<p>TheDad- </p>
<p>A couple of points: sometimes even the TSA letter does nothing to help, but it’s smart to carry a copy. There are numerous documented experiences where the TSA letter has been provided, and the airline agent refuses to acknowledge, accept, or follow the recommended guidelines.</p>
<p>Viola versus violin- you’re right in that many airline employees would not know the difference between the two. Novice traveling violists are reminded to call it a violin if questioned to avoid the potential of possibly being checked. Delta’s old policy specifically listed violin, and by omission many a viola has been consigned to checked baggage.</p>
<p>There can be a significant difference in sizes between a cased violin and viola. If you look at one of my earlier posts, I give the normal dimensions. In addition to being longer, the viola has wider upper and lower bouts which vary considerably due to the viola being a non-standard sized instrument. Thus, a viola case is not only longer, but wider and deeper than a violin’s.</p>
<p>My son’s 16.5 inch will fit in a case only slightly larger than a violin’s, yet the case is not one he’d trust for travel. His travel case significantly exceeds airline’s posted lineal aggregrate for carryons, yet it still fits comfortably in almost all commercial overhead compartments excepting some connecting puddlejumpers.</p>