Not every airline will allow you to buy a seat for your cello. However, these are the four airlines that I recently traveled with, and I found them to be cello friendly
- Aer Lingus
- American Airlines
- British Airways
- Ryanair
BOOKING
When booking, the cello will need a window seat, and you cannot be in an emergency exit.
Also, at the time of this article, if travelling internationally, you will need to use your passport number when checking in for both your seat and the cello’s seat 24 hours before departure.
SPECIAL INTERNATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Speaking of international travel, I use my Mezzo-Forte cello and carbon fiber bows when travelling for many reasons but chief among them is that travelling with carbon fiber eliminates the need for a CITES certificate (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).
- Ivory
- Tortoiseshell
- Brazilian Rosewood
- Snakeskin (used as a bow wrapping)
Are all endangered and require a certificate if used on your instrument or bow.
Also, mother-of-pearl must be declared to U.S. customs but does not require a CITES.
SECURITY
In case you are wondering… standard cello cases have no problem going through security x-ray machines anywhere that I have travelled.That said, be prepared for your cello and case to be thoroughly searched, scanned, and all manner of probes applied.
So ALWAYS add extra time for travel. I add an extra hour when travelling with my cello.
BOARDING
No matter what boarding group you have been assigned to, make sure to notify the agent at the boarding gate that you have a cello, as they may want to let you board first.
Not that it takes much to flip the cello case upside and slide it into a seat, but it can be easier with fewer people trying to climb over each other.
As you are boarding the plane, make sure to tell the attendant greeting people that you have a ticketed seat for your cello and ask for an extender belt (seat belt extender) that you will need to secure your cello.
Remember that even if you have paid for your cello’s seat… You may be required at the last minute to check your cello due to plane or seat reassignments. 
Be patient.
Be kind.
Hope for the best.
And add extra padding to the inside of your cello case (just in case).
In Cellos We Trust – Matrick Thorpe
