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On a related note- When I have to check my instruments, I keep one of those "TSA inspection" tags inside the case. (they leave one whenever they open a bag.) That way, when a TSA'r opens the case, they see that someone else from TSA has already been there. This has greatly reduced the number of times that my overpacking gets mangled. Similarly, I leave a very polite note explaining that the instrument must be packed properly in order to ensure its safety and that I appreciate how focused on safety the TSA is! :) Daniel On Aug 7, 2012, at 1:26 PM, Tim Mungenast wrote: > 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 >> >> >