 |
|
|
UNO
SWE Tour 2006 Info
Tour
Schedule
Photos
from the Tour
Messages
from the Students
Messages
to the Students
Traveling
with Instruments
Packing
List
Tour
Repertoire
Country
Web sites
Conversion
Rates etc.
Dr.
Saker's Tour Updates
Emergency Contact Info
Misc
Tips for traveling safely with musical instruments
Heightened security measures at U.S. airports have impacted the ability of musicians to carry their instruments in-cabin. Below is important information to help you and your instrument safely reach your destination.
Packing and carrying your instrument:
Remove all extraneous items from the case. All tools and other items should be checked or carried separately to simplify the screening process. What are completely familiar items to you &endash; cleaning fluids and tools, valve oil, end pins, reed knives, mutes, tuners, metronomes-may seem mysterious to screening personnel.
Limit the number of carry-on items. In addition to your instrument, carry only one, small item.
Arrive early. You may hear that check-in and screening takes only minutes &endash; THIS MAY NOT BE TRUE FOR MUSICIANS. Arriving early will allow for the time you may need to work with security and flight crews to make sure your instrument gets safely on board. Bear in mind that problems may take some time to correct. Therefore it is imperative that you arrive at the gate at least one hour before boarding time.
Dealing calmly with last-minute problems:
It is crucial that as a traveling musician you recognize several important facts.
The most important responsibility of airport and transportation officials is security.
The most important responsibility of gate attendants and flight attendants is safety.
The most important responsibility of the captain is safety and security.
Your instrument represents an unusual item that could very well be unexpected. Gate and flight crews that have a very short period of time to seat passengers in an aircraft try their best to deal with the unexpected concisely and quickly. You and your instrument are only one of many passengers that will likely have special needs. Therefore, don't take it personally when a gate agent or flight crew member seems indifferent to your concerns. Their time is limited.
However, you have the backing of the airline to travel with your instrument onboard if the airline permits it. Therefore, it is recommended that you remain calm and polite. In many cases, the problems may be resolved. Consider this:
If you are stopping by a flight attendant, calmly and quickly explain the precautions you have taken to prepare your instrument to safely travel in-cabin.
Be accommodating by suggesting placing the instrument in the rear of the aircraft, or securing the instrument with cords of tires (bring your own).
If necessary, immediately ask to deplane so that you can resolve this matter with airline supervisors. Remember you have fifteen minutes at the most to resolve this issue before the plane backs away from the gate.
DO NOT block the way of boarding passengers.
Finally, prepare yourself for the possibility that you may not be able to travel with your instrument in-cabin - even if you have followed all possible procedures. What will you do? Are you willing to send your instrument by air courier? Is it packed well enough to withstand transportation in the cargo hold? BE PREPARIED FOR ANYTHING.
