Do you need to catch a flight with your keyboard and ensure it arrives safely?

If you’re a travelling musician and are worried about keeping your keyboard in top condition while flying here, there and everywhere, you need to read our handy how-to guide on the best ways to protect your keyboard from airline mishandling.

From selecting the most suitable keyboard flight case to packing your keyboard, we explore everything you need to know about keeping your instrument safe when on the go.

Choosing the right keyboard flight case

It needs to protect your keyboard

Aside from being stylish and sleek, keyboard flight cases must deliver optimum performance to protect your instrument against impacts and various other destructive elements during transit.

Hard plastic cases moulded from strong HDPE or polypropylene mitigate impacts and shocks and don’t feature potential weak points such as seams or corners like traditional aluminium models.

Some keyboard flight cases have features such as O-ring seals, which tightly secure the case against dust and water infiltration. Other high-specification containers, such as Peli™ cases, feature an air-pressure regulation valve to keep your keyboard safe from pressure fluctuations during the flight.

It must offer an excellent strength-to-weight ratio

Not only does your keyboard travel case need to boast exceptional strength and resilience, but it must also be lightweight.

In addition to making handling easier throughout your journey, it will prevent you from exceeding airline weight restrictions and having to pay additional costs.

Most flight cases, especially those made from plastic, offer an impressive strength-to-weight ratio, so you needn’t worry about surprise fees at the check-in desk.

It needs to be the correct size for your keyboard

Your case needs to accommodate your keyboard’s dimensions. When ordering a standard or bespoke keyboard flight case, be sure to consider the length, width, and depth of your instrument.

It has to be secure

As you know, keyboards aren’t cheap, making them attractive to chancers and thieves. So, to deter anyone from stealing your keyboard flight case, ensure it features security hasps for padlocks, like Thermodyne models.

Branding that makes cases instantly distinguishable could also be used to discourage thieves.

Packing your keyboard safely

We recommend ordering a custom foam insert that slots into your case. These bespoke interiors provide a snug fit to hold your instrument and prevent it from shifting while moving from A to B.

This will prevent scratches, keyboard cap breakage, and loosening. Lid foam can also keep the keys safe from dust, meaning your instrument will arrive in pristine condition after every flight.

What’s more, the foam also acts as a buffer that reduces the strength of vibrations felt throughout transportation, helping to protect your keyboard’s delicate internal components from displacement.

Carry-on vs hold storage

Deciding between carrying on with your keyboard flight case and checking it is down to personal preference.

If you check it, you don’t have to carry the case around the airport, but you can expect it to take a beating through baggage handling. However, if you’ve invested in a top-grade protective keyboard case, you should have nothing to worry about.

But, some prefer to keep their instrument with them and choose to carry on. This is typically allowed across most airlines, but for peace of mind, check your chosen airline’s luggage policy before travelling.

Order a durable keyboard flight case today

Protect your expensive musical equipment in the best way with a strong and reliable keyboard flight case from Hofbauer.

We’re protective case specialists who are driven to help customers find their ideal storage solutions.

To enquire about a bespoke keyboard flight case or to order a custom foam insert to go with it, please call us on 0145 230 9782 or email us at cases@hofbauer.co.uk.