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Message 8142
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| Subject: | Re: [RESOGUIT-L] Traveling with a reso | | Date: | Tuesday, December 4, 2007 10:24:44 (-0800) | | From: | Betty Wheeler <bettywheeler @.....com>
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For what it's worth, here's what we sent to ResoSummit participants about
traveling with a dobro (below). I was happy to read Wayne's post about his
experience on Delta, because historically, they've been a big problem when
it comes to instruments. The American Federation of Musicians spent a lot
of time negotiating with Delta to improve that situation, and also played a
key role in getting supportive legislative language through Congress that
improved the instrument carry-on situation post-9/11, with respect to TSA
and and airlines alike. And keep in mind that if you fly to ResoSummit with
your instrument and something untoward happens, there are two luthiers at
your destination to make any necessary repairs!
--Betty
Flying with Your Dobro
Here's some advice on flying with your dobro:
Unless you are flying a regional service (like American Eagle), your dobro
should fit into the overhead bin, even in a hardshell case. We recommend
carrying your dobro on if possible, especially if you do not have a case
designed for flight use (such as a Calton).
Here are tips to make it more likely you can carry your instrument on:
1. If you are flying on Southwest, go online and print your boarding pass as
close to 24 hours before your flight time as possible, to get into the "A"
boarding group. If you're in the "B" boarding group, you'll probably be
fine. On other airlines, try to get a seat in the section of the plane that
boards first (usually the back of the plane), to avoid boarding after the
overhead space is full.
2. Pack your string cutters in your checked luggage, and minimize your other
carry-on luggage (a small bag that will fit under the seat in front of you
is ideal).
3. We strongly recommend packing your instrument in a way that will allow
you to check it if necessary: use a good hardshell case; put some packing
material to support the headstock; consider de-tuning slightly (down one
step). If you do end up having to check your instrument, do so at the gate,
NOT at the curb or at the ticket counter, to lessen the amount of handling.
If you don't have a good case and think you may have to check your
instrument, consider packing your instrument and case in a guitar box with
lots of protective peanuts/bubble wrap, as though you were shipping it by
UPS orFedEx.
Here is a *comprehensive
article*<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=fz7y9fcab.0.0.roacw9bab.0&ts=S0287&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.symphony.org%2Fgovaff%2Fwhat%2Ftips_for_traveling_2006_2.pdf&id=preview>;on
traveling safely with instruments, including information on supportive
TSA and airline policies currently in place.
If you do have to check a valuable instrument, the airline's liability is
limited to a relatively low amount, in accordance with the airline's
announced limit, unless you purchase insurance at the ticket counter for
additional coverage (generally $50).
Since much of airline travel depends on the discretion of individual airline
employees, we highly recommend courtesy and a calm approach, no matter what
happens!
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