 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ben
Date: 2003-12-31 20:19
For those of you who have traveled recently (prefereably post 9/11) with a low C Bass clarinet on an airplane, have there been any problems? Are there any makers (Buffet/Selmer) or cases which are definately too big to take on board as a cary-on?
How much do airlines vary with regards to this? Any particular ones to recomend, or recomendations of airlines to stay away from?
BTW, I found this link which may be of interest to other traveling musicians:
http://www.yeodoug.com/resources/faq/faq_text/travel.html
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Author: Francesca
Date: 2004-01-01 06:43
My Selmer 37 and I have traveled extensively in this post 9/11 era. It fits in most overhead compartments, the exception being turbo-props that carry fewer than 50 passengers. If you're on one of these small planes, the next best thing is to use the "tarmac check-in" that most airlines offer. I've had odd looks from security personnel, but I've always carried my instrument on board. Remember to take all tools out of your case before going through security, even your reed trimmer and small screwdrivers. You'll never see these again if they're confiscated, no matter how much you protest that your $75 reed trimmer can't harm a thing. (I learned my lesson the hard way.) The most important thing is attitude. Walk like the instrument is getting on board, and it will. Good luck and happy travels.
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Author: CJB
Date: 2004-01-01 17:06
I've recently flown between the UK and US with my low C bass. As I also needed my Bb and Eb to make life easier I bought myself a birthday present of a Wiseman case (the smaller of the 2 versions). I was flying with British Airways Boeing 777 in both directions. Outward I couldn't get it into the overhead bins - the ones in the centre at the back of the plane were just too small but discovered a space behind the back row of seats that was just the right size and didn't upset anyone. Coming back (thanks BA for the unasked for upgrade!) I had no problems at all getting it into the window side overhead bin. My collegue had no problems using my Yamaha bass case either.
As to security - it didn't raise an eyebrow at O'Hare airport. Heathrow I thought was going to be a problem when the guy loading it onto the x-ray machine asked what it was before it even reached the belt. In reality he was just interested and even let me have a look at the pictures of it!
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Author: donald
Date: 2004-01-01 20:33
ok, try flying with a Reed-dual (as hand luggage), i had problems with that BEFORE 11/9, and since then have only tried once. it's not that i can't get it on to the plane, just the endless delays as it is checked out by security.
there have been at least two threads in the past with advice about this (bass clarinets on aeroplances) you might want to look them up.
donald
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Author: Mark Pinner
Date: 2004-01-02 05:27
I use a Kim Walker bag for my bassoon on all flights. For bassoons there are probably a few more options than bass clarinets, somebody might make some sort of gig bag to suit. Tke out the screw drivers, reed knives etc. and put them in your luggage that goes into the hold. Unfortunately I haven't discover a way of getting straight a soprano or tenor sax into the cabin. With these I just clamp the keys and pad the case as much as possible and get them put in the fragile (don't throw any more than 10 feet) section. I have been lucky so far.
Make sure if you are taking any horn on board to tell the security guard on the X ray machine. They have little respect for anybody's possesions and are likely to rip your case or bag open and started throwing things around befor you have got through the metal detector.
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