Controllers. Are they allowed as carry on?
I’m going to buy a new controller and will be investing in a case. My question is are they allowed to be a carry on? What are your experience with flying your gear? Hope you guys can help
It depends on the size really, a Kontrol S4, S5, DDJ-SR or Numark NV were pretty much the largest you could take with you until the new regulations were adjusted inside a padded bag rather than a proper flight case
Easiest way to confirm this is cross checking the case dimensions with a few airline carry on dimension/weight regulations but I do believe the S4 was ruled out due to being roughly 2cm over the current limit.
I was looking at DDJ SR2. I am attending school in another country outside the US. I was hoping I can carry it on whenever I Seems like I’ll have to check it in and it’ll count towards the weight limit/ items limit every time.
Dimensions are certainly the only things likely to impact that, though… I’ve flown international with my controllers in my carry-on baggage. You will probably be asked to pull it out of the baggage in security, even though it doesn’t really fit the criteria since it is neither a laptop nor a tablet, but that’s no biggie. In Frankfurt, I did end up getting pulled aside so that they could give one controller extra scrutiny, but I was still allowed to travel.
I’ve never had an issue carrying on DJ equipment. BUT, I have been selected for additional screening whenever I have a bag full of electronics and wires…go figure.
For years I used the NI S2 as my main controller. This fit into a standard 17" laptop bag and was as easy to fly with as a laptop. I have traveled with a full size four channel mixer - Denon X1600. It was a pain, but fit in an overhead bin inside a normal spinner carry on bag, with padding.
I have come to STRONGLY prefer the modular approach when traveling. A&H K2 mixer, NI X1 transport controls, MidiFighter FX controls, etc. These smaller units pack easily, and allow for a VERY flexible footprint when setting up in “new to you” booths. There is additional complication of needing a powered USB hub, and more cables. IME, it is a tradeoff worth taking.
Youll be fine. Only kiciker is be prepared to remove them at tsa screen. As always, refer to your airlines size limits.