A strategy to consider when flying with a fiddle:

A fiddle case is a bit longer than the normal dimensions allowed, but the fiddle itself isn't. So stuff a pillowcase or cloth bag in your pocket, so if you get someone who's really insistent on the rules, you can resort to carrying the fiddle in a bag and letting them check the case. It's not a perfect solution, because then you'll have to figure out how to keep it safe in the overhead without a case (maybe you can sweet talk them into giving you a pillow and blanket early), but my suspicion is that it's better than putting the fiddle in with cargo.

Marion