I’ve been putting off thinking about this, but the time is almost here! DS will almost certainly need to fly to at least one audition with his horn. Does not have a detachable bell. It was not particularly expensive (for a French horn) and will likely need to be upgraded if he ends up doing a performance major. How terrible is it to check it? I’ve read some things that say wrap it in bubble wrap and it should be okay. yes? not worth the risk? The only alternative is buying a seat for it I assume?
Not my area but maybe this will help?
I often see the word fragile put on by the ticket counters - not that the people loading the plane heed the word.
Good luck.
They say this.
If you can, check it. Buy a big sturdy case, learn how to pack your instrument well inside it, and check it at the ticket counter. You’ll want to pack the instrument tightly inside to prevent movement, and allow the bell rim to float and avoid impacts. Bubble wrap and an in-bell practice mute can do it. The advantage is that you don’t have to haul your instrument around the airport.
The Horn Guys - Helpful Tips For Boarding a Plane With Your Musical Instrument
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Thanks! I think I read this same thing…I’m hopeful that it’s right and we won’t destroy the horn by checking it, because I really, really don’t want to pay for an extra seat!
The airlines might tell you or might have a special program for this.
See the bottom section (after you get past guns and all that). I’m guessing each airline has the same.
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Yes, there’s actually a federal law that requires airlines to allow instruments if they fit in the overhead bin or under the seat (even if they exceed the airline’s size limitations for carry ons)…I read a ton about that when we were trying to figure out flying with my older son’s bass clarinet. But in the case of the horn, I’m pretty sure it WON’T fit under the seat or in the overhead, so the law doesn’t apply (at least that’s my understanding).
Can you ship it to a local UPS? That might be the safest and you can insure it.
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Hmm…that’s something to think about! I guess one issue with that would be that he wouldn’t have the horn for a few days before and after the audition. I think I’ve read that it should technically be insured if we check it, too. That the airline is agreeing to insure anything they let you check…but then I’ve also heard that it can be a pain to get them to actually do it with something expensive. Ugh. Why didn’t he pick a smaller instrument?!
I’d be less worried about insurance and more about having access to the instrument.
So what’s the “safest” way - that I don’t know.
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They will find a place for it on the plane - I am a professional horn player - I do have a cut bell but usually people have no problem traveling with them - I checked one years ago a Holton with a hard case and it was fine.
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I didn’t think of that. Good luck.
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thanks–that’s very good to hear!
My son always brings his guitar to the gate…It’s usually a 50/50 shot that they let him on with it or gate check it. Always bring it to the gate vs checking it upon arrival…he can get it right when he gets off the plane vs the equipment going through the airport with luggage. They are much more gentle with it. I know the law but sometimes they just will NOT let it on the plane…no if’s and’s or but’s
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also only 5-6 hundred to cut bell - a good investment
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A good case is well worth the investment.
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If we knew he’d be keeping this one long term, we’d do that…but this might be the only time he flies with this one before we upgrade.
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Question for @George2020 which may or may not affect options.
Does cutting the bell increase or decrease the horn’s value?
For example if it is $500 to cut the bell, but it increases the value of the instrument it might not be a bad choice even if you are about to upgrade soon to a different horn.
I suppose you have to factor in the cost of a new case to accommodate the cut bell scenario.
I just enjoy learning about other instrument options and challenges.
I sometimes travel with my bassoon which fortunately fits under a seat or overhead. Despite it’s size when assembled it is so convenient when taken apart.
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I have found it does neither really - horns do not really depreciate but you are not going to get more than you paid for it either. I recommend students buy detachable bell horns but if I have a student who already has a horn and cannot buy a new horn getting the bell cut is a good option. The Marcus Bona cases are fabulous.
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My guess is that in theory it would increase the value, but that practically speaking it’s essentially an advanced student horn, so that the people who’d be interested in it probably aren’t going to care one way or the other about a cut bell.
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x-posted!
How did it go flying with the bass clarinet? We’re flying in April with one and plan on carrying it on. Did yours do ok in the overhead compartment?