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Anyone flown with an instrument lately?
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Subject: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: NicoleC Date: 20 Dec 01 - 04:07 PM I wonder if anyone has flown with an instrument recently, and how did it go? I called the airline the rep said there wouldn't be any problems taking it as carry-on luggage, but the airline folks are the ones running the security checkpoint. And last week at LAX they confiscated my bottle of water at the checkpoint for "security reasons," so I'm not sure WHAT the rules are supposed to be :) |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: weepiper Date: 20 Dec 01 - 04:16 PM Me and my chap flew to Paris last week, we both got our instruments (fiddle and pipes) on as carry-ons with no problems. However I had 2 sets of bellows-blown pipes with me but not quite enough space in my pipe case, so I put one bellows in the rucksack that was going in the hold. On the return flight, we got called through by a serious-looking Gendarme and made to unpack the bag, to much hilarity all round when we worked out it was the bellows that was the problem - it had shown up on the x-ray at a bad angle and they thought there was a handgun in the rucksack! |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: gnu Date: 20 Dec 01 - 04:23 PM One of my cousins flew home (New Brunswick) from Seattle a couple of days ago and there was a bit of a kufuffle over his fiddle case containing a white powdery substance, but his blues eyes, blonde hair and Canuck passport got him through without much hassle. He offered to play a few tunes, as a joke, but there weren't many smiles at his gesture. |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: GUEST Date: 20 Dec 01 - 04:24 PM there are lots of threads about this - the subject has pretty much been covered Stick 'fly' in the box, set for two years, and you'll get it all |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: GUEST Date: 20 Dec 01 - 04:25 PM As a head start, try this thread |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: Steve in Idaho Date: 20 Dec 01 - 04:36 PM It is of interest to me. I'm going to fly in March and what was true even two weeks ago isn't of much interest. Thanks for starting the thread Nicole. I'm really curious to see if guitars are being allowed on board as carry on. Steve |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: GUEST,Charley Noble in Transit from Oz Date: 20 Dec 01 - 05:32 PM My current experience with a banjo is that on United, international, I was told to load it as checked baggage and sign a waiver for damage. It was too large for cabin storage. When I arrived at my destination I found my banjo in a special baggage holding area, for fragile items but there was no assurance that that would happen and it is distressing if you're waiting around at the regular baggage delivery area and your instrument doesn't show up. My case hinges got trashed but since I had also belted the case, it was still intact. For my return trip I have substantially reinforced the case with new hinges and an additional belt. I also recommend tuning down the strings and stuffing all vacancies with socks and underwear. Good luck! |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: Steve in Idaho Date: 20 Dec 01 - 06:00 PM Oh Geezzz Charlie - if it looks that way I'll just bring my whistle!! Steve |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: mzkitty Date: 20 Dec 01 - 06:00 PM I flew to New York a couple of weeks ago and checked my guitar. It arrived there...and home just fine. I've done a lot of trans Atlantic flights also and have never had a problem checking my guitar. Don't forget to loosen your strings when you fly... |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: catspaw49 Date: 20 Dec 01 - 06:21 PM Steve, if you intend on taking ol' Mose, you really need to go back and find some of the old threads about packing it properly. I think the carry-on hassle is probably out of the question anymore, and a case alone, unless it's a Carlton with a cover, isn't going to be safe. You need to do the stuffing thing and be sure the guitar is not moving in the case, but you also need to put the case in box like the ones they use to ship them from the factory, and do the styrofoam thing with that. I remember Bert (who is very damiliar with the equipment and baggage handlers) saying that if you finish packing it and feel no problem with dropping it out of a second story window, you've done a good job....and what has to be done. If you get by with less, you're simply lucky. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: NicoleC Date: 20 Dec 01 - 07:46 PM I did check the other recent thread on flying, and there are some interesting tidbits in there. A guitar is a whole different animal, though. I'm really glad to see tighter security and FINALLY the end of everyone bringing onboard their entire luggage set and whacking you in the head while they try to stuff it into an already full overhead bin. But some things are pretty stupid. My mom's boyfriend got escorted to security by gun-wielding National Guard troops and missed his flight because they wanted to question him about the container of baby powder in his shaving kit. My miniature nailclippers were confiscated along with the bottle of water, and if someone suggests that I could strangle somebody with a fiddle string I may have to point out that I could do the same with a sock :) Security seems to vary widely. I just wish there was a single place (even if it were at every single airport) where you could call to get real security answers until everyone decides what they're going to do. The person who is dropping me off at the airport -- already at 0'dark:30 -- has graciously agreed to hang out until I get through security. Then again, at 4am I can't imagine the lines being too long to check in luggage! |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: GUEST,petr Date: 20 Dec 01 - 07:56 PM my girlfriend just flew to Toronto, 2days ago Air Canada could not take her fiddle as carry on, but it arrived ok but way out of tune,(she did loosen the strings) although security was a little puzzled by her tuning fork in her purse as well as a little metal puzzle. |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: Ebbie Date: 20 Dec 01 - 08:05 PM In a couple of months, I'm planning to take my #2 guitar with me to Oregon (from Alaska) to leave down there. I'm going to try to get a nonstop flight to Portland and hope to get permission beforehand to put it in the steward's closet. Wish me luck. I don't have a shipping case for this one. Eb |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: Amos Date: 20 Dec 01 - 08:09 PM Ebbie -- I'd suggest calling the airline way ahead and talking to a manager. Leave it up to the line checkers and they will always decide in favor of less convenience, more fancied security. A WATER bottle?? Excuse me?? Did they think you were going to drown someone? Or jam the cap up their nose? LOL!! A |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: NicoleC Date: 20 Dec 01 - 09:35 PM I think the security guard was thirsty :) Or getting a kickback from the multiple vendors who sell (small little tiny) bottles of water in the concourse for $4.50 per bottle. |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: Barry Finn Date: 20 Dec 01 - 11:39 PM Early Nov. I flew from Manchester, NH to San Francisco RT. Going I have no problem taking a 22" Bodhran In a hard case(it just fit in the overhead, no problems. Coming back I wasn't allowed to take it on as an overhead, because I went over the number of carry on (changed from 2 bags to 1 bag within a 5 day stay). I did managed to stuff it into a big bag & combine them, into the 1 limit bag. They would not insure it so I was damned if I wasn't gonna figure out some way to keep it beside me. I'd have given up all the other stuff first (except my meds. It seemed to me that flying out of a small airport was more laxed than the larger. One thing I didn't feel so keen about was me carrying a very odd shaped artical that has a steel bar for a brace instead of wood & allen wrenches in the case & a head that has a double row of brass tacks. None of this showed up not one question. I was also a walking pharmacy (over 100 pills on my person), not a peep. It was nice I could keep my drum with me but I felt the level of security was about as useful as a goat fart in a rain barrel. Good luck & happy trails, Barry
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: GUEST,.gargoyle Date: 21 Dec 01 - 12:44 AM Because the guitar was electric...and the modulator/amp were in tow.....the rig had to be plugged in and a few chords were throwed.....with twelve minutes left the flight it was....(no rhyme)
To show:
Personally, the BEST security measures I have EVER observed are in Frankfurt, Germany....that airport is tighter than a 99 year-old-virgin's-cunt. (If you even look cross-eyed you are pulled into the room to right of the reception area...guitar, harmonica, fife included!) ((Them Deutcher's got it down TIGHT!!!))
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: GUEST,.gargoyle Date: 21 Dec 01 - 12:46 AM Deutchland....Deutchland...Uber ALLES!!!! |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: Steve in Idaho Date: 21 Dec 01 - 11:02 AM Spaw - I have all of the old threads traced on packing. Especially the one on newspaper around the head and the cardboard container from the factory. Yes Ol' Mose is who I was referring to. I am not sure I could drop Mose off a two story building in any container - starting to sound like my whistle may be all I am taking with me. MzKitty - you are a much braver soul than myself. And your luck is phenomenol! Steve |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: GUEST,NicoleCastle logging on from AL Date: 23 Dec 01 - 08:20 PM For those of you flying, I just wanted to let you know that I didn't have any problems taking the fiddle (domestically). Other than persistant questions about if I played with the symphony (LOL!), no one seemed to care :) Of course, this was on Saturday BEFORE the latest airplane incident... so the situation may have changed. |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: GUEST,KT Date: 23 Dec 01 - 08:55 PM Ebbie....I second the advice to check well in advance with the airline. Yesterday, I was told by Alaska Airlines (Seattle office) that the only way one is permitted to carry a guitar into the cabin is to buy a ticket for it. No kidding! And this was BEFORE the shoe incident. They were also quick to point out that they would offer no assurance that the instrument would get there without damage. I'd consider mailing it if I were you. Good luck. KT
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: Charley Noble Date: 24 Dec 01 - 10:51 AM Well, for those who wondered about my flight back from Oz to Maine with banjo, the banjo and case survived. However, it was good that I was waiting by the baggage chute in Portland because that's where it shot out and I was able to catch it before it did several backflips. Usually, the baggage handlers are more careful with items marked fragile, and place them by hand in a special storage area. Portland baggage handlers didn't and I brought that to the attention of the harried United Airlines baggage coordinator. Assume the worst and pack your instrument as securely as you can. I'm gonna get a custom case from Elderly Instruments before I fly next time. |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: Gaffer Date: 24 Dec 01 - 07:09 PM I reckon most of the pilots like to have the occasional instrument handy, although a few just rely on aerial photographs and a good torch. Following a pigeon is more reliable, but only in good visibility - do make sure that they've loaded the pigeon for the return flight and haven't stuck it where a banjo could fall on it. |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: 53 Date: 24 Dec 01 - 07:24 PM i don't think that i'll be flying with my guitars, cause i can't afford one of those big flight cases, and i sure can't afford to have my guitars wrecked, so i guess i'll be driving where ever we go . BOB |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: robomatic Date: 24 Dec 01 - 07:37 PM November 2001 I tried to carry-on a full size classical guitar in a cardboard case, they said only one carry-on and that was my computer. I did some quick arithmetic, checked the guitar and mentally crossed my fingers. It was hand carried to the baggage and there was no damage. That was on Northwest Airlines. Now, be prepared to take your shoes off and have THEM XRayed. |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: 53 Date: 24 Dec 01 - 07:44 PM yeah boy, wasn't that something, i'm sure glad they caught him, or there would of been another tragedy. BOB |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: Bert Date: 24 Dec 01 - 11:44 PM I had to fly from Colorado to Philadelphia and back this month and decided NOT to take my guitar. To be honest, ever since I worked as a designer for one of the companies that makes baggage handling equipment, I have NEVER checked a guitar. If I absolutely had to, I'd pack it wrapped in clothes inside a hard case and I'd pack the hard case, also wrapped in clothes, inside another sturdy case. Also, As Spaw mentioned I would have to be quite happy throwing it out of a second floor window or kicking it downstairs, before I would ship it. And yep Robo, they X-rayed my shoes. There is a metal suport in some shoes which sets off the alarm and gets you a personal search. Coming back, I just took my shoes off and put them on the belt. The security guy laughed, but he was quite pleased when the next passenger's shoes set off the alarm and he was able to point out mine on the conveyor. |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: GUEST,chanteyranger, temporarily w/o cookie Date: 25 Dec 01 - 01:56 AM I flew to London on US Airways in late October. The airline's policy was for one carry-on piece of luggage, plus one shoulderbag/handbag/purse type item, so it was no problem putting my fiddle in the upper cabinet, counting as carry-on luggage, and keeping my shoulderbag under my seat. chanteyranger |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: Ebbie Date: 25 Dec 01 - 02:50 AM Wow. I think my best bet is to buy a guitar in Oregon itself. If I mail one from here, it would cost around $50 USA- for a couple of hundred I can probably buy one there that is good enough for my needs: a couple of weeks once a year. I just remembered it used to be fun to scour pawn shops- bet I can find one there! If not, there's a music shop in Salem that probably has used ones for sale. Thanks, y'all. |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: Celtic Soul Date: 25 Dec 01 - 09:04 AM I would say it would have to depend on the size of the instrument in question. I cannot imagine that a Tuba or a Cello would be "carry on". For me, I have yet to take my instruments on a plane with me. When I have flown to gigs, there has always been at least one from the band who has driven. I send them along with them. I would say that, a *good* case...like the ones they pack cameras in with all the foam rubber...would be my choice if I had to take something precious with me, especially if I had to check it. I've seen what they have done with my regular luggage! :::SHIVER::: |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: Phil Cooper Date: 25 Dec 01 - 10:03 AM I was talking to Joel Mabus in late September about a small martin he was playing (not the backpacker, a thinner body, cutaway). He was taking that to gigs he was flying to, because he could ship it UPS two-day, insured, and have it meet him at the gig. Not something you can always do, I know. I have one guitar fitted to a Mark Leaf case and I fly with that as checked luggage. So far, no problems. We are flying to Jacksonville, Florida in February to the folk annoynance (er, alliance) and I don't think I'll bother taking a guitar there (not showcasing and jamming opportunities are limited,so why bother). |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: Steve in Idaho Date: 27 Feb 02 - 10:58 AM Just checking to see if anyone has any further info on this - Steve |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: Steve in Idaho Date: 13 Mar 02 - 11:37 AM Well you can certainly carry a guitar on board an aircraft. I carried mine all the way to DC and back without a problem. As I boarded the plane I asked the Attendants if I could store it with their gear and they were most gracious about doing so. One leg of my trip saw three guitars stowed up front. So it isn't a biggy. Steve |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: Desert Dancer Date: 13 Mar 02 - 01:19 PM What airline, Steve? |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: Charley Noble Date: 13 Mar 02 - 04:20 PM I flew United and American recently and in both instances was required to check my banjo in as "luggage" rather than as "carry-on." Thus, I would not count on being permitted to carry any instrument on, but you might be lucky. If the instrument is loaded as checked luggage, you also can't count on it being hand-carried to the special handling area at the end of your flight. Mine was dealt with fine until my final stop back home where it catapulted from the luggage chute, flipped several times in the air, and landed in my arms. Somewhere in the process the case hinges gave out, which was O.K. because I also strapped the case. If you care about your instrument, I've concluded that air travel is currently a stressful proposition. Good luck! |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: Murray MacLeod Date: 13 Mar 02 - 04:38 PM I can't remember if I mentioned this before on any of the numerous threads on this subject, but some years ago Cathy Fink designed a soft bag which fits over the hard case to provide substantial extra impact protection. Whether they are still available, and from whom I have no idea, but I do know that they were being sold commercially a few years ago. Murray |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: Steve in Idaho Date: 13 Mar 02 - 04:49 PM I flew United - must depend on your luck. I was also traveling on military orders so didn't get searched either. Steve |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: Benjamin Date: 13 Mar 02 - 05:29 PM I flew on United a couple weeks ago with my guitar to play an audition. I was forced to check it and sign a waiver for possible damages. I got to carry it on coming home, though I got stopped for a "random" security inspection even after getting through metal dectors and past soldiers armed with m-16's. I couldn't afford a second seat or flight insurance though. I think the security is going a little too far. |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: GUEST, Just Amy Date: 13 Mar 02 - 07:10 PM I just flew Delta to and from Folk Alliance/vacation in Florida. I saw guitars as carry on during both flights and no one took away my water in either LAX or JAX. I think the trick to flying with instruments is to follow the "rules" that I have seen published elsewhere: (1) get a seat at the rear of the cabin so that you can board first and there will be room for your instrument in the overhead compartment. (2) be nice to the security personnel - they don't get paid much and they get blamed for everything. (3) call the airline and let them know that you have an instrument and ask for their assistance and suggestions (different airlines have different rules). PS - Nicole, Delta told me that security taking bottled water was an urban legend. It is too weird to hear that it actually happened to you. thanks, Amy |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: NicoleC Date: 13 Mar 02 - 07:22 PM Hey, I'm a walking urban legend! Whee! |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: Steve in Idaho Date: 14 Mar 02 - 03:08 PM I agree with the security thing going a bit too far. Everything they are looking for is something that has already happened - but I think I'll put up with driving from now on. Unless it is more than 5-6 hours away I'm on the ground. Steve |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: 53 Date: 14 Mar 02 - 10:58 PM I think that I'll also stay on the ground. Airline travel is just to much of a hassle. |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: Jim Krause Date: 21 Mar 02 - 03:02 PM I just got back from Louisville, KY last Monday. Flew there and back, changing planes in Memphis both directions. The news is I was only taking my fiddle with me. Never got a second look. Even the security folks just scanned my fiddle case and let it pass. I flew on Northwest/KLM airlines. Jim |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: GUEST,maryrrf Date: 21 Mar 02 - 03:53 PM I've flown different airlines and I think it depends on the crew and the whim of the moment as to whether or not you can check your instrument or carry it on (in my case - a guitar). I've usually had to check it. It's always arrived in one piece, although sometimes not with the rest of the luggage and had to be delivered a couple of days afterwards, which would be a problem if I were going straight to a gig. |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: GUEST,tommy g Date: 22 Mar 02 - 12:18 AM ever since i saw a guitar case being dropped out of the belly of a jetliner by the baggage handlers where it proceeded to crash onto the tarmac, i never trusted "them" (any airline) to handle anything that i don't want to have trashed. i'll be damned if i sign a waiver letting them off the hook for damage that they cause--we (they and i) can inspect the instrument before the flight, and then at the destination. any damage?...you just bought me a new guitar! |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: Anahootz Date: 22 Mar 02 - 12:42 AM Word to the wise: Mail the guitar to your destination. Seriously, it beats the hell out of flying it. I just got another Martin in the mail, from South Carolina to Alaska, for $57. Express mail, 2 day delivery, FULL INSURANCE, and free if it didn't get here within 48 hours. Be sure to loosen the strings about 3/4 octave, then immobilize the headstock and protect (or remove) the endpin. These two parts are the source of most guitar breakage woes, the headstock by breaking off when jarred, and the endpin for splitting the endblock if it happens to be dropped at the right angle. Back to the flying issue, I flew Hawaiian airlines recently (I had a GREAT vacation, thanks for asking) and I saw a band bring all their instruments on board for the flight from Honolulu to Seattle, electric bass included...so go figure, it seems to depend upon the whim and world outlook of whichever harrassed airline employee you happen to deal with. |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: Ella who is Sooze Date: 22 Mar 02 - 04:16 AM I flew back from Belfast to Bristol in January... With me I had my wooden and silver flute, and my bodhran... Only problem was that I also got pulled to one side on the way into Belfast airport as my flute looked suspicious. All was fine when I unpacked my flute case and showed them. The one biggy I did do though, was put all the extra's for my instrument into my rucksack... that included my metal cleaning rod for the flute, and the dangerous looking allan key for adjusting my bodhran. No other problems at all really, was able to take it all on as hand luggage. Ella |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: GUEST,Nick Date: 22 Mar 02 - 12:07 PM Just done Gatwick to Minneapolis and back with a mandolin as hand luggage no problem but it is a small enough case to take on. Expect to have to open it and empty case pockets tho. |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: Don Firth Date: 22 Mar 02 - 03:30 PM Years ago, traveling with my guitar was no problem. Carry-on, and the flight attendant (stewardess, back then) stowed it in a little alcove where they hung up coats and such. Once, in the early Eighties, I had to buy a seat for it, but this was "Inky-Dinky Airline," flying between Grand Rapids and Chicago. The winner was in the mid-Nineties. I didn't have my guitar with me, but somewhere, somehow, between Seattle and Denver, they managed to bend the hell out of the frame of my wheelchair. When they delivered it to me as I got off the plane, it looked like it had been run over by a truck. I raised hell loudly enough (other passengers around) that they sent for a supervisor who took an accident report. United Airlines wound up paying for a rental chair for me to use on my trip and they bought me a new one when I got back to Seattle. I wouldn't trust them with anything I couldn't easily replace. Don Firth |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: Tattie Bogle Date: 22 Mar 02 - 08:04 PM Nearly missed a flight to Frankfurt - all for a tin whistle and a forgotten pair of nail scissors. No worries about my mobile phone charger (3 nasty prongs - could do some damage with those!!) and my husband got through undetected with an eight-inch nail! (emergency grappling hook for hill-walking - just happened to still be in his rucksack!) Tattie B |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: 53 Date: 22 Mar 02 - 10:46 PM I think that I'll still stay on the ground. |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: marty D Date: 22 Mar 02 - 11:47 PM I've been thinking about buying a Baby Taylor because I travel a lot and really would like to have a guitar in those hotel rooms when it gets lonely. I read all the good stuff here about their size and how they fit in the above compartment, but will they still let you put them there today? I'm thinking that since 9/11 all bets are off. marty |
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Subject: RE: Anyone flown with an instrument lately? From: Richard Mellish Date: 07 Jul 09 - 10:14 AM This seems an appropriate thread to which to add a link that has just been posted on a mailing list that I subscribe to. What happens when an airline wrecks your instrument Richard |
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