Musical Instruments as Carry-On Luggage

[sonicus]

Hello to all !
 
There is help on the way regarding new legislation to make it easier to take your musical instruments on the plane with you rather then the great risk and loss or damage as cargo in the baggage compartment due to rough handling and such.  
 
    Please help by reading and signing this petition  , we can do this together!
   
My sincere thanks to all.
 
Wolf________ AKA  Sonicus
 
http://afl.salsalabs.com/o/5873/c/777/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1924
 
(Message edited by sonicus on April 27, 2011)

[sonicus]

http://afl.salsalabs.com/o/5873/c/777/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1924
 
above is the functional link

[elwoodblue]

Signed and shared,
 
thanks Wolf,

[gleech]

me, too. thanks for the heads up.

[lbpesq]

I wouldn't be so quick to sign this petition, especially you bass players.  If you read it carefully, the proposed legislation provides that instruments can be carried on so long as they fit under the seat or in the overhead bin.  While my Further, in it's Calton case fits in the overhead bin on some planes, it's too big on others.  If I tried to bring it on in it's original rectangular case, I suspect it wouldn't fit in any airplane's overhead bin.  Basses are bigger and likely wouldn't fit.
 
Currently, I carry my guitar to the gate and try to sweet talk the flight attendant into putting it in the coat closet.  Nine times out of ten I'm successful.  The tenth time, I gate check it and retrieve it at the gate when we land.  
 
I'm afraid that if the under the seat or overhead bin policy becomes official, it will become more difficult to finagle one's way into the coat closet.
 
Remember, if the opposite of pro is con, then the opposite of progress is congress.  Never underestimate their ability to screw things up!
 
Bill, tgo

[sonicus]

Bill,    Thanks for the words of caution.  
 
What is interesting is that  I shared this link at the request of a Bass player;  Michael Manring. He included the link and a request to share it in his last news letter.  
 
 Wolf
 
(Message edited by sonicus on April 27, 2011)

[David Houck]

My bass really wanted to go to California, but when I showed her the United Breaks Guitars video she understood why I didn't think it was a good idea.

[sonicus]

Hi Dave , yes , that video opened a few eyes as to the rough  handling  that our loved instrument are subjected to by the transportation industry.
 
      Michael Manring  constantly travels all over the world  via the airlines with  his Bass's and travel rig. I spoke with him about what equipment and instruments he flies with recently at a local show.
 
Here is a link to his website;
http://www.manthing.com/Manthing/home.html

[David Houck]

What did he say about what he travels with when you spoke to him?  I imagine that would have been pretty interesting.
 
My biggest concern, apart from the fact that I don't have a flight case, was the connection at Dallas/Fort Worth; if my flights had been direct, my confidence level would have been higher.  As it turned out, my return flight through Dallas/Fort Worth was cancelled while I was sitting in the plane ready to leave the terminal.  Then the plane for my rescheduled flight through Miami was taken out of service right before I was to board.  On the flight I actually was able to take, through Chicago, I had to rush to get to the gate for my connecting flight to Charlotte.  I ended up getting home twelve hours behind schedule.  Given all of that, I'm really glad my bass wasn't being shuttled around from plane to plane to plane to plane.

[lbpesq]

If I have to change planes for a trip, I'll only bring my Veillette Gryphon, (12 string tenor guitar w/ 18.5 scale, 32.5 length), Baby Taylor, or Hofner Shorty travel electric, all of which fit in any overhead bin.  I only bring the good stuff on direct flights, just in case they make me gate check.  I certainly don't trust the airlines when it comes to changing planes.  In that regard, I always carry an extra change of clothes and toiletries in my carry-on.  
 
Glad you made it home in one piece and still during this century, Dave!  It was great to see you again at the gathering.
 
Bill, tgo

[sonicus]

Dave , it was great to chat & meet with you at the gathering. During my conversation with Michael  about his  travels via air flight he mentioned that he takes a Zon Hyperbass and a Zon VB . The amps and speakers  were  Markbass. He is a great person to talk with and I always look forward to making a visit when he plays locally.I participated in a clinic of his back in the early 1990's . He has a few shows & clinics soon that I hope to check out.

[pauldo]

The way I see it even if you can fit an instrument in an overhead bin you still need to stake your claim for space.  Which isn't that easy these days.
 
Some travellers behavior whilst cramming their over-sized and over-the-minimum quantity of 'carry on' items into the overhead bins is nothing short of disturbing. I would guess that if you are not one of the first on a plane that there would be a very slim chance of finding room in an overhead bin for an instrument (unless it is a harmonica).

[edwin]

Calton case. Checked bass. Problem solved. My basses are meant to be played, so they go where I need them.
 
 
Still, I think it's worth signing the petition, as it's a step in the right direction.

[poor_nigel]

United Breaks Guitars:  Don't know if anyone posted this yet, but it is a catchy tune, and kind of fits the thread.
 
A musician named Dave Carroll recently had difficulty with United Airlines. United apparently damaged his treasured Taylor guitar ($3500) during a flight. Dave spent over 9 months trying to get United to pay for damages caused by baggage handlers to his custom Taylor guitar. During his final exchange with the United Customer Relations Manager, he stated that he was left with no choice other than to create a music video for youtube exposing their lack of cooperation. The Manager responded: 'Good luck with that one, pal.'  
 
So he posted a retaliatory video on youtube. The video has since received almost 10 million hits . United Airlines contacted the musician and attempted settlement in exchange for pulling the video. Naturally his response was: 'Good luck with that one, pal.' Taylor Guitars sent the musician 2 new custom guitars in appreciation for the product recognition from the video that has lead to a sharp increase in orders.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YGc4zOqozo&NR=1

[David Houck]

Thomas, I mentioned it up thread, but you've included a link and summary of the story, for those unfamiliar (and if you haven't seen it, check it out; it's a really cool video).