Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84 exptools; site ihlpg.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!harpo!whuxlm!whuxl!houxm!ihnp4!ihlpg!jeand 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