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From: jeand@ihlpg.UUCP (AMBAR)
Newsgroups: net.music.folk
Subject: Re: Airlines and Hammered Dulcimers
Message-ID: <848@ihlpg.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 13-Jul-85 21:38:26 EDT
Article-I.D.: ihlpg.848
Posted: Sat Jul 13 21:38:26 1985
Date-Received: Mon, 15-Jul-85 01:23:28 EDT
References: <1677@reed.UUCP>
Distribution: usa
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories
Lines: 44

> I am planning to take my hammered dulcimer with me to
> Southern California in a few weeks to visit my parents
> and friends.  I wonder if anyone on the net has ever
> tried to take a large, fragile instrument on a plane, and
> any tips on how to coerce them into letting me take it
> as a carry-on would be appreciated.
> 
> So far, the suggestions I've gotten include:
> 
> 1) Leave dulcimer with friend when giving luggage to
> nice folks at ticket counter;  do not mention dulcimer;
> appear at boarding with dulcimer and if they don't
> let me carry it on, at least it will go on top of
> the rest of the luggage.
> 
> 2) Build a plywood box around the soft box it comes in
> (Note:  I am a strong woman, but that's *heavy*).
> 
> 3) Pack in a large (i.e. at least 6 inches of space
> in every direction) box filled with styrofoam packing.
> Let baggage counter take care of it.  Mark fragile.
> 
> Ellen Eades

1) Is the best choice IF  your hammered dulcimer will fit under a plane
seat.

2) I would have this in the car *just in case* ('scuse pun, please.)

We have taken our two (plucked) dulcimers to Puerto Rico on occasion.
The Miami International Eastern staff never gave us any trouble about
carrying it on, but once, coming home, they (@ San Juan) refused to let 
us bring them on board ("sorry, we can't allow that on an international
flight."  "But you let us BRING them here!"  "I'm sorry...")
The reason I suggest you have that plywood handy is that they then made
us sign a release from liability from damages, if the instruments were
hurt...(GRRRRR!)  Happily, they weren't, but I wouldn't take chances...

-- 
					AMBAR
                    	{the known universe}!ihnp4!ihlpg!jeand

"To those who love it is given to hear
 Music too high for the human ear." 	--Bruce Cockburn