As long as it would fit in the overhead I would think it should be allowed, but because of the needle it would be best to ask.

I would take it in the original box, if the dimension were within leal limits for carryons, because of all the padded protection the styrofoam adds.

What a question. I'm flying in 11 days but I won't have to worry about a machine as my Dnl has one I can use. Always before we've traveled in a motor home and I've taken mine with me. But my hubby would probably refuse to go if I even suggested taking it along this time. I'm sure glad she has one and I hope I get a chance to sew. I get bored if I can't be sewing. Well reading helps as a 2nd choice. But that might be a little rude where the sewing wouldn't be.
Yes I say along with some of the others Call the airline.

Taking a light-weight sewing machine on the plane shouldn't be a problem - DON'T put it in the overhead locker. You can ask the cabin crew to store it for you - that's what the girls who travel o/seas with their machines do.

Mary

I know what you mean about not being able to sew! We are going out of town next Friday, just for the weekend but I'm getting hand stitching ready to go! I just can't sit there and do nothing! I can sew and chatter away! lol

Betty

You have all been sooooo helpful! I am really starting to get excited about this trip! As soon as I find out what airline we are traveling on, I will be sure to give them a call to confirm. Thanks so much ladies! Happy sewing.
-Dawnijo

Please let us know what the AL tells you. I'm curious too.

Julie in NM

I cannot get a live person when I call United Airlines, so I sent an email to the TSA. I will let you know what they say.

-Dawnijo

I emailed TSA and they were no help at all. They told me that the TSA at each airport have the authority to decide what they will or will not allow past the secure area. Now what should I do? Our airport here is pretty small, so I might get our of here with the machine, but what if I cannot get back. This sounds too complicated.

Dawnijo

Gosh Dawnijo, it sounds like you might be better off not taking it. It would not be fun if you get there with it and can't get it back! Is there a way to call TSA at both airport locations? If not, maybe there are some things you are working on by hand that you can do while you are there.... applique, needlepoint, etc.

Dawnijo, are there any quilt shops where you are going? If so, give them a call and see if there is a class you could take, or a spare machine you could use, so you can get your fix.

Otherwise, I concur with Jess. Take some handwork, and maybe a couple of books or magazines.

Although, if the needle is out and in checked baggage,, and the machine is small enough to fit under the seat, they may let you take it. Or pick up a cheap one at a WalMart there. All the best!!

A couple of years before my hubby retired, he had to go to Vancouver to deal with a company customer (actually, we had planned to go there for a mini vacation and his boss said they would pay half the costs if he did this job there! Nice boss, huh??). I took applique work with me, and forgot one of the fabrics I needed, so we found a quilt shop and while he worked, I hand stitched, and slept - it was an evening/night job. You'll figure something out, I know you will

Gerda