Dear Arle,
Marjy Fiddler and I have had good success checking our hurdy gurdies,
flying both internationally and nationally. We bought the large size beer
coolers, the ones with a handle on one end and wheels on the other. Then,
we found a place that custom fits foam. We had them create a space inside
for the gurdy. Then, we glued straps to the inside edges so that we could
"velcro" the instruments in place. Once it's closed, we wrapped it with
strapping tape.
So far, no damage has ensued and we've had many fun conversations about
the beer we're carrying around with us. Picture us trolling along with
this beer cooler in airports, train stations, etc. Also, you can sit on
the cooler and play, if need be. For future reference, the cooler plus foam
plus instrument weigh in at just under 15 kilograms, which happens to be the
limit for Ryan Air.
Yes, it's slightly oversize, BUT we've both flown a number of times with
no hassle ( and nary a dime in excess). If you need to pay a little extra
for the oversize, this may be less than the UPS bill.
If you would like more details, please write me off list and I'll do my
best.
Yours,
Chris Wright
On Thu, Jul 31, 2008 at 3:55 PM, Dana R Gregory <
[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Just a thought. Maybe you would be better off simply shipping via UPs or
> Fedex a few days before you fly. It will arrive at it's destination and you
> can insure it for full value. It you let the airline handle it, it may end
> up in Tahiti in pieces and it will be uninsured. At least with UPS or Fedex
> you will be able to track it and if it is damaged, you will have recourse,
> unlike with the airline.
>
>
> --- On Thu, 7/31/08, Arle Lommel <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> > From: Arle Lommel <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> > Subject: [HG] Transporting a HG as checked luggage
> > To: hg@hurdygurdy.com
> > Date: Thursday, July 31, 2008, 3:16 PM
> > Hi all,
> >
> > I know that the answer will be to NOT do what I need to do,
> > but
> > setting aside the "correct" answer, I need some
> > practical advice. I
> > may be transporting a severely damaged HG (the sound board
> > is in
> > several pieces) to Hungary for its owner when I go. It will
> > need to be
> > checked baggage in this case (no, I don't think
> > I'll be able to hand
> > carry it). I will be flying on KLM, so I'm subject to
> > Northwest's
> > luggage policy (
> > http://www.nwa.com/travel/luggage/checked.html ) and
> > they are the strictest of the airlines about luggage as far
> > as I can
> > tell. According to those restrictions, I will be limited to
> > a total of
> > 62 inches combined height, width, and length. I am
> > concerned about
> > whether the instrument can fit in those dimensions with
> > packing
> > materials. If it doesn't fit, I can't take it as
> > the over-size charges
> > are insane.
> >
> > Now, assuming I can make it fit, how would you pack a HG
> > knowing it
> > would go through the hell of the luggage processing system.
> > Is there
> > any way to be reasonably sure that it would make it? The
> > owner is
> > going to take it to the UPS store to see what they can do
> > within the
> > needed guidelines, but anything you could tell about the
> > best way to
> > pack it would be greatly appreciated.
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Arle
>
