Klarinet Archive - Posting 000704.txt from 1998/09

From: ROBERT ABRAHAM <rkabear@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Cargo Compartments
Date: Sun, 20 Sep 1998 07:51:28 -0400

Cargo compartments are not climate controlled on any flights, nor are they pressurized on most flights. That is why most airlines will not take pets for travel in cargo for about 1/3 of the year. Either too cold or hot, i.e. the animals mostly die in those conditions. That is why whenever taking the family pet on a vacation, it is better to drive, or to board them at the vet at home, because air travel for pets that are in cargo is very traumatic to them. Airlines are also specific on the pet ticket (for cargo) that they are not liable for the pet's death, should it occur, and that a high number of pets die during air travel. Although a clarinet doesn't need to chew gum because it's ears are poping, I suppose a clarinet, if it was prone to crack anyway, might have it's instability debut on a flight.

By the way...when I travel with my clarinet, I carry it on. NO ONE is going to throw my clarinet around, possibly damaging it by hitting something or by putting it under a 300 pound crate. I also don't trust that it will not be stolen, and frankly, am too cheap to pay the extra $20 or so for each way for insurance so that if something happens, it's covered. Read the airline ticket. Most luggage has a very low reinbursement rate for theft or damage, even if the airline is to blame for the loss or damage. It's small enough that I can carry it on even if I have another 2 carry-on bags, because it goes under the seat, or in my lap. If I had too much to carry on the trip to be able to carry it on, I would Fedex or UPS it overnight for $50 for peace of mind.

Kelly Abraham
Woodwinds/Computer Geek
New York City
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Aren't cargo compartments pressurized like the passenger compartment? I am pretty sure they are.

Gary

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