 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: BflatNH
Date: 2011-06-13 20:30
Did a search, didn't see recent discussions on this, so I wondered what recent experiences anyone may have had carrying on an instrument, say a low-C bass, and what other recommendations there may be for traveling with carry-on instruments today. In particular, with Delta, Continental, USAir, Southwest and maybe JetBlue, Virgin too. Thanks
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Author: weberfan
Date: 2011-06-13 20:51
You're speaking of instruments larger than a Bb clarinet?
I can't speak to that, but when I travel I take my plastic yamaha in the its compact case and pack it in a carry-on bag that goes in the bin over the seat. It goes through security with no problem. I've never even been asked to unpack.
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Author: Buster
Date: 2011-06-13 20:57
Bflat,
Are you referring to going through security or in actually boarding?
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2011-06-13 21:29
I've been asked to open the bag (Bb clarinet) My blayman stand shows up as a giant iron square and they were concerned. After showing them its a clarinet all is good to go.
US Army Japan Band
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Author: BflatNH
Date: 2011-06-13 21:35
I didn't anticipate any problems going through security - should I? I was more concerned with the actual boarding as the actual Low-C case L+W+D may be a little bigger than the 45" and longer than the typical carry on luggage, and I heard that the airlines previously allowed latitude in size or shape, and I wondered if that was still the case.
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Author: Buster
Date: 2011-06-13 22:28
BflatNH,
I wasn't trying to freak you out about security, I just wasn't sure which issue you were addressing.
There was a point where I was traveling between Mexico and the States 3 or 4 times a year with 3 clarinets and a tenor saxophone so I have dealt with it all (I think.)
As for security, I never had any trouble. Occasionally they would ask to look in my instrument cases (I think just because they were curious about the instruments, not worried about them.) When they look inside your case you are not allowed to touch anything, but they always asked the proper method to open it so it would not be damaged. It may or may not happen to you, but there is no reason to worry. (Just remember to take any screwdrivers or pliers etc... out of your case or they will confiscate them.)
As for boarding, it depends somewhat on the size of the plane. I always went to the desk at the gate before boarding to explain what I had and how it could not be put under the plane. Normally they would say fine, or occasionally "well we'll see it if fits." However I almost always was able to fit my things in the overhead compartments. When I wasn't able to, the flight attendants were always understanding and would place something in their closet/ other safe storage areas. I wouldn't freak yourself out about it.
Actually there was an agreement between the AFM and airlines that as long as the instrument was under the size of something like a cello (which would require its' own seat) safe passage in the cabin must be provided. You are allowed the carry-on, personal item as well as the instrument. There is a letter you can print out stating this. I'll see if I can find the link.
-JH
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2011-06-14 00:23
My suggestion, put it on your back or over your shoulder and just walk on like there's nothing to worry about. Do not make an issue of it. If they stop you explain what it is and that it will definitely fit on the overhead. If they are hard core about it beg them to put it in the small closet they have or with the pilot in his or her cabin. They did that for me once many years ago. Best thing to do, don't bring it to their attention if possible and just walk on. ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: DNBoone
Date: 2011-06-14 03:54
I called beforehand when going to texas last year for clarinetfest. I was told it was fine. I boarded fine, no questions asked. On the way back, they got mad about it and gave me dirty comments that it was oversized and not allowed on the plane. After talking at the gate they finally let me put it in the wheelchair closet up front.
Next time, I will ask for a letter when I make the phone call.
On Delta Airlines.
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Author: Buster
Date: 2011-06-14 04:23
I also have done as Ed. P suggested (don't draw attention to yourself!) without incident. I just started talking at the gate to not have to "sneak" it on.
DNBoone,
Did they give you trouble at the check-in counter about your instrument? I normally flew Delta in my travels and never had this happen; weird and unfortunate. The flight attendants were always nice and accommodating on the plane.
BflatNH, if you are overly concerned perhaps call ahead, but request some written confirmation as DNBoone suggests.
Ed. P,
I can't find my copy of the AFM letter, nor the link. Do you know where it can be downloaded? (I never needed it, but carried it with me just in case; I have no idea where it put it after my last flight though.)
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Author: DNBoone
Date: 2011-06-14 05:20
It was at the actual gate counter. I had even given up my seat for someone else that needed to be near the door.
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2011-06-14 06:27
I've had no problem bringing my Selmer low C on board in recent years on Alaska, United, and Swiss. Could've sworn I'd taken it somewhere on Jet Blue also, but I can't remember an actual bass trip.
Walk on board, put it in the overhead. If it doesn't fit, ask if they can put it in a coat closet. Like Ed suggests, don't make a big deal of it.
If your case is crazy-big, it could be a problem.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: Lelia Loban ★2017
Date: 2011-06-14 13:17
I've rarely had a problem at the gate, except for one odd incident when I bought a metal clarinet at the Long Beach flea market in Los Angeles. On the way home to Virginia, the case fit easily into the small backpack I use as a carry-on, but because the clarinet was all-metal, I took it out of there, opened the case and laid it flat in the tray that goes through the X-Ray machine so the screener would have an easy, unobstructed view. Fat lot of good that did. The screener asked another screener to scrutinize.
I explained the thing was a clarinet. "It looks more like a flute," said the screener in an angry, suspicious tone of voice. (I resisted the temptation to tell him that if he wanted it to be a flute, then by all means let's call it a flute if that helps....)
Then he asked me to prove it was a musical instrument by playing it. I explained to him that it was roughly 75 years old, that I bought it at a flea market, that it needed a major overhaul to make it playable and that I'd thrown away the filthy old reeds I found in the case. I pointed out where some of the pads had fallen out. He wasn't budging.
I really did not want to hold up the long line while I argued with him or asked to see a supervisor, so I picked up the one piece clarinet, clamped the keys shut to the extent possible and blew hard (flute-style) across the open part of the upper stack where the metal barrel should insert. Out came an altissimo shriek that would wake the dead. I kept on blowing while I waggled some fingers on the keys and got a mixture of whistling air, silences and more high-pitched screams -- although a couple of those screams came from people behind me in line!
"Okay, okay, okay, stop it," said the angry attendant. As he waved me on through, he added, grumpily, "I *knew* it was a flute."
Lelia
http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/Lelia_Loban
To hear the audio, click on the "Scorch Plug-In" box above the score.
Post Edited (2011-06-14 13:18)
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Author: grenadilla428
Date: 2011-06-14 13:55
Here's the letter:
http://www.local802afm.org/about/TSALetter.pdf
Please note - this letter only gets you through TSA - the airline can make its own decisions on what to allow on the flight.
Make sure to remove reed knives (if you use them), screwdrivers, and bottles of liquid (leave the key oil at home). Most TSA screeners will know that you're allowed to take your instrument. I didn't have any problem going through TSA with my double case, but it's a good idea to print out the letter and take it along - you never know.
You are allowed both your instrument AND a carry-on.
As for the gate, I agree with Ed: Just sling it on your back and walk on. If it becomes a problem on board, stay calm and ask questions, don't boss.
Good luck, and have a safe trip!
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Author: BflatNH
Date: 2011-06-14 15:24
Thanks for the TSA letter. Notwithstanding what the airlines say, I wondered what the actual experiences were, and thanks for that.
USAir says under baggage/special items:
"Musical instruments
Musical instruments are considered a fragile item. Fragile items will be accepted as checked baggage if they are appropriately packaged in a container/case designed for shipping such items. Fragile items without appropriate packaging will be accepted upon the execution of a release furnished by US Airways relieving US Airways of liability for loss/damage of checked baggage.
Musical instruments are permitted as carry-on baggage as long as they can be safely stowed and have dimensions no greater than 75 in/190 cm (length + width + height).
US Airways allows customers to carry their musical instrument in the cabin with them if the instrument exceeds the size restrictions for carry-on baggage and/or the customer believes that the instrument is too fragile to be handled as checked baggage. To do this:
* The customer must purchase an extra seat for the instrument. Cost of the seat is the applicable adult fare for the portions of the flight that the extra seat is requested plus sales tax.
* The musical instrument must be secured in or against a window seat (not in an Emergency Exit Row).
* The customer must be seated in the seat directly next to the instrument.
* Seat baggage must not weigh more than 170 lbs/77 kg and must meet the size restrictions based on aircraft type.
* Cellos and bass violas will only be accepted as seat baggage."
I still wonder about the smaller connecting aircraft that has trouble accommodating regular carry-on luggage. Does a smaller aircraft also have a 'closet' that can be used?
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