Re: Flying with a guitar... or not

[Tim Mungenast <tmungenast@verizon.net>]

Thank you, Sylvain.



--- On Mon, 8/6/12, Sylvain Poitras <sylvain.trombone@gmail.com> wrote:

> From: Sylvain Poitras <sylvain.trombone@gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: Flying with a guitar... or not
> To: Loopers-Delight@loopers-delight.com
> Date: Monday, August 6, 2012, 2:37 PM
> In my experience, it depends on both
> the carrier and the actual plane
> you're flying.  Check you carrier's policy regarding
> musical
> instruments and book a flight on the biggest plane you can
> get.  I
> like to fly with Air Canada, because their policy is let me
> carry my
> instrument on board if it fits in the overhead bin.  My
> trombone
> always fit in the overhead bin of the airbus 319 or 320, so
> that's
> what I'm flying on when I go to Santa Cruz later this
> year.  Last week
> I flew to Moncton and back to Ottawa on a small regional
> jet.  My horn
> did not fit in the overhead bin and I could only slide it
> partly under
> the seat in front of me (and side ways, taking room away
> from my
> fellow traveler).  The flight attendant didn't even
> mention it on both
> flights.  Getting on the good side of the flight crew
> can save your
> ass...
> 
> My advice is to pack your smallest guitar in the smallest
> and
> strongest case you can find and book a flight on the biggest
> plane you
> can get.  Plan to take it on board as carry-on and be
> prepared to
> gate-check if necessary.  Most damage occurs when the
> instrument moves
> around inside the case (or other objects move within the
> case, banging
> on the instrument).  Remove everything but the
> instrument from the
> case and secure it with packing foam or bubble wrap.
> 
> Never check your instrument.  They will destroy it (as
> we've already
> heard, the most likely scenario is a TSA agent screwing up
> your
> packing).  Always carry-on or gate-check.  If you
> must check your
> instrument, insist on being present when the TSA opens the
> case (this
> is in accordance with their policy:
> http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1235.shtm
> )
> 
> Sylvain
> 
>