 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: RunnerSean
Date: 2013-06-27 16:08
I will be bringing my clarinets with me on a long-haul flight on my own for the first time and I would like to ask for help with this:
1) Upon boarding:
Has anyone experienced problems bringing 2 bags onto the plane in Economy class for an airline like Emirates? I am bringing my double case and a backpack for essentials like jacket, flying document and medication. I am checking-in my luggage.
2) Upon arrival:
Has anyone encountered problems clearing the security with your instruments when you landed? I heard of a recent change in the instruments law in certain German airports which saw a couple of instruments confiscated.
Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Best,
SL
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Author: rtaylor
Date: 2013-06-27 16:49
I've gone to Europe multiple times with my instruments and carry an additional briefcase. I never had a problem with 2 bags. I've flown both European airlines and US domestic with no problems. (i.e Lufthansa, Swiss Air and Delta respectively).
I've traveled to Germany most recently in March 2013 with no customs problems. I don't declare anything because the instruments are my personal property and I am not importing anything to sell. I travel under a US passport so that may make a difference.
Everyone has difference experiences but I have had no trouble over the last ten years. I have taken my instruments to Europe about ten time during that time.
Robert
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Author: gemini-clarinet
Date: 2013-06-27 17:11
I just flew to China on American Airlines for a concert tour right after Christmas. I had a travel bag with enough room for my double case, medication, passport, reeds and other equipment and had no problems with boarding or security. The only thing I would warn you about is that if you use a reed knife, check it in your luggage. They will probably confiscate it.
Barry
Tucson, AZ
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Author: TomA ★2017
Date: 2013-06-27 20:34
I live in Germany. While I have never had a problem flying in and out with my clarinet, I have heard horror stories of expensive instruments or other items being confiscated at German customs (e.g. Stradivarius violins come to mind) or tax being levied.
It would be prudent to have proof of ownership with you (e.g. purchase receipt). Even if you don't declare anything, you can be "randomly" searched on the way through customs.
If they think you will sell it here, they will be interested....but it is highly unlikely you will have a problem.
For the worst-case scenario, see for example this link:
http://www.artsjournal.com/slippeddisc/2013/02/oh-no-a-fourth-asian-player-has-violin-seized-at-frankfurt-airport.html
Good luck.
Tom Addison
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2013-06-27 21:13
Most airlines allow one carry on and one personnel bag, that can be your clarinet. I'd suggest you check with the airlines on their web sites to see what restrictions they may have. Everything is changing so fast. I was going to mention the reed knife too, even a screw driver, put them in your luggage. I can't believe any place would conficate a set of clarinet that are for personnel use, that would be a new one on me. Musicians carry instruments all over the world.
ESP eddiesclarinet.com
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Author: gemini-clarinet
Date: 2013-06-27 21:29
I forgot to pack my tiny screwdriver in the suitcase and I got it through on the trip over. Chinese security did confiscate many of the string players rosin though.
Post Edited (2013-06-27 21:30)
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Author: JonTheReeds
Date: 2013-06-27 21:42
I've flown 3 or 4 times with budget airlines and packed everything into a small rucksack so I can just walk off the plane and out of the airport without having to wait for the luggage to be unloaded. Never had any problems with security or x-ray machines
It does help that my clarinet case is small (Yamaha 650) as there's just enough room to pack a few clothes as well, otherwise the size of the bag wouldn't pass the strict budget rules on hand luggage size
--------------------------------------
The older I get, the better I was
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2013-06-28 00:52
English inspectors have made infamous, contradictory decisions. A string quartet was hired, all expenses paid, to play at a festival in London. One inspector routinely passed the two violinists and the violist, but another confiscated the cellist's instrument as a Dangerous Weapon. A CELLO END PIN CAN KILL. The concert had to be cancelled.
At least in the U.S., this insanity is, in theory, taken care of by official Transportation Security Administration policy documents http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/musical-instruments.
Make SUPER sure to put in your checked baggage all items that even a paranoid could imagine able to cause injury. Reed knives, screwdrivers, reed clippers, sharpening stones, glass sanding plates, an extra pivot screw, or even reeds. (They have sharp edges.)
If you have a crack that's been pinned, bring an x-ray to show that it's an internal repair.
As Euripides probably did not say, Whom the god would destroy, they first make mad.
We live in mad times.
Ken Shaw
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Author: sonicbang
Date: 2013-06-28 05:38
Make sure your reed knife and the screwdriver is not in your case. Two package shouldn't be a problem if the double case is not too big. There is a size restriction I belive. And bring the original invoice for your instruments if you have, you may need it in some cases.
Post Edited (2013-06-28 05:39)
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Author: sowilson
Date: 2013-06-28 15:22
If you are an American traveling abroad and have musical instruments that are of foreign or unknown origin, I suggest that you fill in a "Registration for Dutiable Personal Articles Prior to U.S. Departure" form (CF4457). This will require you to bring the instruments (or any foreign made high value article) to a US customs office prior to your trip to get the form filled out. Makes it a lot easier when arrive back home.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2013-06-28 15:25
Grenadilla is not (yet) listed as an endangered and protected species. Be glad you don't play guitar, where a single ebony fret can get you prosecuted, and get the entire instrument confiscated. If Vladimir Horowitz were alive today and tried to travel with his personal Steinway, the ivory topped keys would get him thrown under the jail.
We live in insane times.
Ken Shaw
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Author: donald
Date: 2013-06-28 19:35
Ah i remember the good old days...
In 1991 i flew San Francisco-Auckland with (as hand luggage) a double clarinet case, a giant tramping pack AND a black plastic rubbish bag full of clothes/shoes/books that i couldn't fit in my luggage...
and they let me on the plane, a miracle.
If you want to be SURE you'll have no trouble- get a bag/case cover for the double case so you can carry clarinets/documents/medication etc in one bag, wear the jacket as you board.
dn
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Author: gemini-clarinet
Date: 2013-06-28 21:35
I was a cruise ship musician in the mid 90s and was able to carry my alto and tenor saxophones, clarinet and flute on the plane - at no additional charge.
Post Edited (2013-06-28 21:36)
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Author: RunnerSean
Date: 2013-06-29 14:15
Thank you all for sharing your stories. They are definitely very helpful!
Best,
SL
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Author: Tony F
Date: 2013-06-29 14:36
As a curious aside, I frequently ship used musical instruments of various persuasions to and from Australia from wherever I find them or to wherever I need them to go and have never had a problem either way. I don't cheat or shortcut on descriptions and all declarations necessary are fully and correctly filled in.
Tony F.
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