 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Joseph Dinwiddie
Date: 2001-11-29 22:48
I need to go to St. Louis to play clarinet in January. How about flight information? Will I be allowed to carry my clarinet. I don't trust the baggage handlers.
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Author: Pam
Date: 2001-11-29 22:57
I would call the airlines to be sure, but as long as it fits within their carry-on size limits I wouldn't think that you would have a problem. Just don't carry a reed knife!
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Author: Mandy
Date: 2001-11-29 23:00
Just curious, but what kind of gig are you doing in St. Louis? I live in the St. Louis area and haven't heard much about what's going on in January.
*Mandy*
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Author: joevacc
Date: 2001-11-30 01:09
Joseph,
Calling the airline is a very good suggestion. I have however taken many flights with my clarinet without having one bit of trouble. I know that most airlines are letting people carry on "one bag and a personal bag". If you have a small clarinet case take that. I would definitely remove all unnecessary things from the case and put them with your checked baggage, i.e. reed knifes and screw drivers.
Have a great gig and don't worry- pack smart and you will have no problem.
Best,
-=[Joe Vacc]=-
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-11-30 16:11
I fly with my instruments all the time and ditto the above recommendations. Remove all reed knives and other "forbidden" items and fit it into your carry-on case (small enough to fit under the seat or in the overhead bin). I never let my instruments out of my sight and usually put them under my feet. Never, never, never check your instrument unless you are willing to have it stolen or lost or destroyed. Thank God I don't play Cello, my friend has had hers damaged every time she flies--now she rents one when she gets to her gig--not a happy option.
The airlines are really trying to be "consumer oriented" during this difficult time and will be polite and accommodating to all honest, open and compliant passengers. If you're following the rules about knives, etc. you will be fine. They do respect musicians most of the time---unless you give them an "attitude."
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Author: Aaron
Date: 2001-12-01 15:48
I'm going to be doing graduate school auditions in the spring here. i'm auditioning on soprano and most probablly bass clarinet. My bass does go to low C so the case is considerabaly lager. What would you reccomend as far as transporting this on the airlines? I'm in the Kansas City Area now and have to go to Mannes in NY, Hartford Conn, Peabody in Baltimore and Colorado. So I'm all over the place. And definately can't drive.
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Author: Brenda Siewert
Date: 2001-12-02 20:48
If your bass clarinet in its case is larger than the allowed size for above seat cargo you'll have to check it or see if you can "escort" it to the plane and have them store it in the pilot's closet or take it down below and give it to you when you deplane. I have to do this with my guitar when I travel with it. I always carry it as far as they will allow. Sometimes it will fit in the closet right up front by the 1st class section (I hurry and try to board early so all the space isn't taken). I always appeal to the flight attendants to "understand this is a delicate and expensive musical instrument," and have flown hundreds of thousands of miles overseas and back with many plane changes without damage of any kind to my guitars by using this method.
Another tip: if you think you might have to check it in the cargo area (depending upon your airline), make sure it won't "flop" around in the case by filling in with foam or bubble wrap. Also make certain the case is locked and perhaps wrap a bicycle chain with combination lock around the case for extra safety. Be sure your name and address is on the case and you are using a hardside case that will withstand your weight if you stand on it. Then pray and check it---and run like crazy to baggage claim when the plane lands making certain to be the first in line for your stuff no matter how long it takes to start coming on the belt.
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