Flying with my sax

[themacintrasher]

I'm flying to Connecticut in about a week, and would like to carry on my horn. I have a Kaces case, not contoured and is 48 inches linear. I'm flying on continental airlines and the maximum you are allowed to carry on a plane is 51.
http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/travel/baggage/carry-on.aspx
Here is their policy as far as carrry-ons. Can I pull this off?

[harmonizerNJ]

I have not taken a sax with me on a plane in a long time, but I do fly Continental frequently. I suggest you check what type of plane you will be flying on. If the plane is one of those Embreair jets (with 3 seats total in each row; 2 on one side of the aisle and 1 on the other side) then they will "gate check" your "luggage" and it will not actually be with you during the flight. The above-head storage on these planes is tiny and almost all "Carry-on" luggage will not fit there, and has to be gate-checked.

If it is a 737 (or larger), you have a chance at taking this on board. If this is the situation (and assuming you are flying coach/economy), I would suggest you try to get a seat as far back in the plane as possible. If you are not an "Elite" frequent flyer (they get boarded first, regardless of seat location), then the next people to board are those in the back of the plane. Those people seated at the back have a better shot at getting something stowed in the limited above-head storage compartments, than those "non-Elite" passengers who are seated ahead of them, and who board the plane later.

I can't get my head around what a "suitcase" of 51 linear inches would look like. Are you trying to get an alto or tenor on board?

[zirbo]

I flew with my alto last year and had no problem. the case was pretty big too, but then again that was a year ago and they actually let people take things on the plane. just don't look conspicuous and they might not notice...If their policy says 51 inches, then you're ok. If they say you can't, just have a tape measure with you or something and tell them, look this is 48 inches, it's under your 51 inch policy.

[cjpts]

Just smile sweetly ;)

[hakukani]

I have not taken a sax with me on a plane in a long time, but I do fly Continental frequently. I suggest you check what type of plane you will be flying on. If the plane is one of those Embreair jets (with 3 seats total in each row; 2 on one side of the aisle and 1 on the other side) then they will "gate check" your "luggage" and it will not actually be with you during the flight. The above-head storage on these planes is tiny and almost all "Carry-on" luggage will not fit there, and has to be gate-checked.

If it is a 737 (or larger), you have a chance at taking this on board. If this is the situation (and assuming you are flying coach/economy), I would suggest you try to get a seat as far back in the plane as possible. If you are not an "Elite" frequent flyer (they get boarded first, regardless of seat location), then the next people to board are those in the back of the plane. Those people seated at the back have a better shot at getting something stowed in the limited above-head storage compartments, than those "non-Elite" passengers who are seated ahead of them, and who board the plane later.

I can't get my head around what a "suitcase" of 51 linear inches would look like. Are you trying to get an alto or tenor on board?

The rules change often. However, I do know that a protec contoured alto case fits in the overhead of the Embraer that I last flew on. As far as who gets seated when, it depends on the airline. There are a few airlines that are experimenting with an algorithm that starts with those flyers with window seats. Others seat by 'zones'.

If you play a metal mouthpiece, put it in your other 'carryon' (that purse or backpack) in a clear plastic bag. You'll get through security much faster.

[themacintrasher]

The rules change often. However, I do know that a protec contoured alto case fits in the overhead of the Embraer that I last flew on. As far as who gets seated when, it depends on the airline. There are a few airlines that are experimenting with an algorithm that starts with those flyers with window seats. Others seat by 'zones'.

If you play a metal mouthpiece, put it in your other 'carryon' (that purse or backpack) in a clear plastic bag. You'll get through security much faster.

I was thinking of storing my link in my checked luggage.

[themacintrasher]

I can't get my head around what a "suitcase" of 51 linear inches would look like. Are you trying to get an alto or tenor on board?

It's a tenor.

[sxmix]

I've flown with my tenor a few times, and I've never had any problems. Definitely a good idea to get on the plane as early as possible, though. Be prepared for the person at the x-ray machine to be curious. And, if you use a reed knife, definitely don't forget to put that in your checked bag. (kind of a no-brainer, but i have forgotten before)

[CiaranAudio]

Just walk on to the plane like you've done it a million times before...

[Joy, John or Joyce]

I love that all you guys are flying... but eh, I think I'd try a broomstick first, though. Or one of those carpets. Yeah, come to think of it, I want one of them carpets!

Sorry... Could not resist; the heading was too tempting.

[harmonizerNJ]

It's a tenor.

What kind of plane will you be flying on?

edit:
The reason I am asking what kind of plane you will be flying on is that the overhead bin in Embraer jets gets very small in the back of the bin. I don't mean the end of the plane - I mean the back of the storage bin, as you are standing sideways in the aisle, looking into the bin. Whatever you put in there has to have something like a wedge-shaped profile. A molded alto case might work, since the "bell" side is fatter, and the part of the case surrounding the main body tube could be put towards the back of the overhead bid. If you have a rectangular-shaped tenor case, I would be shocked if that would fit in the overhead bin of an Embraer jet, meaning that it would end up getting gate checked, and possibly out in an unpressurized luggage compartment.

[Dr G]

I can't get my head around what a "suitcase" of 51 linear inches would look like. Are you trying to get an alto or tenor on board?


"linear" = length + width + height

[notes_norton]

Call the airline and let them give you the carry-on dimensions.

If you cannot carry it on either
1) Ship it via UPS (hold for pickup) - IF you have the time or
2) Get an ATA approved flight case for it (I have had good luck with SKB's)

Insights and incites by Notes

[Dr G]

Call the airline and let them give you the carry-on dimensions.

That is what was spec'd in the original post...


I'm flying to Connecticut in about a week, and would like to carry on my horn. I have a Kaces case, not contoured and is 48 inches linear. I'm flying on continental airlines and the maximum you are allowed to carry on a plane is 51.
http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/travel/baggage/carry-on.aspx
Here is their policy as far as carrry-ons.

What is the issue, Mac'? You've cited the requirements and done the math. The short answer is "Yes, you meet the requirements." If the airlines chooses not to honor their posted policy, a note from SotW isn't going to make any difference.

[gary]

+1...

[bobsax]

Hey MacInTrasher (do you really trash Macs?)
How did it go?