Part of this depends on the size of the plane. If the horn is in a gig bag flung over your shoulder, usually nobody says anything until you then try to fit it in the overhead compartment. Some planes have the room, and others do not. If the attendant notices that you are struggling with it, then the trouble begins. Oftentimes, however, you get a sympathetic attendant, and your horn gets safely stored in a closet in first class. If they are not so nice and insist that you check it (which of course you do not want to do in a gig bag) then you need to make a fuss.
A good alternative, one I have used, is to put the horn in a hard case, with extra foam or bubble wrap to keep it from moving, and then put the case in a cardboard shipping box that is also well padded. Assuming it is your only checked luggage, you should meet the weight requirement, and also be as safe as possible against the luggage gorilla who is less than gentle putting it on the conveyer belt. In other words, pack it as if you were shipping it by common carrier. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Mara Cushion Sent: Wednesday, October 04, 2006 10:29 PM To: horn@music.memphis.edu Subject: [Hornlist] airline security again Hey guys: I am fully aware that I have asked this before and I'm going to do it again with the slim possibility that things have either changed, or someone has newer information to offer me. I am flying from Detroit to JFK airport (NYC) on Northwest Airlines at the end of this month with a fixed bell horn. My purpose for going to NYC is to have the bell detached. I am obviously concerned about getting it on the plane without having it checked. Does anyone have any advice or opinions? Thanks, Mara _______________________________________________ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music2.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/pandolfi%40deerfield.edu _______________________________________________ post: horn@music.memphis.edu unsubscribe or set options at http://music2.memphis.edu/mailman/options/horn/archive%40jab.org
