Author Topic: Travelling by air with your instrument (Read 174 times)

David Houck · « **on:** July 07, 2009, 01:22:17 PM »

This subject has been discussed quite a few times in the past on this forum, so I thought a few of you might find this video to be of interest. The more discerning of you will notice the Full Story behind the making of the video in the more info section to the right of the video. As an aside, a played this on my laptop and it sounds pretty good.

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** July 07, 2009, 01:57:26 PM »

I just watched it again.

The longer version of the background story is here.

georgie_boy · « **Reply #2 on:** July 07, 2009, 02:17:10 PM »

This is a horror story!
We all know, that when we fly with our instruments, it's a nerve shattering experience!
I must give full marks to Swissair.
When my girlfriend and I flew from London to her country retreat in Lugano Switzerland,I called the airline in London to explain the situation, and they said that they would do everything possible to help...even boarding with an Alembic bass! They boarded us first, put my bass in the overhead compartment, and checked it regularly during the flight!
Same on the way back!!
Top quality service........and a beautiful country!!
I think, that without a flight case, we would all be a nervous wreck when flying with a valuable instrument!
I just have the original case, but these people REALLY treated us as CLASS!!
Just my $0.02 worth

George

georgie_boy · « **Reply #3 on:** July 07, 2009, 02:28:30 PM »

Just a By the way
I flew to the Canary Islands, off the coast of North Africa with one of my basses. The company was Century 2000 ??
I checked the bass on landing, at the pickup point,and...still in tune!!!
Not my Series by the way!!............but goes to show that it's not always temp and humidity that cause problems!??
The bass played perfectly (unlike me) for the whole period (48 degrees C!!) and was still perfect when I returned to Edinburgh!!
Seems you American dudes have some serious problems over there!!!

G

(Message edited by georgie_boy on July 07, 2009)

(Message edited by georgie_boy on July 07, 2009)

jbybj · « **Reply #4 on:** July 07, 2009, 04:21:03 PM »

This is why I don't own a gun. In the same situation I would have shot those f****r's. But when you get right down to it, I'd rather not be killing people. So I just don't let myself have one.

JBY

David Houck · « **Reply #5 on:** July 07, 2009, 06:03:32 PM »

Interestingly, the video has been out less than a full day, but as a result Robin Urbanski, a spokeswoman for Chicago-based United, said late Tuesday afternoon that the airline has changed its course and wants to speak with Mr. Carroll today to settle the matter. (source)

olieoliver · « **Reply #6 on:** July 07, 2009, 07:25:51 PM »

Most definately a pass the buck horror story.

But I will give Dave Carrol kudos, this is a prime example of when Life deals you lemons ....you make lemon aid. Bravo Dave Carrol Bravo....

OO

olieoliver · « **Reply #7 on:** July 07, 2009, 07:41:48 PM »

Robin Urbanski, a spokeswoman for Chicago-based United, said late Tuesday afternoon that the airline has changed its course and wants to speak with Mr. Carroll today to settle the matter.
It's amazing what a little bass press will accomplish.
Makes you wonder though, what would have done before youtube and the internet.

Yes sir the worlds a changing!

sonicus · « **Reply #8 on:** July 07, 2009, 07:43:59 PM »

Flying with our instruments is always a nerve wrenching ordeal.

TSI can be really , wreckless and indifferent as well when it comes to searching your carry on items . One time at the Dallas/Ft Worth
Airport I stopped a TSI guard from picking up my rare 1947 Selmer Paris trumpet by the Bell. I said EMPHATICALLY _ don't pick up my trumpet that way, I am glad that I stopped him on time and he was not able to touch my horn because of my command , _ but I guess that he didn't like my tone of voice and called over the BLUE MEANIES !!!!!

The 2 superintendent TSI guys came over ready for action and spoke to the TSI guy whom I had stopped WHATS THE PROBLEMthey asked. He answered This guy refused to have his carry on searched. Luckily several other people including my Wife who was next to me interjected and said ' NO THAT'S NOT WHAT'S HAPPENING HERE____ HE SAID DON'T PICK UP MY TRUMPET THAT WAY !.
They then looked at me and I spoke out calmly and said that a trumpet should be picked up by the valve casings to prevent damage.
I have no problem with your inspection if you don't break my horn OK they said We can respect that request come this way_
So they led me of to the side and then had me completely disassemble my horn in front of them while they watched and scanned various parts of the horn for EXPLOSIVES__ !!!!! REALLY !!!!! NO LIE !!!!!! I stayed calm cool and collected the entire time and just took in this experience like I was watching a comedy show like Saturday night live_______________ I am glad that we showed up early for TSI inspection because this entire event took over 45 minutes before they were done . My wife said latter that she was proud of me that I kept my COOL because she really thought that they looked like they would have loved to have detained me if i had not remained COOL

2400wattman · « **Reply #9 on:** July 08, 2009, 06:27:28 AM »

In my band we had to acquire enough gear(same gear actually) so we could avoid flying with our gear. We now have our other equipment truck waiting for us at whatever airport we fly into if need be and has been a life saver for us. Prior to this we had most of the gear(amps, drums, cabs, etc.) but we still had to fly with at least three guitars, one bass, one keyboard(in a gig bag!!!), efx pedal board, cymbal case, snare drum and a theremin. What a pain in the ass, especially with a bitchy guitarist and a whiny drummer!
We would wrap tape around the guitar cases and never had a problem ( we flew Southwest 99% of the time) except one instance when I had to park the truck after dropping everybody off and asked my guitarist (at the time) to do the duty and wrap the cases with tape.
When we arrived to our destination no tape on the cases not even his prized Les Paul! Everything was there but that was the only REAL heart wrenching moment I've had from flying with our gear.

lbpesq · « **Reply #10 on:** July 08, 2009, 08:08:14 AM »

Makes you wonder though, what would have done before youtube and the internet.?

About 20 years ago, a buddy of mine bought a new Ford van that was a lemon. After repeatedly trying to get relief from the dealer, regional rep, Ford HQ, etc., to no avail, he made big signs proclaiming it a lemon and explaining Ford's indifference and mounted them on the van. Then he traveled around to famous places (Mt. Rushmore, Grand Canyon, etc.), and at each place he took a pic of the van parked in front with the signs and mailed a copy to Ford. He got a new van.

Bill, tgo

benson_murrensun · « **Reply #11 on:** July 09, 2009, 09:19:06 AM »

Check this link, for a humorous (well, maybe not) tune about this stuff.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YGc4zOqozo

olieoliver · « **Reply #12 on:** July 09, 2009, 09:30:12 AM »

HMMM,...... now where have I seen that before....

benson_murrensun · « **Reply #13 on:** July 09, 2009, 09:48:11 AM »

Oooops! Guess I wasn't paying attention! Sorry, everybody for the repitition. Thanks for the kind nudge, Olie.