<p>These days, I would seriously look into having it shipped (insured, signature required for delivery) via someplace like UPS/FedEx/DHL rather than going through the hassle of getting it on and off the plane. You can package it yourself or take it to a place that will do it for you, and the cost may not be all that different given what the airlines charge for bags.</p>
<p>If packing space is at a premium, it may be a better idea to buy light but bulky items like bedding and pillows once he gets to Boston. Many schools use extra long twin beds in the dorms, so you may well need to buy new sheets and blankets anyway. Some schools have arrangements with local stores to deliver items right to the dorm on move-in day.</p>
<p>Strad magazine this month has an article about air travel and instruments, and the surveys and reporting says the same thing that has been said on this board, that the experience is all over the place. For example, Ryan Air, the ultra cheapie airline, forces people to buy an extra seat for their instrument, even relatively small ones like violins and clarinets (though as the airline points out, at their cost structure, which is like 20 bucks US for many flights, it doesn’t exactly cost all that much to do so). </p>
<p>According to the polls, the best airlines were Lufthansa and SAS, with American being fairly friendly, Delta was down near the bottom…</p>
<p>The article did have some good tips on how to handle travelling with an instrument, might be worth getting a copy or seeing if they have it online. They mention that groups are trying to get the international regulatory body for air travel to adopt a uniform set of rules, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.</p>
<p>I know flying with the the tenor sax will be a pain. But son is going to Northeastern (a large school - his dorm has 23 floors). I am concerned about the receiving logistics on the other end. I’ll ask about it at Orientation later this month.</p>
<p>If the school logistics are unfavorable, there is a UPS store a couple of blocks down the street from Northeastern University on Huntington near Mass. Ave. You should be able to work it out for him to pick up packages there.</p>
<p>Traveling with my clarinet has generally been fine, especially within the US. I have brought it in a slightly larger bag, which has given me a little bit of room for a book or ipod to keep me busy on the plane ride. You can talk to the people in security, who are pretty understanding, if there are any concerns but that isn’t necessary most of the time. The worst situation I encountered was directly before boarding a plane back to the US from the French West Indies when all of the passengers had their bags hand searched, although it was after we had already passed through security. I had to explain to the people on hand that it was a musical instrument and stop the attendant from picking it up and examining it.</p>
<p>Soundcheck, a radio program on WNYC did a nice job of covering the issue of traveling with instruments:</p>
<p>[Soundcheck:</a> When Flying Hits a Sour Note - WNYC](<a href=“http://beta.wnyc.org/shows/soundcheck/2010/jul/15/when-flying-hits-sour-note/]Soundcheck:”>http://beta.wnyc.org/shows/soundcheck/2010/jul/15/when-flying-hits-sour-note/)</p>
<p>“The Strad magazine recently polled its readers to find out which are the best and the worst airlines for musicians with instruments – looking at everything from checking in to finding overhead space. Strad editor Peter Somerford discusses the results. Also, the American Federation of Musicians is currently lobbying Congress to change the FAA regulations overseeing musical instruments. Well get an update. And we speak with cellist Greg Beaver, who was recently told he had to buy a first-class ticket for his cello, despite having flown it in coach many times before.”</p>
<p>There is a current twitter conversation going on about this, among professional touring musicians. For example:</p>
<p>Zoe Keating @zoecello
Glad I checked the @americanair fine print before purchasing my tickets to get to @scotruby. I guess cellists don’t fly AA to the UK?</p>
<p>PROJECT Trio @thePROJECTTrio
@zoecello @americanair @usairways don’t fly us airways either. They turned our cello away at the airport last week at LGA!</p>
<p>And then American Airlines tweeted Zoe Keating back! </p>
<p>’@zoecello Just got this fr AA! We do allow cellos as checked or carryon depending on aircraft &dimensions Pls let us know if u need details</p>
<p>FYI, this is my son’s teacher and he is also on the faculty at Berklee. He wrote this blog about travel as an upright bass player. I figured it would be of use to those who are interested in this topic.</p>
<p>[Traveling</a> With A Bass | Rick McLaughlin](<a href=“http://www.rickmclaughlin.com/blog/2007/05/07/traveling-with-a-bass/]Traveling”>http://www.rickmclaughlin.com/blog/2007/05/07/traveling-with-a-bass/)</p>