Flying with instruments

Subject: Flying with instruments
From: Celtic Soul
Date: 14 Apr 02 - 11:10 AM

Likely this one has had at least a few go-rounds, so I apologize if this is redundant...

However, I will be flying to St. Louis for a gig on Memorial day, and I will probably have at least one bodhran in tow. Does anyone have any suggestions/recomendations/stories they can offer up that might be useful for flying with an instrment?

Would you check an instrument at all? I have seen what my luggage looks like after they're handlers get done with it, and I'm frankly a little afraid. But, conversely, how do you get away with carrying on something that is bigger than the allowable limit?

TIA!! :D

Subject: RE: Flying with instruments
From: Wincing Devil
Date: 14 Apr 02 - 11:26 AM

At this point I'd usually make a smart-aleck remark about it's easier to fly with airlines than with instruments, but you'd kill me.

As buying a second ticket is out of the question (Andrés Segovia was said to do this for his guitar), have you considered shipping it? (UPS/FEDEX)?

Subject: RE: Flying with instruments
From: X
Date: 14 Apr 02 - 12:21 PM

Ah, at last. I'm a banjo player, butt of many jokes. At last.

If you just ckeck it in maybe the baggage handlers will do us all a favor and lose it.

Subject: RE: Flying with instruments
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 14 Apr 02 - 12:36 PM

Dear Celtic Soul,

You are right about previous threads, but we have an answer. Go to the top of the page which lists all the current threads. You will find a box labelled "Filter". Type in the word flying. Then go to the box labelled "age". Open it and click on "One Year". Now, click on "Refresh". Wait a few minutes and you will get a list of all threads with the word "flying" in the title for the past year. Within those threads lies irreplacable and unrepeatable advice in reply to your question.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Flying with instruments
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 14 Apr 02 - 12:43 PM

Celtic Soul,

You might also want to check out the concurrent thread "Good flight cases for instruments".

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Flying with instruments
From: Celtic Soul
Date: 14 Apr 02 - 06:40 PM

Hey all!

Wincing Devil...I'll deal with you at faire this year, m'friend! ;D

Banjoest...:::LOL!!!::: I can surely appreciate the feeling of finally being on the other end of jokes like those! Congrats, you got me! But you're time will come again, and I hope I'm there when it does! ;D

And Roger...Thanks so much. I am a little lost here at times. Those were just the instructions I needed. A beer on me if we're ever at the same event!

Thanks again, one and all!!!! :D

Subject: RE: Flying with instruments
From: 53
Date: 14 Apr 02 - 10:59 PM

I think that I'd rather take a train or a bus. Flying just isn't a good way to travel anymore cause of all the hassles, and you still can't be sure, I know that you can't be sure about the other ways too, but at least it seems a little bit more safe. Bob

Subject: RE: Flying with instruments
From: Celtic Soul
Date: 15 Apr 02 - 10:27 PM

Bob, I'd love to train it out, but I just don't have the time. I gotta leave Friday night, and be there for Saturday morning fresh, perky and ready to be on. Then, it's fly again home to be present and alive for work the following Tuesday after a 3 day weekend.

Only way I personally can manage that is if the commute is no more than a couple of hours.

Thanks though! :D