 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Markael
Date: 2007-04-27 21:03
I don't want to check my clarinet when I take it on the plane. But I would also like to take a few items that one might normally take as carry-ons.
I am wondering whether I should purchase a case cover, or if perhaps I could carry my clarinet case inside a small suitcase.
Just how much stuff can you put in those case covers?
I play a Selmer Series 10, which originally came with a huge case. The case I now use is an Armstrong, and it is small.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-04-27 21:13
I'm taking my oboe (or rather my plastic 'outdoor' one) in a Protec bag with my hand luggage when I go to the US next month - the music pocket on the back is large enough to hold an oboe case while I can put all the odds and sods I need to take as hand luggage in the main compartment.
Only thing I need to remember is to put all my oboe reed tools (knives, etc.) and screwdrivers in with the rest of my luggage as I don't want them confiscated - best put the stuff that could be viewed as prohibited items in with your main luggage.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: C2thew
Date: 2007-04-27 21:26
yeah i was just about to say don't bring any knives or sharp tools but chris got it covered. a friend of mine purchased a set of clarinets from france a decade ago and he used his clarinets as a carry on. not a big deal.
Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distract our attention from serious things. they are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which was already but too easy to arrive as railroads lead to Boston to New York
-Walden; Henry Thoreau
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Author: woodwind650
Date: 2007-04-27 21:27
just traveled from detroit to san francisco with a bam double clarinet case, and my bass clarinet strapped to my back with zero problems from anyone. like chrisp said, just make sure you check all the reedknives, screwdrivers, etc into your luggage and you shouldn't have a problem.
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Author: ElBlufer
Date: 2007-04-27 22:11
I just traveled from LAX to Chicago O'hare with my clarinet stored in my backpack with music. Worked fine, and my clarinet arrived safely both times (way back as well). This also allows for all of your items to be placed in the backpack, and you should have no lack of space. Hope this helps!
My Setup:
R13 Clarinet (Ridenour Lyrique as my backup/marching instrument)
Walter Grabner K11 mouthpiece
Rico Reserve 3.5's
Bonade ligature
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Author: SVClarinet09
Date: 2007-04-27 22:16
Depending on how you're traveling (and the size of the armstrong case), you can put the clarinet in your bookbag. Whenever I travel to clinics where I will be overnight, I keep my clarinet in my bookbag. I have a Selmer Paris Omega(the Omega case is custom for the Omega, very similar to the new "lite" series) If your bookbag is of a decent size, carry it with you there. Some airlines make many restrictions on carry-ons. Last summer I took my guitar with me on a vacation and on the flight back they gave me a hassle for having my gig bag and one of those small pull-string bags.
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Author: Tobin
Date: 2007-04-27 23:40
I recommend the Altieri case covers. I don't allow my students who own wooden clarinets to do without a case cover. Extra protection from climate and extra space all the way around.
The single Altieri bag comes in two forms: 1. saddle bag on one side and backpack straps on the other (already with shoulder strap) and 2. Saddle bags on both sides (shoulder strap).
I wish they had had the second option when I bought my last bag years ago!
They cost around $100 but last for a long time, well worth the investment.
James
Gnothi Seauton
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2007-04-28 07:17
Don't forget that planes (at least the ones I've been on lately) allow one carryon AND a briefcase for men, and a carryon AND a purse for ladies. So I would consider my clarinet(s) a briefcase and have a bookbag with any personal items I want on hand.
US Army Japan Band
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Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2007-04-28 14:46
Check out this NYC musician's website rant on that subject:
STOP TRAVELING MUSICANS ABUSE AT THE AIRPORTS!!!
http://www.arkady.com/stoptravelingmusiciansabuse.html
Also Local 802 in NYC has issued a statement about Delta:
Subject: MUSICIANS WIN A VICTORY AT DELTA AIRLINES
As a result of the leadership of the AFM, the work of AFM Director of
Government Relations Hal Ponder, Local 802 President Mary Landolfi, and the on-going participation of Local 802 members, Delta airlines has decided to officially accomodate musicians traveling with instruments. Delta will now
allow all small musical instruments and guitars on board all flights. In
addition to its carry-on policy, Delta also improved its checked baggage
policy. Checked items can now measure up to 120 linear inches and weigh up to 100 pounds.
The AFM and Local 802 have lifted their boycott of Delta and are currently
urging all other airlines to adopt Delta's policies.
Thank you to the members that responded to the Local 802 request for written accounts of airline horror stories, to the many that conveyed the challenge of flying with an instrument to the union, and to all the musicians that contributed to this effort.
This was an important first step towards adressing the difficulties musicians
face traveling with instruments.
We will send out another email shortly that provides a more detailed protocol for preparing to fly Delta under the new policy.
Please feel free to contact our Political Director, Julia Smith, with any
comments or questions or to get involved in this campaign. She can be reached at 212-245-4802 X 176 or jsmith@local802afm.org.
Sincerely,
Bill Dennison
Recording Vice President, Local 802, NYC
Once again, these are some of the protections and help you all can get from joining your Local Musician's Union. You all will benefit even if you don't join, but be a part of helping, not just taking. Your choice...
JJM
Légère Artist
Clark W. Fobes Artist
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Author: allencole
Date: 2007-04-28 20:10
I'm normally pretty critical of AFM in general and local 802 in particular, but this is a terrific thing. I definitely raises them a few points in my esteem. I'll cut this short to avoid being left-handed in complimenting and thanking them for this important and beneficial effort.
Will also ditto the love of Altieri case covers. In fact, some double cases--particularly the PRO-TEC--would probably accommodate a laptop just fine. In fact, a plastic or metal shield/liner could be fashioned for the pocket to prevent crushing of its contents in the overhead. I've looked pretty hard at that option in the past. Project boxes from Office Max can do similar things in the bags of an Altieri case cover.
It's nice to see progress in this area. I have not been happy at all trying to fly with horns.
Allen Cole
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Author: Markael
Date: 2007-04-29 10:59
Thanks so much!
I was pleasantly surprised to find such a variety of worthwhile ideas and common sense suggestions.
I haven’t yet decided what to do, but I’m leaning toward getting a case, probably an Altieri, because it is more than a makeshift solution and it can be used again and again for all kinds of traveling.
Even though it sounds like some airlines are getting a clue about the needs of musicians, at this point I would rather play it safe than take a chance.
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Author: kuteclar
Date: 2007-04-30 07:00
Also, make sure that your knives or anything suspicious tends to be at the top of your luggage, unlocked. Many times they have gone through my friend's checked luggage, checking.
Definitely recommend the Altieri. THe backpack case is easy to haul...but the double sided one can carry everything! I'd keep some humidifying device in there, also, since planes are very dry.
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Author: CJB
Date: 2007-04-30 11:39
I flew between the UK and Germany (and back) this weekend so have recent experience that may help anyone flying out of the UK at the moment.
Flying out of the UK you are only allowed ONE piece of handluggage. a newspaper, handbag (purse), briefcase however small is not allowed as a 2nd piece of carryon. The max size for carry-on is quite limited (max weight 5 kilos and not exceeding 45 x 35 x 20 cm) so be careful not to overfill accessory pockets)
Remember to pack your cork grease either in your hold luggage or your zipped clear plastic bag.
I carried my Eb in a small backpack and had no problems at all.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2007-04-30 12:15
We're lucky in the RN band that when we go to the US, we've got a maximum of 46kg baggage allowance per person - including instrument(s).
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2007-04-30 21:44
I always pack my clarinet away inside a carry-on sized piece of luggage. Check the size restrictions of your airline. I use a small clarinet case that fits nicely inside the carry-on luggage. Inside the piece of luggage I can carry my orchestra clothes as well as a change of clothes and assorted items necessary for a day in case the big luggage gets lost. WHAT? Nah, it would never get lost.
A couple of years ago I purchased a Samsonite carry on bag that has wheels and fits exactly under the seat of the airplane so I don't even have to put the clarinet up over the seat.
I would never, NEVER check a clarinet into the cargo compartment with regular luggage. Always carry it on. Even a bass clarinet or other larger instruments can usually be carried on--unless you're playing a tuba or standing bass, cello or something of that nature. Even some guitars can be carried on (I've done it for years).
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Author: old999
Date: 2007-05-01 03:45
I haven't had to carry a clarinet in a plane yet, but I do find a satchel-type High Sierra computer bag works well for carrying my clarinet - in its own case - plus music and related items.
Al
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Author: Markael
Date: 2007-05-07 13:09
FYI: I have decided that the Altieri case cover is a great idea whose time has not yet come. It is a good thing for any clarinetist to have as standard equipment, but it is not what I need for this particular trip--at least not as long as one carry-on and one brief case or backpack is allowed.
It's going to be a long ride with a long layover, so I will want some books, papers, etc., to take on the plane. And I'll also want to the clarinet and a change of clothes, but they can stay in the overhead compartment. The clarinet will fit nicely in a small overnight suitcase with the change of clothes.
The books and papers can fit in a small backpack which I can keep at my seat. The less going in and out of the overhead compartment, the better.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2007-05-07 15:56
That's the idea. I always need some reading material, etc. for my yearly long ride from Dallas, TX to Tel Aviv and then the car ride into Jerusalem. And, there's a lot of travel back and forth from the place where we stay to the performance hall once we're there, so the small carry-on with wheels is the only way to go. It helps on the up and down stairs and hills thingie.
I can also carry a bottle of water and snacks for an all day stay. My carry on is small enough that I can place it beside or behind my chair during rehearsal. It gets put out of sight off stage for the actual concerts, however, so have to be sure no valuables are left inside.
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