Flying tenors, part III

[bari_sax_diva]

Trip report, and an interesting tidbit:

Just flew last week on a three-city trip with my tenor, and flew Northwest Airlines. Had the axe in a Pro-Tec form-fitting case and was allowed to carry it on all flights. They were actually quite accomodating, allowing me to pre-board on at least half the flights I was on. Never hurts to be nice to the gate agents--they can make interesting things happen if they want to.

Nevertheless, before I left, I called the airline and found out this little bit of trivia: Checked baggage with Northwest is automatically insured to a maximum value of $2500. HOWEVER, if you want to, you can declare an additional value of up to--I think--$5K, by paying $1 for each $100 of additional value. I kept this in mind, thinking that if they made me check the horn, I'd declare a $4500 value and not worry too much about damage (I've got a Yamaha Custom tenor, and if the gorillas trash it I can always get a new one that plays just like mine did). Food for thought, for you non-vintage horn owners.

Happy trails!
-Leanne

[Selmer's_glu]

INSTRUMENTS ALLOWED AS AIRPLANE CARRY_ONS

"The Transportation Security Admin has issued an offical letter allowing musical instruments as carry-on baggae, over and above regular carry-on limits. Musicians planning to fly with their insturments should carry this letter with them, which is available on the union's Web site at www.local802afm.org."

I got this from the local union paper, this should answer all questions. My girlfriend's a stewardess (soon to be an ex-stew, upwards & onwards) & says that the smaller your case, the better chances you have for less arguements or confrontations with the gate agents. We both think that the new Phil Barone case is the "bomb" (bad joke, sorry!)

[CodyW]

Has there been any follow-up on this announcement? Has anyone had any issues taking their horn on the plane now?

[GaryLee]

Last week on a business I ran across a music store going out of business and purchased a Pro-tec contoured tenor case (old model) for $40.

I did not have my horn with me but I decided to take the empty case as a carry-on to see what would happen. I was also carrying my laptop in a small bag which fits easily under the seat.

I was flying American Airlines and the case slightly exceeds their allowable carry-on deminsions due to its length.

The first flight was a small American Eagel plane which holds about 50 passengers and was about half full. I did not pre-arrange anything at the gate, but just walked onto the plane with the case and my laptop. Despite warning announcements that the plane had limited overhead storage and that larger bags would be "red tagged" and stored below I recieved no comment from either the gate or flight attendants. The case fit in the overhead (just barely).

The connecting flight was a Super 80 (129 passengers) and completely full. Again I had no comments from the attendants and the case fit easily into the overhead.

In fact I had more problems on the shuttle bus than the plane. The bus was pretty full when I got on and the driver was jamming luggage under the bus any way he could. Although he seemed pleased that he didn't have to fit my case under the bus it turned out to be a problem for me on the bus.

It would not fit into the overhead storage on the bus so I held it vertically in my lap while other people boarded. When everyone was on and all were seated, I stood the case on its end in the aisle. The bus driver informed me that I could not keep it in the aisle even if I held it. The only alternative since it would not fit in the overhead was to keep it between my legs or in an empty seat, of which there were none near me. There was not enough room for the case and both of my legs, so I had one of my legs sticking out in the aisle which apparently was not a problem.

[sax_appeal]

Ha! I've just read about trying to get the contrabass on a plane on the Nuclear Whales site. I guess after you've just paid for one of those things the price of an extra airline ticket can't be too mauch extra. Still, its worth it to protect your sax (especially if its a Conn contrabass).

A player I talked to at his concert (Mark Walton) was unable to get his tenor and bari on as carry on so he got the music store, who was sponsoring his concert, to provide the tenor and bari (both yamaha customs/pro models). This would have been fine, except that his tenor piece required him to 'click' the keys and would have worked much better on his own sax.

I guess the lesson from that is that it really is worth it to make sure yuo can get your horn on board with you.

[-j.]

I recently flew from Philadelphia to Atlanta, with AirTran, with my Selmer Serie II soprano in a sleek Winter case. Absolutely no hassle: I didn't even have to open the case for airport security (and I was soooo ready to play "Fly Me to the Moon" for them...).

However, one of the many cats I saw play in Philly -- what a great jazz town by the way! -- was guitar legend Pat Martino. Out of curiosity, I logged on to his website and found this, in the news section, dated March '04, quote:

"To anyone carrying on guitars, or other instruments of similar size; (even if held in professional soft leather shoulder bags) aboard airplanes for travel, please take note that the airlines known as AMERICA WEST and SOUTHWEST have ruled; (in their current regulations) that instruments of certain sizes are not allowed to be brought aboard as carry on items; (in Coach, Business or First Class. This applies to all musical instruments that exceed those regulations. Please check with your travel agents regarding these conditions)."

I'm thinking if they make a big ado about a guitar, then a tenor is probably equally out of the question, maybe even an alto or a sop, since the sop at least is slightly longer than the maximum length specified by many airlines for carry-on bags. So if you're planning on flying with any of these two airlines with your horn, you may want to check for alternatives.

-j.

[sjabariiii]

Any reports lately of flying from the U.S. to Europe with a tenor?? Please share.

[hamilton]

Last month I flew Southwestern from Buffalo,N.Y. to Salt Lake City with a change in planes (both ways) in Baltimore. I flew with my Tenor in a Selmer flight case and had no problems carrying it on at all.I had made no prior arrangements.

[saxchado]

I recently returned from a month-long tour of Europe with my tenor and never had ANY problem whatsoever carrying it on. In fact, I was allowed "priority" boarding on every flight, simply because I went up and asked for it. I was using a WJ case, which is on the larger side for hard-sided (non-protec) tenor cases, so I'm sure that SKB, Berkley, Bam, Selmer and others will all be fine.

I think a big part of it is to smile and let them know that you don't want to be a problem. I may have received different reactions had I simply surprised them with my oversized carry-on.

best of luck to you!!

PS: don't let them make you check it with your luggage....even if they "guarantee" that you won't be able to carry it on, wait until you get to the gate and let them make that determination. At least that way, it is gate checked, and not sent through a whole bunch of careless baggage handlers.

[Thomas]

I have in many years, never had a problem with an international flight but another thing to put in your favor is when you're checking in for your flight ask the agent for a sticker for your case that says something like "approved cabin baggage" or "Cabine"-there are various versions of this-each airline has a different one. Though it is finally up to the gate agent-and the pilot-that smile and pleasant attitude does help but be ready to growl if need be.

[gary]

I'll be flying Alitalia next week and I've got a three-year-old, well-worn full-page ad from one of their flight magazines that shows passangers carrying their instruments on-board with the smiling approval of the flight attendants. I intend to keep it handy at all times. ;)

[sjabariiii]

In these international situations, was the tenor your only carryon? I need to carry a medium-sized backpack as well as my tenor.

[Thomas]

on international flights you are allowed 2 carry-on items. occassionally some airlines will allow 2 carry-ons plus your horn-but that really is up to them and how crowded the flight is. also remember to carry either your insurance policy(a copy) or your bill of sale(a copy ) recently customs has questioned some of us with french horns as to whether they were purchased while out of the usa. as an alternative and a good idea if you have the time is to go to the customs office at the airport before you go with proof of ownership(bill of sale)-they can give you a form listing your serial #'s that is official and unquestionable if you are asked. good idea for cameras and fancy watches as well.

[saxamaphonegirl]

Since there are 50 other threads about flying, I figured I'd pick one that had at least 15-20 posts in it to post this. I tried finding the one Saxes as carry-on with the ton of responses, but it says the link is dead. Poo.

So here's my rant.

Well, I usually fly American Airlines. I enjoy the added leg room and extremely polite flight attendants. They are very accomadating and sometimes let me preboard to make sure I get my horn into the overhead as fast as possible. I've always had good reason to fly American, and now I have even more.

I went home for Xmas and New Years. I enjoyed my stay, but ended up getting very ill. I had to stay in Ohio for another 4 weeks to recover and had to change my flight.

There were only a few options that I could afford, so I chose United airlines for my return trip. I won't do that again.

When I fly, I always smile and am as polite as humanly possible without seeming insincere. I give all airline employees respect, these people work hard and get the short end of the stick with nasty passengers. I guess this was reverse anger in my case.
I get on the plane, the flight attendant all but rips my horn out of my hands and tosses it (!!!! :angry4: !!!!) into the galley closet. Then she snaps at me to take my seat or I'll make the place late.
Not wanting to get in trouble with security or deplaned, I did so. The ENTIRE trip I sat there staring at the front of the plane, where the galley closet was.

She had put my sax on the top of about 3 suitcases and when we landed I watched as she yanked the suitcases out of the closet without ANY regard to my sax!!
My horn is in a protective case, so that wasn't really what concerned me. What completely outraged me was her COMPLETE LACK of respect for me and my personal property.
I may not fly first class, but da**it!!! I DESERVE to be treated with the same amount of respect and so does my property!!

I was so angry I couldn't talk. When I got home I contacted United and they told me that they would look into it. And appologized profusely then.

Now, I know it's not completely the airlines fault that this woman was just an idiot with my horn, but if United is going to hire people like this, I'm not going to chance it again.

This is why you buy the most protective case you can find. You never know what's going to happen.

[saxolution]

I just flew on Fronteir airlines for a gig, not thinking about my sax because I've always flown with it before. I called them on a whim the day before and was told that my instrument was beyond the size of the overheads (tenor in form-fitting case). I made arrangements with a former student in my destination town to borrow his new Cannonball, and flew without my Selmer.
when I got on the plane, the overheads were empty, plenty of room for my sax. I should've just taken it with me without asking, as I've always done before.
I've flown with my tenor to Europe, Hawaii, and all over the states without ever having problems.

[Saxamy]

I am just finishing a strain of graduate school auditions around the country, and in the past three weeks have been on fourteen individual planes. Usually, I fly US Airways and I generally have no problems.

In the Tallahassee airport, I had problems getting through security. "Ma'am, you have three bags!" (alto and tenor in pro tech cases, and a purse) is what I heard from them. I informed them that as a musician, I am supposed to be allowed to carry my instruments in addition to my personal item. After some time, I ended up checking my purse. I was not happy. :x

A few days later, at the airport in Jackson, Mississippi I was armed with a copy of the paper from the musician's union saying that I was allowed to carry my instruments. This time, I had stuffed all the important contents of my purse down the bell of my tenor so I only had the two bags. I was running late, and they never offered to check my small suitcase, I figured for security reasons since I was running late. Once I got to security, they informed me that I would need to check it, I told them I was fine with that. I went back to the ticket counter to check my suitcase, and the man there noticed I had something on my back and asked to see how large it was (my tenor.) He informed me that it was too large to carry on the plane, and that I was going to have to check it. I showed him my copy of the notice from the TSA, and he didn't seem to care. They told me that if I did not give them my instrument, then I was staying in Mississippi. By this time, I was being called over the loudspeaker as my plane was about to leave. Needless to say, I was quite upet. Apparently, the notice from the TSA only works on the security people - not at the ticket counter, he says. Just something to watch out for.

I have never had problems on US Airways, but a few weeks ago as I was flying home from Louisville, KY I had a close call! I got onto the plane, and did not think that my tenor would fit in the overhead. I could deal with checking it planeside, since they are generally more careful with that baggage. So, I gave it to the flight attendant who brought it to the front of the plane. I get back to my seat, and notice out the window that the woman handling the planeside luggage was CHUCKING everything AS HARD AS POSSIBLE onto the rack, of course missing - picking it up and doing it again. As soon as I saw this, I RAN to the front of the plane and grabbed my tenor - I told the flight attendant I was going to make it fit somewhere. I had to nicely convice a few people to move their things under their seats, but I finally found space for it. (I have only been on one plane where my pro-tech case did not physically fit into the overheard, and it was a small prop plane)

This is part rant, part advice. I did not realize that the notice from the TSA will not help you if the people at the ticket counter are trying to take your instrument. :x

[dirvin]

Sorry for the repeat post, but this seems to be the "Main" flying with tenors thread....

So being one of those “prepare for the worst” types, I’ve been considering getting a flight style case that I can put my compact (ProTec) case inside. (I’ve read that a lot of Bari players do this.)

Are there any Tenor players out there that do this?

One of my concerns is that the combined weight of an Anvil style case, along with the Pro Tec and Tenor, could result in some hefty extra charges due to weight. I’ve been checking out some Hardigg military style molded cases that are considerably lighter, and the combined wieght would not be excessive.

Just curious...

Dwayne

[ironpaper258]

Dirvin,
That is the exact situation I am in. I am so glad someone else shares the same problems. I agree the anvil style cases with a sax are so large, heavy and bulky that you are bound to pay extra charges.

I use my stock Yamaha tenor case, plywood is so much stronger than the thin plastic. Shape matters. If by chance you have to check a case planeside.....would you rather have a nice rectangle case (like normal luggage) or an odd shaped sax case that moves and slides around on its plastic all over the cargo hold.

- Mike

[gary]

So being one of those “prepare for the worst” types, I’ve been considering getting a flight style case that I can put my compact (ProTec) case inside.
Dwayne IMO that's not worth the irration. Get a Hiscox or a Johnson, which are compact enough that many seem to be permitted to carry them on-board, but if you can't bring it on board, they're strong enough to be reasonably protective in the baggage compartment. In this case, make sure you arrange special handling with the airlines and have good insurance.

For more on this see "the most protective case on the market" thread.

[BobbyHsu]

The consensus, here on the forum and among my friends, seems to be that shaped tenor cases stand a good chance of getting carried on. My question is, does anyone know how the Hiscox fares? The thing is, it's more or less a shaped case but since it fills in the triangular space between the upper tube and the bell, it looks bigger (even though it isn't actually bigger in the dimensions relevant to fitting the overhead).

[Randall]

Hiscox fits just fine!

By the way, while ranting about United, I couldn't agree more about their awful flight attendants.
It used to be fly the "friendly skys"....just drop the "R" from that motto and it pretty much sums up my experience with them.

[BobbyHsu]

The consensus, here on the forum and among my friends, seems to be that shaped tenor cases stand a good chance of getting carried on. My question is, does anyone know how the Hiscox fares? The thing is, it's more or less a shaped case but since it fills in the triangular space between the upper tube and the bell, it looks bigger (even though it isn't actually bigger in the dimensions relevant to fitting the overhead).

Perhaps I should narrow my question, Randall. First of all, European or Japanese flights don't count. Those guys are civilized. Secondly, I know it'll fit--I'm asking about the psychological effect on the gate attendant.

[Randall]

Bobby I haven't had any trouble at all with the flight attendants in the last couple of years or so while using the Hiscox. I also carry the TSA letter with me just in case.

I am speaking of American based airlines too.

British Airways, however, are baggage nazis. Watch out.

[BobbyHsu]

There and back, no problem! Randall, I could kiss you...


...uhh, no I wouldn't.

[Randall]

Glad you had a safe flight....
Hard to beat a Hiscox.

[gary]

There and back, no problem!
So, does this mean your Hiscox was compact enough that you were allowed to carry it on board, or strong enough that you checked it as baggage and it survived the baggage handlers?

[Tonehole]

Flying with Air Transat end of May to Banff British Columbia. Looks like I am out of luck. :|
I was going to fly with my Tenor in a soft padded leather case but would not comply! I have to investigate more but it seems they will charge me an additional $7.00 CDN for evey 2 pounds. :cry:
I estimate my Walt Johnson case with tenor in it weighs about 20lb, will have to get it on the bathroom scale. Do I understand correctly that if I check it in as a instrument I pay an additional $70.00 CDN and have to buy additional insurance? :(

Thinking of wrapping my case in foam and packing it in a duffle bag. :x

Can I bring a musical instrument with me?
Musical instruments must meet size (23 x 40 x 51 cm (9 x 16 x 20 in)) and weight (10 kg (22 lbs)) requirements for carry-on/hand baggage to be allowed in the cabin. In the cabin they can be stored in the overhead bin or under the seat. If they exceed size and weight requirements for carry-on baggage, they must be checked. The price is CA$10 (Canada to/from Southern destinations including USA) or CA$7 (Canada to/from all other destinations) per kg up to a maximum of 32 kg. Musical instruments, including guitars, must be packed in rigid cases. In these cases, we recommend the purchase of additional insurance coverage. Any musical instrument or instrument weighing more than 32 kg (70 lbs) must be shipped via Air Transat's Cargo service. You can reach our Cargo department at the following numbers: in Montreal at (514) 874-1851; in the rest of Canada at 1-866-435-0011.

[ZenBen]

i took my tenor in a walt johnson case as carry on on an air transat flight from toronto to the uk. no questions. no trouble. in fact, i took both my tenor and my alto. both comfortably stored overhead. i'm surprised that you are having trouble.

[Tonehole]

I am trying to talk with someone at the airlines.
I have a titanium plate in my left upper arm from a accident and haven't flown since the surgery.
So even more hassles with security coming I fear. 8-)

Did you speak with anyone before you showed up at the airport ZenBen?

[ZenBen]

no, i didn't speak to anyone. i've flown with my horns several times and i always just sow up with them. it has only been with the really small planes that i've had even a bit of trouble. ususlly i get asked if i'm going to play for everybody. just take it with you.

[BobbyHsu]

So, does this mean your Hiscox was compact enough that you were allowed to carry it on board, or strong enough that you checked it as baggage and it survived the baggage handlers?

Carried it on board.


Bobby

[JMDSax]

I'm getting ready to fly with a tenor and a curved soprano for the first time. The soprano is in the original Yanagisawa case and I can't imagine I'd have any trouble with that. I'm looking at getting an SKB molded case for my tenor, I don't have the money for a Berkeley or Hiscox. Would I be better off calling ahead and trying to make arrangements or just playing dumb up until I'm at the gate?

[Tonehole]

No problem with the Tenor carry on!
I ended up flying CANJET .. same written policy as WestJet the instrument case must be under 21'' in length same as carry on luggage restriction.
I checked in and asked if I could carry on my case... the tenor was in my Walt Johnson case as I was planning on them making me check it in as luggage. The clerk said the case must fit in the carry on frame. I stated it was a musical instrument she asked if I had any tools, screwdrivers and such in the case. I had removed everything even the neck was in my checked luggage so I was able to say nothing but the instrument. I was told it was too large for carry on but to request a gate check in at the boarding counter. You leave your case at the door of the plane with the sky hostess as you enter the plane and the case is waiting outside the plane door in the walkway as you disembark.
Smooth and less hassle then trying to jam it in the overhead. 8-)
I now have 3 weeks of jammin and practice in Banff!

[bari_sax_diva]

It's been a while since this thread had a post, so I hope nobody minds me bumping it. Anyhow, I spent a few months in Europe last year, and Air France wouldn't let me take my tenor on board in a countoured Pro-Tec case. I ended up having to get someone to come get the horn from me, and then rented a tenor--a real pile of junk, I might add--in Italy. As one might imagine, I didn't end up getting in much in the way of playing while I was there.

-Leanne

[gary]

Sorry you had problems. Hmm. French airline. You're American...n'est pas? :twisted:

As a general comment, I would advise anyone traveling within Europe to check out Alitalia. Not only are they understanding, they've even had a full page magazine advertisement showing how accomodating they are to musicians and their instruments. Since a good five years, I've flown Alitalia with no problems (with a tenor).

(I've also had no problem with Lufthansa.)

[makemyday]

Sorry you had problems. Hmm. French airline. You're American...n'est pas?

Hmmm....it's them. Already long before it became popular, the French had the custom to greet visitors with machineguns at the border. And did you ever come across those guys from the foreign legion? Brrr....

I once traveled with a saxophone quartet by car through France and Italy. Well, four Dutch guys cramped together with a lot of gear in on car.... they had us unpack every g*****n item, getting short of actually dismanteling our saxophones. Had to explain they were NOT to be used to fabricate heroin.... And they were far from polite as well. Imagine all the anger mixed with fear what they will do to your instruments...

They may host one of the most renown factories for saxophones, but by the way they treat instruments & musicians at the border, you might as well carry a kalashnikov with you.

[Tonehole]

Just flew CanJet from Montreal to Halifax and back. Got to gig a few venues during the Halifax Jazz Festival.

Gate checked my tenor as I boarded on my outbound flight.

Got off the plane and no sax! They had checked it with the heavy and over sized luggage.
Had to wait as it spit off the conveyor with the strollers and golf clubs!
Made it in playable condition ... packed in my WJ.

[saxymanzach]

Just flew to Seattle on Alaska Airlines. On the way there, no problems. I even got to preboard because of my age. On the way back, however, I was not allowed to preboard. In fact, i was the last on the plane! :evil: When I got on, there was absolutely NO ROOM for my tenor in the over-head bins. SO, I had to check it. :( I haven't played it since, but I hope it is OK. My Proteck is not exactly "the most protective case."

[gary]

For anyone considering flying Ryan Air: In order to cut down on expenses, I decided to fly to Italy last month by Ryan Air (normally I fly Alitalia). In the Ryan Air info, several times they call this to your attention:

Large musical instruments such as harps or a double bass cannot be carried in the cabin of an aircraft. Other musical items such as a guitar, cello, violin or viola which exceed our cabin baggage dimensions may be carried in the cabin if a seat for it has been reserved and the appropriate fare paid.

So I was pretty concerned because tenors do "exceed our cabin baggage dimensions" but in case I could get away with carrying it on board, I did not want to reserve and pay for an extra seat. The risk, of course, is that if at the last minute they say no and the flight is full, well there goes the extra seat for your tenor and it goes below. And as it turned out, my return flight was a cattle call. The plane was packed and I would not have been able to find an empty seat for my tenor.

To make a long story short, I traveled to and from with not even the slightest glance from any airline personnel. (I should point out, though, that my sax was in a VGV case , which is the most compact tenor case conceivable.)