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Flying with multiple instruments-or what I did to get there-a piper's tale
Flying with multiple instruments-or what I did to get there-a piper's tale
I started a thread about flying with multiple instruments awhile ago and wrote that I tell what happened when I flew with three pieces of carryon, one shoulder bag and two instruments cases.
I usually travel with a roller type luggage that gets checked in-swiss army implement of mass distruction in the shave kit; a shoulder bag with a laptop computer, palm plus other electronics as carryon. I wanted to bring my uilleann pipes (doh!!)and fiddle to the San Francisco Pipers Club tionol this last week end, but was concerned they I would have to check one or the other instrument.
I flew in and out of Ontario, CA to Oakland, CA on wonderous South West Airlines-don't get me started!!!
I downloaded the TSA letter that Zina and others told me about, made copies and stuffed them in the cases.
I got to Ontario, 2 hours early and checked my luggage and got into and out of the security line fairly quickly-no hassles; they opened the pipe case and gazed with wonder on the assorted pieces. I had a "B" que so I was in the second group that bordered. I got overhead storage with no problem. Yes, the flite was full (alleged 3:30 pm take off, but was really 4:15 and change) and some of the last group had to check their carryon. SO, going was no problem!! I wanted to think that the TSA person saw the two instrument cases and knew about carryon rules.
Coming back, I got to Oakland airport around 11am for a 12:45pm flight. One major diffrence was that the handle to the fiddle case broke (grrr) and I was carrying it slung over my shoulder, rather than doubled up with my pipe case ( another fiddle case). I got to the TSA entry point but was denied entry because I had three carryon pieces. I went to SWA counter, got a supervisor and showed him the letter; after some conferencing behind closed doors with others (I assume), they let me on, with the supervisor telling the TSA person that instruments don't count as carryon-his words. I'm sure if you tried to do that with a double bass that some one would get upset. They didn't even bother opening both cases-darn. I was the second person on the plane and had no problems putting things in the overhead. The 12:45 flight really left at 1:30 and was not as full as the previous flight
Lessons: be early, smile, have the letter in hand and be firm. I wasn't ready to put my pipes/fiddle in the baggage compartment without a fight.
Re: Flying with multiple instruments-or what I did to get there-a piper's tale
This looks promising ...
Does this only apply to US airlines and travel *within* the US? I only ask because I'm going to Ireland in a few weeks (flying Aer Lingus, of course), and had decided not to bring my guitar, mainly to limit carryon baggage (not to be confused with "carrion baggage"), and I refuse to check her. My plan was to buy a 2nd hand guitar upon arrival, and sell it back on departure (or leave at a pub as a donation).
Thoughts, anyone??
Re: Flying with multiple instruments-or what I did to get there-a piper's tale
jawhol, mein uber gruppen pipen furhrer-oops, one pints too many- the original thread had fly fishing in it so flying banjos isn't out of line.
If I were to fly overseas, I would see if I could take my instrument of choice as a second carry on and not try for a third piece- just my thoughts. It would be interesting to get someone from over seas to comment.
Re: Flying with multiple instruments-or what I did to get there-a piper's tale
A good friend of mine who plays fiddle always used to tell the person who tried to get her to check it that she'd check it if she could get a signed piece of paper from the person in question stating that they knew the fiddle was worth ~€6000, and that they would guarantee that it'd be safe as checked baggage. She always got to carry it on.
I travelled with instruments (flute & fiddle) quite a bit in the last year - both within the US and Ireland-US & back - and never had any hassle, although the fiddle did once have to go in one of the staff storage lockers once on the plane, because of space restrictions. That was ok by me. I did also always have that TSA letter with me. Can't hurt, really. To be honest, I was more worried about being forced to pay import duty on instruments on my way into the relevant countries. Luckily that didn't happen either.
Re: Flying with multiple instruments-or what I did to get there-a piper's tale
Grego- yeah I noticed that as well. Fiddle cases/Pipe cases are notoriously out of spec when it comes to sizes. I think both of my cases are 6 inches (shhhh-don't let SWA hear) too long. BUT, people fly with guitar gig cases so maybe its a don't be pushy and "my prescious" will be in the cabin with you.
Re: Flying with multiple instruments-or what I did to get there-a piper's tale
I haven't flown yet with my entire ensemble of instruments, including a bodhran. I am plagued by thinking of the round bodhran case being suspect and a joke I heard. In the 1970's, a guy comes into a Northern Ireland pub with a round case. The bar keep looks frigthened, then asks, "what's in the case?" The man says "its a land mine for the British Garrison outside. The bar keep gives a big sigh of relief. "Thank goodness, I thought it was a bodhran."
Flying with multiple instruments-or what I did to get there-a piper's tale
Flying with multiple instruments-or what I did to get there-a piper's tale
I started a thread about flying with multiple instruments awhile ago and wrote that I tell what happened when I flew with three pieces of carryon, one shoulder bag and two instruments cases.
I usually travel with a roller type luggage that gets checked in-swiss army implement of mass distruction in the shave kit; a shoulder bag with a laptop computer, palm plus other electronics as carryon. I wanted to bring my uilleann pipes (doh!!)and fiddle to the San Francisco Pipers Club tionol this last week end, but was concerned they I would have to check one or the other instrument.
I flew in and out of Ontario, CA to Oakland, CA on wonderous South West Airlines-don't get me started!!!
I downloaded the TSA letter that Zina and others told me about, made copies and stuffed them in the cases.
I got to Ontario, 2 hours early and checked my luggage and got into and out of the security line fairly quickly-no hassles; they opened the pipe case and gazed with wonder on the assorted pieces. I had a "B" que so I was in the second group that bordered. I got overhead storage with no problem. Yes, the flite was full (alleged 3:30 pm take off, but was really 4:15 and change) and some of the last group had to check their carryon. SO, going was no problem!! I wanted to think that the TSA person saw the two instrument cases and knew about carryon rules.
Coming back, I got to Oakland airport around 11am for a 12:45pm flight. One major diffrence was that the handle to the fiddle case broke (grrr) and I was carrying it slung over my shoulder, rather than doubled up with my pipe case ( another fiddle case). I got to the TSA entry point but was denied entry because I had three carryon pieces. I went to SWA counter, got a supervisor and showed him the letter; after some conferencing behind closed doors with others (I assume), they let me on, with the supervisor telling the TSA person that instruments don't count as carryon-his words. I'm sure if you tried to do that with a double bass that some one would get upset. They didn't even bother opening both cases-darn. I was the second person on the plane and had no problems putting things in the overhead. The 12:45 flight really left at 1:30 and was not as full as the previous flight
Lessons: be early, smile, have the letter in hand and be firm. I wasn't ready to put my pipes/fiddle in the baggage compartment without a fight.
So that's what I did on my vacation
# Posted on February 24th 2005 by I_Fel
Re: Flying with multiple instruments-or what I did to get there-a piper's tale
what are these papers you are talking about? They could be helpful to me if I ever want to travel with an instrument(s)
# Posted on February 24th 2005 by banana512
Re: Flying with multiple instruments-or what I did to get there-a piper's tale
use this to get your copy:
http://www.local1000.com/pdf/carryon.pdf
It would only work here! don't know about the rest of the world.
We don't need no steenking pa-pahs
# Posted on February 24th 2005 by I_Fel
Re: Flying with multiple instruments-or what I did to get there-a piper's tale
thankyou
# Posted on February 24th 2005 by banana512
Re: Flying with multiple instruments-or what I did to get there-a piper's tale
happy flying with instruments
# Posted on February 24th 2005 by I_Fel
Re: Flying with multiple instruments-or what I did to get there-a piper's tale
Oh, riiiiiiiight.
I thought this was a thread about actual flying instruments.
Be cool if they could fly
Oh look! A flying Banjo
# Posted on February 24th 2005 by Folkie Junkie
Re: Flying with multiple instruments-or what I did to get there-a piper's tale
From reading Michael Eskin's comments about a certain banjo player, one might be inclined to think that banjos could indeed fly.
(With the proper force applied, anyway).
# Posted on February 24th 2005 by Tunes!
Re: Flying with multiple instruments-or what I did to get there-a piper's tale
This looks promising ...
Does this only apply to US airlines and travel *within* the US? I only ask because I'm going to Ireland in a few weeks (flying Aer Lingus, of course), and had decided not to bring my guitar, mainly to limit carryon baggage (not to be confused with "carrion baggage"), and I refuse to check her. My plan was to buy a 2nd hand guitar upon arrival, and sell it back on departure (or leave at a pub as a donation).
Thoughts, anyone??
# Posted on February 24th 2005 by FyfferGuy
Re: Flying with multiple instruments-or what I did to get there-a piper's tale
Thanx I_fel will keep that one for when next in US.
ps. looks like US only to me..... Worth a try if you're a good bluffer though.
# Posted on February 25th 2005 by Matt&Clare
Re: Flying with multiple instruments-or what I did to get there-a piper's tale
Your papers please mein herr........it appears your papers are not in order......
# Posted on February 25th 2005 by meemtp
Re: Flying with multiple instruments-or what I did to get there-a piper's tale
jawhol, mein uber gruppen pipen furhrer-oops, one pints too many- the original thread had fly fishing in it so flying banjos isn't out of line.
If I were to fly overseas, I would see if I could take my instrument of choice as a second carry on and not try for a third piece- just my thoughts. It would be interesting to get someone from over seas to comment.
# Posted on February 25th 2005 by I_Fel
Re: Flying with multiple instruments-or what I did to get there-a piper's tale
How about the size of the instrument case, though? The letter doesn't really address that.
# Posted on February 25th 2005 by grego
Re: Flying with multiple instruments-or what I did to get there-a piper's tale
A good friend of mine who plays fiddle always used to tell the person who tried to get her to check it that she'd check it if she could get a signed piece of paper from the person in question stating that they knew the fiddle was worth ~€6000, and that they would guarantee that it'd be safe as checked baggage. She always got to carry it on.
I travelled with instruments (flute & fiddle) quite a bit in the last year - both within the US and Ireland-US & back - and never had any hassle, although the fiddle did once have to go in one of the staff storage lockers once on the plane, because of space restrictions. That was ok by me. I did also always have that TSA letter with me. Can't hurt, really. To be honest, I was more worried about being forced to pay import duty on instruments on my way into the relevant countries. Luckily that didn't happen either.
Deirdre
# Posted on February 26th 2005 by fluter_d
Re: Flying with multiple instruments-or what I did to get there-a piper's tale
Grego- yeah I noticed that as well. Fiddle cases/Pipe cases are notoriously out of spec when it comes to sizes. I think both of my cases are 6 inches (shhhh-don't let SWA hear) too long. BUT, people fly with guitar gig cases so maybe its a don't be pushy and "my prescious" will be in the cabin with you.
# Posted on February 26th 2005 by I_Fel
Re: Flying with multiple instruments-or what I did to get there-a piper's tale
I haven't flown yet with my entire ensemble of instruments, including a bodhran. I am plagued by thinking of the round bodhran case being suspect and a joke I heard. In the 1970's, a guy comes into a Northern Ireland pub with a round case. The bar keep looks frigthened, then asks, "what's in the case?" The man says "its a land mine for the British Garrison outside. The bar keep gives a big sigh of relief. "Thank goodness, I thought it was a bodhran."
# Posted on February 26th 2005 by CeolCairdeas
Re: Flying with multiple instruments-or what I did to get there-a piper's tale
mine was instead of a "landmine" it was 40 lbs of C4 ( a plastic explosive)
# Posted on March 2nd 2005 by I_Fel