Flying with an accordion?!

Subject: Flying with an accordion?!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 11:13 AM

My newish true love has enabled my latest obsession and bought me a 72-bass Guerrini piano accordion! It's the new love of my life, and I'm having so much fun with it.
We're flying to Florida at the end of the week to visit his friends, and he's urging me to bring the box along. But I can't tell from the Delta web page whether it will work as carryon. I will NOT check it as luggage, and can't afford a separate seat (and the plane is full now, anyway).

What should I do???

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: Ross Campbell
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 11:37 AM

Musical instruments, sports kit etc are sometimes treated as separate from your normal carry-on allowance, ie you can take them into the cabin as well. Whether you're allowed to might depend on the size of the overhead lockers on the particular plane you're travelling in. I've managed a guitar on one trip, and two concertinas on another, but an accordion might just be too bulky to fit. You'd have to contact Delta to find out what their limitations are. Good luck!

Ross

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: CarolC
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 11:45 AM

I'm sorry that I don't have any advice for you, but I just want to say, as someone who has also been given a 72 bass Guerrini piano accordion, congratulations! I know exactly how much fun you're having. :-)

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 12:13 PM

Thanks, Carol! Any advice?

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 12:19 PM

The size is the critical issue. If it can fit into the overhead compartment, or under the seat in front of you, there is no problem. Otherwise you are faced with a number of less attractive alternatives:

Having it loaded as "checked luggage"

Paying exrta for its "seat"

Whether such an accordian will fit into your plane's overhead storeage compartment or under the seat in front of you again varies by plane. Perhaps a visit to the airport will answer that question, or not!

Assume nothing!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: Rockhen
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 02:25 PM

I will look after the accordion while you fly ... :-) I love my little budget 48 bass but I could happily make room for your baby, too! Hope you find a way to take it.

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: CarolC
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 02:38 PM

I don't have any advice for flying with a box, because I have never attempted to fly with an accordion myself. Here's a thread where it it discussed...

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=37968


There are several Mudcatters who fly with their accordions a lot but most don't seem to be here that often (Sam Pirt, Skipjack, Bill Sables, being a few of them). Maybe a PM to some of them would help. Good luck!

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 04:21 PM

In the "good ol' days" you could carry it on. There was a special storage space between the walls of the bulkhead for cellos, guitars, garmet bags, tennis rackets anything fragil. Today, pack with foam and check it. A few years ago the Reverend Robert Schuller (of the 'Crystal Cathedral') was accused of assaulting a male airline attendant over handling of a carry on garment bag.

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: Megan L
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 04:35 PM

Ok ah ken tiredness is no excuse but wid ye no be better flyin wie an aeroplane?

Heads oot the door sharpish like.

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: MaineDog
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 05:30 PM

Wow! Sounds like you' having a good time. You might want to talk to Syllvia Miskoe about flying with an accordion, I know she has done that lots.
Even in a "pressurized" cabin the pressure rapidly goes down from sea level to 8000' level pretty quickly, and then up again when you land. I would be concerned whether this would hurt the bellows, unless there is some saftey valve you can open.
I personally would not fly on any airplane where there was known to be any accordion present, it would surely attract terrorists--
MD

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 05:48 PM

Arlo Guthrie evidently had these kind of problems too:

Coming into Los Angeles
Bringing in a couple of keys
Don't touch my bags if you please
Mister Customs man...

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 06:36 PM

Thanks Megan - you beat me to it!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: GUEST,Marcus aboard the good ship GAZELA
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 07:30 PM

Last fall I did a trip up to Canada with a concertina as carry-on. The Guys at Airport security were freaked out with what they saw in the luggage scanner. All those buttons and wired and complicated machinery. I was pulled aside and told to open the case.

"Aye, sir" says me. So I open it and pull out my new, custom-built Morse 30 button Anglo concertina.

"Turn it on", says the TSA man. Not bothering to explain that it wasn't electrical, I slipped my hands into the snug leather straps, drew a bellows full of air and belted out a fine(and very loud) rentition of "Sailor's hornpipe". Half way through the second chorus, the red-faced TSA guy recovered from the shock and asked me put the damned contraption away...and he weren't too polite about it niether. Everyone in the long line was smiling approvingly.

Almost exactly the same thing happened on the way back from Canada, except that time sweetly squeezed out "Farewell to Nova Scotia" in honor of our gracious hosts.

Next time, I'll just play the damned thing while I'm in line.

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: Ross Campbell
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 08:21 PM

Yes, I forgot to mention the alarm and despondency this kind of instrument can cause behind the x-ray screens. Even before things got to this state, a concertina could attract attention. Travelling from Saskatoon to Milwaukee abot 1990, I went through US Customs in Winnipeg. While passing through other peoples skis, surfboards, golf-bags without a murmur, the Customs lady was fascinated by the concertina and insisted on hearing a couple of tunes. By the time I got everything packed up again, my name was being paged over the Tannoy, and I had to run to get to the gate in time!

Ross

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 09:08 PM

Marcus-

I've had an indentical experience to yours, including the Morse concertina. However, mine was in the keys of F and C.

I do now provide advance warning to the security screeners that what they see on their screen is a musical instrument. They generally appreciate the warning.

Give my regards to the old Gazela!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 09:30 PM

As an Accordion player, I can personaly tell you that it is just easier to flap my arms...

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: Nick E
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 09:42 PM

Go to the UPS Store, pack it up like a bastard, insure it for 3x what it's worth, send it overnight, it will get there 3 days before you do.
Just a thought.
Nick

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: open mike
Date: 18 Feb 08 - 10:04 PM

I have a similar problem with my nyckelharpa...it does NOT fit in the overhead bin. I have had a special case (one that was meant for a key board) to hold the wooden case. This is the only way i would transport it by plane..(by the way Arlo was taking a different type of KEYS)
The companies tha tmake cases for air line travel are:
flight case http://www.flightform.com/
Calton http://www.caltoncases.ab.ca/

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: MG John
Date: 19 Feb 08 - 08:22 AM

I bought a 96 button Chevallier in France, whilst on a brief 'cheap flight holiday' and it suffered some minor damage which has been successfully repaired professionally.
One of the feet of the carrying case had been pushed through the fabric into the edge of the keyboard. My advice would be to put extra packing in the case if you really have to tansport it in the cargo hold, as the Fragile notices seem to have been ignored!
John

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 19 Feb 08 - 08:43 AM

I have to say how disciplined most people have been with this very easy target!

But how will you answer that question about overthrowing the state?

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: SqueezeMe
Date: 19 Feb 08 - 09:18 AM

So tempted, Les; so very tempted! :-)

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: Pete_Standing
Date: 19 Feb 08 - 09:22 AM

Is it worthwhile checking out the web pages of John Kirkpatrick, Karen Tweed (or similar) and seeing if there is a contacts page? An email to them might solve your problems.

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 19 Feb 08 - 09:26 AM

And still the nerve and discipline hold,

Squeeze, steady, steady!

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: SqueezeMe
Date: 19 Feb 08 - 09:35 AM

MaineDog, I can't see any reason why anything should happen to the bellows whether traveling pressurised or otherwise. Maybe just wishful thinking on your part??? Naughty thoughts!

I would recommend that you ensure that the bellows straps are secure, but I'd be far more concerned about cargo handlers and controlled explosions than about the bellows bursting.

There is some evidence that extreme pressure changes could cause fractures to the wax holding the reed plates in place, but as some one who has regularly shipped and received accordions by air freight, I have never experienced this phenomenon.

MC

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 19 Feb 08 - 09:36 AM

Oh, Les, give in to it! Let 'er rip!

Meanwhile, thanks to all. I'm off to phone Delta! I'll keep you posted!

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 19 Feb 08 - 09:45 AM

I understand that crossing international borders with an accordion is ............. no, no it's far too easy.

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: SqueezeMe
Date: 19 Feb 08 - 09:53 AM

Tisk, tisk...

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: Snoozer
Date: 19 Feb 08 - 10:25 AM

I have a friend who has an accordion (don't know makes and models and such, but it was a regular sized piano accordion). For one flight he removed the accordion from it's case and packed the case with his clothes and such and had that checked in. He wrapped the accordion in bubble wrap, keeping the straps free, and carried it like a back pack as his carry-on. He had no problems fitting it into the overhead compartments that way. Although he did have to make sure no one tried to but their carry-ons on top of it.
I can't recall what he did with his clothes and stuff once he reached his destination and put the accordion back in it's case.

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: CarolC
Date: 19 Feb 08 - 01:19 PM

Two of my accordions have backpack-type cases. The accordions with the cases wouldn't take up very much more room than they would without the case, so if an accordion with bubble wrap around it would fit in the overhead compartment, I can't see any reason why an accordion in a backpack-type case wouldn't fit as well.


But how will you answer that question about overthrowing the state?

Accordion Revolution

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: The Mole Catcher's Apprentice (inactive)
Date: 19 Feb 08 - 01:26 PM

yes but is an piano accordian considered a WMD...oh dear that was too easy *LOL*

Charlotte (bad girl)

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: CarolC
Date: 19 Feb 08 - 01:49 PM

yes but is an piano accordian considered a WMD

Yes, a piano accordion is considered a Wonderful Musical Device.

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 19 Feb 08 - 02:15 PM

OOOOps thought it was fileing an accordion and we got a skip:)
Rockhen
Its a joke!
I love accordion music stuff

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 19 Feb 08 - 07:09 PM

as the Fragile notices seem to have been ignored!

They aren't ignored. They are seen as a challenge.

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 19 Feb 08 - 10:50 PM

"pressure changes could cause fractures to the wax holding the reed plates in place"

Actually, more like temperature changes - as not all cargo holds are heated to 'normal human comfort levels'.

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 20 Feb 08 - 04:02 AM

I understand that the phrase WMD originated after a dinnertime session at Sidmouth, at which a disproportionate number of accordions brought on tinitus, stripped paint and scared herring gulls. Passing soldiers from camps on Salisbury Plain were seen taking notes.

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 20 Feb 08 - 09:43 AM

Delta gave me dimensions: not to exceed 45". My gig backpack comes to 44 1/2"- so I guess I'm good!

Wish me luck!

BTW, where can the best accordion bumper stickers be found?

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 20 Feb 08 - 09:52 AM

Accordion Bumper Stickers - not a good idea, they don't respond well to bumping, mate!

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 20 Feb 08 - 01:12 PM

Bumper stickers or anti bumper stickers?

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 20 Feb 08 - 01:21 PM

I can't decide between this one
or this one!

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: CarolC
Date: 20 Feb 08 - 06:28 PM

I have that second one (someplace... not sure where). It's one of my favorites.

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 20 Feb 08 - 06:29 PM

Les - ah, now, you've reminded me of a story I heard about Sidmouth when someone dropped an accordion onto a bed by a window in the Wyndham and the accordian bounced off the bed and out the window onto the Esplanade....

Kitty

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 21 Feb 08 - 04:16 AM

Perhaps this was the first record of an accordion trying to escape from folk music into some other genre?

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 21 Feb 08 - 09:47 AM

British Airways introduced a new game for travellers yesterday: travel long haul with only hand baggage!

RtS

Subject: RE: Flying with an accordion?!
From: The Vulgar Boatman
Date: 21 Feb 08 - 05:35 PM

Carol, I take it that the correct answer to the question is not "sole purpose of visit" then.