For those flying to college auditions

College Majors Music Major
1

<p>I have an audition next month for the Northwestern School of Music and am planning on flying via Delta (I'm from Atlanta). As a cellist, I find that we don't have much flexibility in our methods of transporting our precious, fragile instruments while flying. Right now I see two options: (1) I can check my cello (hopefully at the gate) and witness it be tossed around and crushed by cargo or (2) buy another seat for my cello. Checking it would require me to buy another flight case and risk having my instrument damaged while traveling. However, if I buy another seat for my cello, I have heard that TSA officials and guards will not allow me to enter the flight terminals with such a large instrument, even with the extra ticket. Is there any way I can get pre-approved with the TSA?</p>

<p>What do you guys recommend? Are thare any other options? And for musicians that have already gone through this trouble, what did you do? </p>

<p>Thanks a lot!</p>

2

<p>When my son flew to Europe with his cello he had to check it thoruhg as the airlines he was on would not permit a non-FAA approved item to be in a seat (they said all non-FAA approved things had to be under the seat or in the overhead). Anyway, in spite of that, I have heard of musicians buying tickets for their instrument. So check with the airlines for sure.</p>

<p>Here's something really important to consider though -</p>

<p>If you check it through you need to know THAT IT WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE AIRLINE/BAGGAGE INSURANCE IF IT IS LOST OR DAMAGED. They all have exemptions for items considered "fragile." (Similar exemptions apply to electronics, jewelry, and antiques.) So I would suggest you talk to your homeowner's insurance representative. S/he will probably suggest you buy a rider. They are cheap - but you will need to have your instrument professionally appraised in order to get the rider. When I had my son's appraised it was about $120 as I recall. </p>

<p>He also had trip insurance on his trip. </p>

<p>As it happened, his case was badly damaged in transit (and as you know those cases run $800-$1000 or more). The airline would not cover it, but his trip insurance covered $250 of it (the max they covered). I never filed a claim on the rider I bought - it just didn't seem worth it to me. Now if it had been his cello, that would be a different story. </p>

<p>Anyway - bottom line - make sure your cello is well insured, no matter how it travels.</p>

<p>Good luck on your auditions!</p>

3

<p>From Delta's site:
<a href="http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/baggage/special_baggage/fragile_bulky/musical_instruments/index.jsp%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/baggage/special_baggage/fragile_bulky/musical_instruments/index.jsp&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>
[quote]
Cabin-seat Baggage
You may purchase a full fare ticket for an item that you feel is too fragile to be handled as checked baggage. You may stow the baggage in any passenger seat with a bulkhead or divider in front of the compartment. </p>

<p>The following restrictions apply. The item:</p>

<p>Must not exceed 165 lbs. (75kgs).
Must be packaged or covered in a manner to avoid injury to other customers.
Must be properly secured by a seat belt to avoid shifting during flight.
Must not restrict access to, or use of, any required emergency or regular exits or aisle of the cabin.
Must not obscure any passenger's view of seat belt, no smoking, or exit signs.
Must not contain dangerous goods.
Must be secured in a seat in the same cabin as the owner and preferably next to the owner.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>In general, it's easier to fly within the US than overseas. If you find yourself flying overseas, try to book a direct flight, on a US airline. We've learned that Delta, for example, will use it's US policies on overseas flights, too. We had trouble only when Delta used another carrier, such as Air France.</p>

<p>American Federation of Musicians has a TSA letter - unfortunately only accessible by members. But the guidelines are here:
<a href="http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1235.shtm%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1235.shtm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>
[quote]
You may carry one (1) musical instrument in addition to 1 carry-on and 1 personal item through the screening checkpoint. This is a TSA Screening Policy. Airlines may or may not allow the additional carry-on item on their aircraft. Please check with your airline before you arrive at the airport.</p>

<p>Security officers must x-ray or physically screen your instrument before it can be transported on an aircraft.</p>

<p>Security officers will handle musical instruments very carefully and will allow you to be as involved as possible in any physical screening.</p>

<p>If security officers cannot clear the instrument through the security checkpoint as a carry-on item, you should transport the instrument and checked baggage instead.

[/quote]
</p>

4

<p>
[quote]
You may stow the baggage in any passenger seat with a bulkhead or divider in front of the compartment.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I wonder how you could ensure that you'd get one of those seats? Do you think that excludes a "normal" seat that would have a person sitting in front of the instrument?</p>

5

<p>I don't know - it says "in front of the compartment" rather than in front of the seat. I thought it could be any seat. I guess I would call the airline to be sure.</p>

6

<p>I found the TSA letter in my (computer) files. Dangnguyen, if you want a copy, PM me with your email address, and I can send you a PDF. (I'm in metro Atlanta, too, by the way.)</p>

7

<p>Thanks a lot guys!</p>

8

<p>My son carries a copy of that letter with him every time he flies...just in case.</p>

9

<p>Unfortunately, Delta Airlines is the worst one for musicians. This appeared in the new January 2007 issue of International Musician:</p>

<p>Delta Remains Insensitive to Musicians' Travel Needs
by Thomas F. Lee, AFM President</p>

<p>In the June, 2006 issue of International Musician, I announced that the AFM International Executive Board had approved a boycott of Delta Airlines. The decision resulted from the experiences of many musicians who have faced unreasonable difficulty in attempting to carry their instruments onboard Delta planes.</p>

<p>Given the fragile nature and value of instruments, representatives of most airlines permit musicians to place their instruments in the overheads of larger planes.</p>

<p>Delta, however, is the one airline where musicians are frequently rejected when they wish to bring their instruments into the cabin.</p>

<p>Shortly after the AFM announced the boycott, an official from Delta called the AFM and requested an opportunity for dialogue. He informed me that a group of Delta representatives would discuss this matter to assess possible solutions.</p>

<p>After several weeks of silence, I wrote a letter to the CEO of Delta, which resulted in a conference call in November with AFM and Delta representatives. At my request, AFM Director of Government Relations Hal Ponder and AFM Symphonic Services Division Contract Administrator Steve Gelfand were included in the discussion.</p>

<p>The conference call, which is discussed in detail below, revealed that Delta has no intention to implement a reasonable policy for musicians.</p>

<p>The conference call began with Delta officials stating that they like to receive complaints from musicians. Their rationale was that the complaints indicated that flight attendants were enforcing the carry-on regulations. The officials continued by noting that, to Delta's dismay, some flight attendants, on the occasion of a less than full flight, allow musicians to bring their instruments into the cabin.</p>

<p>During the call it was made clear to the AFM that Delta wished flight attendants to enforce regulations without exceptions, so that no musical instruments, regardless of the cost or fragility, would be permitted on the plane unless they met the required dimensions as stated on Delta's website.</p>

<p>I informed Delta that I have observed its own representatives allowing on board many carry-on items that would not fit in the small carry-on container that sits in front of every gate. The company denied these facts, arguing that their flight attendants enforce the regulations for carry-on items.</p>

<p>When I mentioned that other airlines have policies that allow personnel some flexibility in this regard, Delta showed no interest in promoting a policy that would be sensitive to the needs of musicians with expensive instruments.</p>

<p>Then, I suggested that the company contact other airlines to determine how it was possible for those other airlines to give their personnel flexibility regarding this important matter. Incredibly, Delta responded that a discussion of policies or accommodations for musical instruments with other airlines would be a violation of anti-trust laws.</p>

<p>When asked if Delta was willing to increase their allowable dimensions for carry-on items to comport with those of other airlines, the company said "no" and would not offer any plausible explanation.</p>

<p>Delta's only concession for musicians was its policy allowing musicians to buy seats for their instruments. The company attempted to portray this policy as an extraordinary concession.</p>

<p>Delta has made it clear that those who are making decisions affecting musicians have no concern for our members' needs. The company's suggestion that all oversized carry-on luggage is placed in the baggage compartment is not consistent with our observations nor is it consistent with my experience.</p>

<p>Musicians are not asking for unreasonable measures to fix this problem. The AFM is simply requesting that Delta officials recognize the unique circumstances of musicians who must travel to perform and that their expensive and fragile instruments be permitted in the cabin.</p>

10

<p>My son always ends up checking his cello when he flies because we can't really afford 2 tickets. He has a Bam case with a flight cover. So far, he has not had any problems. If you must check it, make sure that the cello is secure INSIDE the case. Pack extra clothing around it or bubblewrap inside to make sure that it doesn't move around at all. I don't think I would check it if you can't get a flight cover for it or borrow a Stevenson case. </p>

<p>Also, be aware of the fact that airlines will sometimes ding you for oversize baggage when you do check it. Son gets hit with an oversize baggage charge about 10% of the time. This charge is usually around $75-80. And what is really strange is that on the same trip, he will get charged one way but not the other. It seems mostly to depend on the person checking the baggage. If you are traveling alone, make sure you have a credit card with you in case you need to pay the extra fee.</p>

11

<p>S has not flown with his cello in almost two years, but even with a ticket he sometimes had problems with cranky attendants. If you get through security, even with a purchased ticket, be extremely calm and polite. Carry the letter with you, have your tickets available, and hope you get experienced security personnel and attendants. He caught flack going through security in Boston, but someone there had recently had Yo YO Ma go through, so he was more reasonable. Many people advised removing the sound post and checking it, but he never did, and that was not an issue. Good luck.</p>

<p>About the planes: some planes do not have a place for a cello, even with purchased seat, it depends on the aircraft. You really do have to make reservation by phone for the instrument. Some will give it a name, like Cello Smith, or CBG Smith (for cabin baggage). Some do not charge taxes for the extra seat, since it is not a person. There is no rhyme or reason to the whole thing. Just keep notes on what you are told, so that next time you can use the terminology appropriate to each airline.</p>

12

<p>My son has flown with Delta more than once and has never had a problem with carrying his violin on board with him. He flew United and carried on a violin and a viola as his two allowed carryons at the same time. A standard violin case is within the allowed dimensions for carry on baggage. In the article quoted by Beethoven's 10th, the writer does not mention anywhere what kinds of instruments were rejected from carryon. Obviously, the airlines have rules and can't be making numerous exceptions. If your instrument is in a case that meets the guidelines for carryons, you shouldn't have a problem. I have lots of sympathy for cellists, bass players, tuba players, etc. Traveling is difficult enough without worrying about your instruments and having to pay for an extra seat.</p>

13

<p>
[quote]
A standard violin case is within the allowed dimensions for carry on baggage.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Actually, violins are really too big. My D's bow is 30" long, for example. Delta's wording is ambiguous at best:</p>

<p>
[quote]
Small instruments, such as violins, will be accepted as your free carry-on baggage item if it will fit easily within our SizeWise? unit (approximately 22"x14"x9").

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I haven't measured, but I would guess this would eliminate full size violins. However, like violinmom, D has flown Delta without any trouble, except once when Delta used an Air France plane (coming through Paris). Even then, they let her on. We just had to go back to ticketing and get a special paper saying she was allowed to carry it on. Air France also tried to get my S to check his horn. He refused, calmly and politely. He suggested that she call her manager. (His horn is in a flight case; size was not an issue.) She did, but the whole conversation took place in French, so he doesn't know what was said. She told him he could go wait at the gate, and they would make the decision there. We hung around the airport for a couple hours till his plane took off, just in case there were problems, but no one ever looked at him again.</p>

<p>In general, I think the average joe knows what a violin is, and that they can be rather expensive. But other instruments confuse them.</p>

14

<p>On Delta's website, they mention the SizeWise unit (above the seats) OR if it can fit underneath the seat. The item can't exceed a total of 45" (when length, width and height are added together). Well, I just re-measured my son's violin case, and what do you know......it EXACTLY measures 46" (L31", W10" and H5" (close enough). He's flying back down to DFW on Saturday on Alaska - and their requirements concern me (although he has flown Alaska before w/ violin and never had a problem carrying it on). Alaska has a maximum of 10x17x24 -- so we'll see what happens. It would be nice if all of the carriers (at least in the US) had uniform measurements. Nobody likes surprises at check-in.</p>

15

<p>I've been trying to sit this one out, but you guys haven't lived until you've flown with a string bass.</p>

<p>There is some interesting information at</p>

<p><a href="http://www.isbworldoffice.com/resources/flying_with_your_bass.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.isbworldoffice.com/resources/flying_with_your_bass.html&lt;/a> (Gary Karr's stories are worth a listen) and at</p>

<p><a href="http://www.polyphonic.org/article.php?id=79%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.polyphonic.org/article.php?id=79&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>that may be of interest to anyone who has ever had a problem with getting on a plane with their instrument.</p>

16

<p>My daughter and I flew Delta Airlines to CA in September. <em>I</em> had the instrument case...a double case with an English Horn and an oboe (the reed knives were in the checked luggage and so were all the reed making supplies). The case is lightweight but a bit longer than what Delta says they will allow. Still...I decided to carry it on. The instruments are both professional quality and worth far too much to check. Well...they searched my daughter's backpack, and the computer case, but the instrument case was not a problem at all. Of course, when we where getting on the plane, we just held it by the handle...with a jacket over it:) Guess you can't do that with a cello or a bass. When DS bought his three trumpet case, the criteria was that it had to fit carryon requirements...oh and it had to be very durable and well padded for the instruments. He bought it in London and carried it on the plane to fly home...and on a few other trips too. So far (knock on wood) he has had no trouble.</p>

17

<p>My younger son has flown with his viola case as a carry on, which exceeds size limits by a few inches and has never had a problem.</p>

18

<p>Shennie had a very good point about flight bags - they kind of go over your case. They are a very good idea and I'd definitely buy one if my son was going to fly again. Here is an example:
<a href="http://www.stevensoncases.co.uk/blob.htm%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.stevensoncases.co.uk/blob.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Also, if you check through the cello, be sure to pack stuff (like socks) around the bridge and under the fingerboard for support.</p>

19

<p>I don't think that I'll be able to get a Stevenson case (far too expensive and will probably only use twice). I'm purchasing another seat for my cello and flying with Air Tran; they proved to be very helpful while United and Delta just shrugged off my concerns and would not acknowledge my requests. United told me to ship it through their UnitedCargo. Whatever the case, I thank you all for helping me through this whole ordeal! You all have been incredible helpful. Thanks again!</p>

20

<p>Break a leg (but not a finger or arm)! When is your audition? We will cheer from afar! Lorelei</p>