Tech: Bring CD's to the states

Subject: Tech: Bring CD`s to the states
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Jul 05 - 04:22 AM

Greetings to all Mudcatters. Sorry I wasn`t sure which thread subject to select so I simply picked "Technology".

I`m going to the states in October for a few concerts and would like to bring CDs with me.

Does anybody know if I can bring those with me as extra luggage or does one have to ship them out in advance? The question here is the cost. I was thinking of bringing a silver casefull which holds about 90 CDs so it is quite heavy. Perhaps it really depends on the airline company so I may need to check with them.

Would really appreciate any info on this.

Thanks

JB

Subject: RE: Tech: Bring CD`s to the states
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 17 Jul 05 - 05:10 AM

You should definitely check with the airline - including any you may transfer to enroute coming and going home. With the luggage inspection rules in effect now, it's impossible to be sure you won't run into objections even after you've checked; but it's almost guaranteed you'll have trouble if you don't.

Each airline may have its own limits on total baggage weight and number of separate "packages." There may be limits on weights and dimensions of each individual piece. There are some general rules on specific items you can and cannot take with you, and each airline can add their own restrictions. Some items that you aren't allowed to carry with you can be placed in "checked" baggage. Special and very specific label requirements apply to a few kinds of items, although I haven't heard of a "CD Hazard" label ... yet.

Each airport you pass through with your stuff may have separate rules. The airline can probably give you some help, but you have to be aware that these rules can change while you're in the air.

The general advice given to US domestic air travellers is that you need to discuss general restrictions and any special items with your airline(s) as far in advance as possible, and then check with them for any changes within 24 hours or so immediately prior to departure.

If you might be taking some or all of the CDs back home with you, the problem of convincing Customs people you didn't buy them here and owe taxes on them is a separate matter.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: Bring CD`s to the states
From: GUEST,Jim Ward
Date: 17 Jul 05 - 07:23 AM

I would suggest that anyone taking or sending large quantities of CD's abroad should remove the CD's and inserts from the Jewel cases then obtain empty cases when you get to your destination. The cases weigh more than the contents and take up considerably more space.

Subject: RE: Tech: Bring CD`s to the states
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 18 Jul 05 - 11:58 AM

Good point on the cases. I've been doing nothing but data CDs - with slim cases and no inserts - for so long I had to go look at a big one to see how fat they are.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: Bring CD`s to the states
From: Moses
Date: 18 Jul 05 - 12:08 PM

I vaguely remember a conversation a couple of years ago when one of my friends (British) was travelling with a party of others from Canada to the States for a couple of gigs and took with him a few of his CDs. He had problems at the border. Something to do with his visa.It was assumed by border officials that because of the CDs he would be "working" and he did not have a working visa. He had to leave the cds with a friend and collect them when he had finished his gigs in the States.

Sorry to be so vague but it may be worth checking the terms of your visa if you are not a US citizen.

Just a thought but it may save you trouble later.

Subject: RE: Tech: Bring CD`s to the states
From: open mike
Date: 18 Jul 05 - 12:21 PM

I might suggest that customs could take a different attitude if they
think that the c.d.'s are for commercial use...i just came thru with
some c.d's i had and their main question was if they were for personal use. It might be better to send them thru the mail...if you have an
address you can send them to where you can pick them up after you get here.

Subject: RE: Tech: Bring CD`s to the states
From: JohnB
Date: 18 Jul 05 - 02:39 PM

The US CUstoms people can get really picky with both CD's and instruments if it looks like you are going to "work" there. Several people I know have been turned back at the border with boxes of CD's and/ or instruments. Hell a friend of mine had a gig in New York, had all the correct visas etc. applied for six months in advance and they STILL would not let him on the plane.
JohnB Ontario Canada