Flying with steel: Carry on?

Dave Zirbel · From: Sebastopol, CA USA

Has anyone taken their steel as carry on baggage on a flight before? My Kline is only 32 inches long in the case. I could put the legs and rack in my luggage. I have other options but I would feel better if I had her with me. Very Happy

dz

Bill Hatcher · From: Atlanta Ga. USA

One of the factors that the airlines used sometimes to not allow it carried on is that it can be used as a blunt force trauma weapon. There have been posts here by players who have been turned down under this explanation by the airlines.

The musicians union has an aggreement with some of the carriers that you can present your union card as proof that you are indeed a pro musician and that will get your instrument in the overhead if it will fit. Most of this applies to violin, trumpet, flutes etc. Stuff that will easily fit in the overheads.

If the steel falls in the guidelines with size requirements and fits in the overhead bin, you might try it. Is it a single neck? If not, I would not even think they would let you.

Roger Rettig · From: Naples, FL

I've carried mine on many times - I've found that if you can bluff your way past the check-in desk, then lift it on to the security conveyor-belt while creating the impression that it's as light as a feather, everyone you encounter after that is just focussed on getting you on the 'plane and away.

I did once have to lift my Emmons D10 into an overhead bin ( Sad

), but mostly I've had flight attendants find a spot for it.

Of course, I may just have been lucky, but I'd hate to think what could happen to it if I 'checked' it!!!

RR

Ron Brennan · From: Orlando, Florida, USA; Formerly, Edison, NJ

Hi Dave,

I am with a major carrier at EWR. I posted this on Non-Pedal April 8th, 2005 if you want more info in this archive. Search the above title and you'll get more info. Don Kona Woods who asked this question did quite well. I hope it helps you. Merry Xmas....TX

Rgds,

Ron
See Below:

I've been in the Airline business for nearly 40 years (ruined my steel guitar career, juss kidding) and there is no one tip that covers it all. It varies from carrier to carrier. But I'll try to give you some experienced advice.

1. Always check in early. This will allow you time to discuss the matter with the employees at the counter just what your options are.

2. Try to carry it on. In many cases, your double neck should fit most overhead bins. Very important, ask if you can check it at the gate if you are not allowed to bring it on board. Further, request to have it returned at the arrival destination gate. You are trying to limit the bag belt system and additional handling on baggage carts etc. This is where most things can get damaged. The case may be scrached or get abrasions, that's what it's for, to protect the instrument when traveling.

3. If they allow you to bring it on or check it at the gate, you will have to take it through security, so no sharp objects puleeeeez. Put that bad stuff in your checked baggage. You may be limited to one carry-on, so this may be it!! Limit anything else you want to carry-on. Stay cool!!

4. Explain and show them that it is a fragile instrument. ASK them to help you!!!
If your early, are nice and sincere, most of the agents will try to help you. If need be, ask for a supervisor. Dont get mad! Do not argue!!! Mad

5. Know that if the Flight is full, you may have to check it, soooo make sure you bubble or towel wrap the guitar inside the case in advance. Detune it somewhat to take tension off the necks.

6. You can call the carrier in advance and ask them what their specific policy is with regard to fragile items and how they can help you....Again, there are so many different policies, Soooo, BE EARLY, BE EARLY, BE EARLY.

7. Call Bobbe Seymour, see if he'll fly you on his plane. He does everything else!!

Don, I hope this help you and anyone else thinking about it. Happy Flying!! TX
rgds,
Ron

JCFSC member since 2005 "Be of Good Cheer"
"55" Stringmaster D8
"83" Emmons LeGrande SKH D10 8 & 5
"67" Telecaster,
"60"Fender Concert Amp 4-10's
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Dave Zirbel · From: Sebastopol, CA USA

All good advice. Thanks. It is a S12 so it's pretty light. I'll be island hopping in Hawaii with it so maybe I'll just check it in because I don't want to go through the hassle every time. My friend loaned me an ATA keyboard case that works for my rig. I can get it under 50 pounds if I put some legs and the pedal rack in my other luggage. I just hope it shows up for the gig!!

So I de-tune the guitar?

Thanks again.

Stephen Silver · From: Asheville, NC

Dave, I have traveled many an airplane mile with my pedal steel and never detuned it and never had any issues. Not so though with acoustic instruments in particular, and occasionally electric guitars and such.

I don't think you need to worry about detuning your Kline even if it is checked baggage.

Aloha!

SS
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Life is mostly Attitude and Timing

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