FLYING WITH A TROMBONE
(see alert below)
(see alert below)
Flying with your trombone can be an absolute nightmare! The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) along with the AFL-CIO lobbied the U.S. Congress to address this. Read the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulation here. AFM also offers some excellent advice regarding Flying With Your Instrument. The International Federation of Musicians publishes a list rating airlines' musical instrument policies. There are some other links that may be helpful at the bottom of this page.
However, a trombone with a detachable bell in a flat case (there are several quality brands) will fit in most overhead compartments. AND . . . I have it on good authority that a Marcus Bonna detachable bell case – even a double case – can be safely checked under the plane like regular luggage: "You wouldn’t think it would be OK to check it but Brandt Attema and Max Thein both say they check these cases all the time with no problem. Max says it’s the fact that the bells are detached. He flies to all the ITFs with these cases." HOWEVER . . . I would still (if and when I ever need/get such a case) try to carry it with me on the plane – and gate check it only if absolutely necessary. YMMV.
However, a trombone with a detachable bell in a flat case (there are several quality brands) will fit in most overhead compartments. AND . . . I have it on good authority that a Marcus Bonna detachable bell case – even a double case – can be safely checked under the plane like regular luggage: "You wouldn’t think it would be OK to check it but Brandt Attema and Max Thein both say they check these cases all the time with no problem. Max says it’s the fact that the bells are detached. He flies to all the ITFs with these cases." HOWEVER . . . I would still (if and when I ever need/get such a case) try to carry it with me on the plane – and gate check it only if absolutely necessary. YMMV.
ALERT!
A colleague has reported that, if one is traveling using TSA Precheck, the new bins in the TSA Precheck security lines for carry on luggage are too small – even for detachable bell flat cases – even though they will fit in overhead storage – and there were no exceptions. My friend needed to move to regular security lines, with larger bins, and almost missed their flight! VERY early arrival is advisable.
UPDATE
After a very productive conversation with TSA, this appears to have been addressed. I was advised to request a "hand-screening" – failing that, to ask to speak to a supervisor – they are usually, but not always, available. I was assured TSA agents are trained how to handle musical instruments. I was also told "what fits in the overhead is not our [TSA's] business." Checking with the airline was advised.
Most TSA agents are respectful of musical instruments. Most of the time they won't even open the case; if they do, generally it's just a visual inspection and a chemical swab. If your case is opened, you should find an NOI (notice of inspection) inside. "Fragile" and "open this side up" labels are a good idea – and perhaps written instructions for re-packing your instrument. However, most agents are NOT familiar with trombones – and inadvertent, perhaps catastrophic, damage is possible.
If at all possible, take your horn on the plane – allow plenty of time! Paying for "priority boarding" can help.
If you need to check your instrument as ordinary baggage, you may be able to request it be treated as "oversized" – even if it's not actually oversized. Frequently (but not always), oversized baggage is inspected at a traveler-accessible location where one can observe and advise – but NOT assist. Ask if this is possible.
Regarding instrument-trunk road-cases (ATA approved and otherwise), these cases can certainly be checked under the plane. One variable anytime you check an instrument can be TSA. TSA approved locks should be used.
In comments to a Brad Edwards Facebook post, Ryan Black wrote:
Finally, trombones are relatively cheap to replace, but musical instrument insurance is highly advisable. Homeowner's/renter's insurance will likely not cover sufficiently. Clarion Associates, Inc. is one possibility. If your trombone's irreplaceable, take appropriate precautions!
Most TSA agents are respectful of musical instruments. Most of the time they won't even open the case; if they do, generally it's just a visual inspection and a chemical swab. If your case is opened, you should find an NOI (notice of inspection) inside. "Fragile" and "open this side up" labels are a good idea – and perhaps written instructions for re-packing your instrument. However, most agents are NOT familiar with trombones – and inadvertent, perhaps catastrophic, damage is possible.
If at all possible, take your horn on the plane – allow plenty of time! Paying for "priority boarding" can help.
If you need to check your instrument as ordinary baggage, you may be able to request it be treated as "oversized" – even if it's not actually oversized. Frequently (but not always), oversized baggage is inspected at a traveler-accessible location where one can observe and advise – but NOT assist. Ask if this is possible.
Regarding instrument-trunk road-cases (ATA approved and otherwise), these cases can certainly be checked under the plane. One variable anytime you check an instrument can be TSA. TSA approved locks should be used.
In comments to a Brad Edwards Facebook post, Ryan Black wrote:
- Marcus Bonna case in a SKB golf travel case with styrofoam blocks at each end and a styrofoam cone in the bell, packed with loose clothes. You go to the ticket counter and ask for gate agents to check it in front of you because it is expensive and your career. It takes some time, maybe 10 min. of waiting but you can lock it with a TSA lock afterwards, or rather they will, and they won’t open it for the rest of the trip from how you’ve told them to repack it. I’ve never had a problem and I comfortably leave it in their hands afterwards. Now a lot of times they’ll charge you for the oversized baggage and if it doesn’t show up on the normal belt afterwards, it’s usually sent to the oversized baggage check. You ask for gate agents to come up. They will inspect the horn in front of you so you can tell them how to pack it back up. Then they’ll lock the TSA lock so it won’t be opened underneath without you being there. It’s good for international as well. – [Hyperlinks and some punctuation added.]
Finally, trombones are relatively cheap to replace, but musical instrument insurance is highly advisable. Homeowner's/renter's insurance will likely not cover sufficiently. Clarion Associates, Inc. is one possibility. If your trombone's irreplaceable, take appropriate precautions!
Good Night and Good Luck!