the airport.  This is usually done out of your sight so a few precautions are advisable:

1) Do not lock the case.  If they cannot open the lock, they will break it.  If you must lock it, use only a TSA approved lock.

2) If the instrument needs to go in the case a specific way – take a photo and print it on an large piece of paper with the words INSTRUMENT PACKING and leave it in the case so that the TSA Agent can see it.

3) Percussionists- make sure you have a drum key with you. – one year we had to disassemble a drumset bass drum so that security could see inside the drum!

 

Mark as helpful. 1

Posted in: Traveling with Instruments