Hi everyone! I'd like to share my experience of flying with my handpan as checked luggage. I’d read lots of articles, many of which recommended carrying handpans as hand luggage. Unfortunately, the hard case I bought (Evatek Bunker Hardcase M) is quite large and heavy to the airline, and I had no choice but to check it in. Before heading to the airport, I took photos of the instrument and measured its tuning, just in case I'd need proof if anything got damaged. I flew an international route with EVA Air. At the airport, I first told the check-in staff that it was a handmade musical instrument. They put a FRAGILE tag on it, but it was pretty small, so I had also prepared some bigger, more eye-catching labels of my own. After that, I was asked to take it to the oversized baggage belt. That was basically it! Just in case, I also put an inspection guide inside the case for airport staff. I tried to keep it simple and clear, with big icons and as little text as possible, so it's easy to follow if they need to open it. Also, since the handpan takes up one of my checked baggage allowances, I stuffed my clothes into the space inside the handpan. For that, I made a separate, customised version of the inspection guide. Luckily, my handpan arrived completely undamaged, and there were no signs that the case had been opened. I’m not sure whether these labels and notes actually made a difference, but I think they’re better than nothing. I'm sharing these images for anyone who needs to check their handpan on a flight. Feel free to print them, use them, or edit the icons and instructions to fit your own situation. Wishing everyone safe and smooth flights!   submitted by   /u/zothian   to   r/handpan [link]   [comments]