 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Mitch K.
Date: 2003-03-31 22:25
Since I haven't flown anywhere since before September 11, 2001, I have no idea what to expect as far as airport security goes. Can anyone offer me any words of advice regarding what I can expect from the metal detector screeners or other airport personnel? Are we being forced to check clarinets? (I would hope that a clarinet would not be confused with a weapon [although, in the wrong hands it surely can be]--but with the state of music education in the U.S., nothing is impossible!)
And what about the equipment that we check; do we have to do anything special with reeds knives, etc.? Before 9-11-01 I flew with two reed knives, and set of screwdriver, and an 8-inch bastard file on me, but somehow I don't think that is à propos these days. What's the protocol?
Thanks,
Mitch King
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Author: Lori
Date: 2003-04-01 00:06
Mitch-
I have flown with my clarinet(s) since 9/11 and I've been able to carry it on without a problem. But you're right, the screwdrivers, reed knives, and file will be a no go. I would check a bag and put them in there or not take them at all- otherwise they'll take them from you at security.
Recently they've started inspecting all contents of checked bags as well, and when this 1st happened a few months ago I had a bag arrive late. I think they've gotten more efficient since then.
I've never heard of clarinets being confused as weapons, but I've heard of that happening with bassoons! I know someone who was asked to put it together at security and play it.
Good luck,
Lori
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Author: msloss
Date: 2003-04-01 13:53
Saxophones have been known to be used as assault weapons, but I don't think clarinets are on the TSA watch list.
The AFM has made strides with the big carriers to educate them and make them more accomodating of the needs of musicians. If your clarinet case isn't any bigger than an attache or a computer bag, they've got no gripe. As Lori said, check the blades and screwdrivers, and you'll be fine.
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Author: William
Date: 2003-04-01 15:14
When we flew last year to Florida, I got "selected" at every gate for "special screening", probably because of my clarinet case strapped over my sholder. Fortunately, I had checked my bag of accessories--reed knife, screw drivers, scissors, etc--with my luggage so no problem there--but at every check point, they actually opened my clarinet case and went through every (however empty) compartment--even my sheet music. I had to be ready to (politely and tactfully) explain how to safetly open the case--even my Harrison reed case--so as not to spill the contents on the tarmac floor. Thankfully, they did not try to inspect my Kaspar mouthpiece, but I was ready. This year, I think I will check my Kaspar and reed case as well, and just carry in my clarinet case my back-up Charles Bay with a Legere reed--in case I have to play "Fly Me To the Moon" at the gate.
Also, the AFM site has a letter that musician union members can print out from the National head of airport security allowing musical instruments as carry-ons. It is advised that you have a copy to present to any security supervisor in case there is a question (I have mine ready!!)
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2003-04-01 16:36
I just flew this past week from Maryland to Florida and return, with bari and tenor saxes and a clarinet (metal!), and here's what I did after talking to the airline for their advice: I padded the inside of both the sax cases with bubble-wrap, and removed all knives, screwdrivers, reed clippers, and anything else that might be misconstrued as a weapon. I did not lock the cases nor tape the latches shut, as it was expected the baggage handlers might open the cases to inspect the horns (in fact they did on the return flight, as evidenced by a note they left inside the case, and that the bubble wrap was not re-installed the way I had done it). The clarinet was left fully assembled and individually bubble-wrapped, and laid on top of the tenor sax in the tenor case. I did not carry on any instruments, however, some of the other folks in the band carried on their smaller instruments, including clarinets, an oboe, trumpets, and violins. All had to open the cases at Security screening on their way to the gate, but nobody had a problem. They also had left all their knives and tools at home, although we probably could have put them in the checked luggage with no trouble.
Can't say everyone will have such an easy time, but things went very smoothly for us. None of my instruments was damaged in any way by all the handling.
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Author: Tom Piercy
Date: 2003-04-01 18:12
I have flown quite a bit within the US and in & out of the country since Sept. 11 - most usually from a NYC airport.
I have had no problems carrying my clarinets on board with me. Quite often I am pulled out for inspection. Some inspectors are more "thorough" than others and a few times I have had to take the clarinets out of the case so they could look down the bore.
I always put the following items in a separate bag within a suitcase and check it: reed knives, measuring devices, screw drivers, tuners, metronome, pens, pencils, reed rush, etc. -- almost everything BUT the clarinet, mouthpieces, ligatures and reeds -- just to be sure it causes no concern for the inspectors.
Yesterday, coming back into the US, the inspector saw the clarinet and wanted to know if I preferred "Benny" or "Artie."
Tom Piercy
thomaspiercy.com
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Author: Mitch K.
Date: 2003-04-01 18:35
Tom:
Was there a penalty for the "wrong" answer?
Everyone else:
Thanks for all the advice.
Before 9/11 I was selected for "random," individual screenings 100% of the time at every airport for every flight. There's no reason things should be different now, only more intense.
Thanks,
Mitch King
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Author: Tom Piercy
Date: 2003-04-02 15:13
Mithc,
He laughed when I asked if it was a trick question. I admitted to being a "Benny" man myself and was allowed back in.
Tom
Tom Piercy
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Author: DAVE
Date: 2003-04-03 05:14
I once had a guy look into my case looking for something suspicious and of all things to inspect, he dutifully and rather officially grabbed a box of Vandorens. He actually put it through the X-ray again all by itself. This was pre-9-11.
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Author: donald
Date: 2003-04-03 10:09
i haven't tried to fly with my Reedual (as carry on in a large camera bag!) since 11/9/01 but prior to that went on lots of international and domestic flights with it, and was constantly hassled. Clarinets are no trouble.
although, by some peoples definition, the E flat clarinet COULD be classified as a dangerous weapon.
donald
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Author: Mark P
Date: 2003-04-03 11:47
Once going through security, I had to open my double case and the inspector took everything out and looked through the pieces, then he came to the swab, picked it up and wanted to know what I did with it. I replied I used it to wipe the spit from the inside of the clarinet after playing. He quickly dropped the swab and cleared me through the check point
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2003-04-03 12:07
Forget reed knives. Alot of clarinet players end up turning them in...
David Dow
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Author: Rick Williams
Date: 2003-04-03 14:00
Another tip, on tuners and metronomes or anything with a battery, even if checked take the batteries out of them. Stuff with batteries showing up on the x-ray will almost always get pulled for visual inspection. I've also heard of a few cases where inspectors questioned the cork grease, but now that most airports have sniffers, you probably won't have problems.
Best
RW
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