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From: ericf@uwvax.UUCP (Eric Feigenson)
Newsgroups: net.music.folk
Subject: Re: flying with instruments
Message-ID: <235@uwvax.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 16-Jul-85 15:22:28 EDT
Article-I.D.: uwvax.235
Posted: Tue Jul 16 15:22:28 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 20-Jul-85 03:58:36 EDT
Distribution: net
Organization: U of Wisconsin CS Dept
Lines: 45

I've flown with my guitar several times, and it has survived.  I attribute
this mostly to luck, so here are my two cents worth about my experience:

- Airlines are inconsistant about letting you bring instruments on
  board.  My guitar is in a very bulky case, yet it fits in the
  overhead compartments on a 727, 737 and DC-9, which aren't very big
  (I'm not positive about those model numbers).  However, sometimes they
  just say *NO* about bringing things on board, and other times they
  let you try it.  I am told that they are more reluctant about it
  on "business" flights; the businessmen don't like it, and it doesn't
  leave enough room for their carry-on baggage.

- My very bulky hardshell case has come through OK, though with several
  gouges.  I always loosen the strings, and pad the inside heavily with
  foam, bubble-plastic, and whatever else is handy.  The instrument has
  so far survived.  I put heavy duct tape around the edge of the case,
  as well as on the latches/locks, and stick lots of "FRAGILE: Handle
  With Care" stickers all over the outside (sometimes I use the ones
  that say "GLASS" rather than "FRAGILE", just to stress the point).

- I took an insurance policy out on the instrument.  This is not very
  helpful when your favorite instrument is destroyed, but at least it
  can make it financially feasible to replace it.  As mentioned in
  previous articles, the airlines will generally not accept responsibility
  for damage.  Also, my insurance company will insure the instrument only
  if it's not on it's way to or from a paying performance (which boils
  down to your not being a professional musician).

So, there you have it.  I really hesitate to bring my guitar on an airplane,
unless I can afford to buy it its own seat (which I can't).  The airlines and
airports aren't always out to get you, however.  When flying into Madison,
I was waiting for my guitar to appear on the carousel with the rest of the
baggage.  It magically appeared without coming down the chute; apparently,
they hand-carried it from the luggage carrier into the terminal, which was
nice.

Good luck!


-- 

				    -Eric Feigenson

				    Usenet: {seismo, allegra, ihnp4}!uwvax!ericf
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