<p>Son finished first year at ESM, now has plans for summer festival and Intl Horn symposium for Summer. Has double horn without screw off bell… Have skirted problem by getting rides to school and taking train, but now has to fly to Chicago to Vermont and Vermont to San Francisco all in June. Though we are looking into bringing Horn to have it cut and purchasing new case so it could conceivably be carried on and put in overhead bin, I am finding out even that is not possible on some planes. United has overhead bins, but many United Express do not. Even United has only some airplanes and some seats that accomodate FOR SURE an overhead space. Anyone have experience and advice? All welcome. BTW, last year I was under name of 88fingers, but can’t seem to figure out how to sign in under that name anymore :)</p>
<p>Obviously, a cut bell is much more convenient than a fixed bell, especially for flying.Please know that the bell cutting procedure is somewhat risky. I’ve heard a couple of horror stories about losing the vibrancy of a horn’s sound when the bell is cut. I have no idea if such a problem is common, but I’m sure your student’s teacher and an instrument technician would know better.
I once took my cut bell horn on a small plane without an overhead bin; I asked the flight attendant and she put it in its own seat. I’m sure that if it had been a packed flight I would have had to check it…If I am sitting at the back of the airplane, I usually ask the flight attendant if I can board before my seating area is officially called so that I can guarantee a spot for my horn in the overhead bin. (I’ve never been denied this request).</p>
<p>Hope that helps a little–traveling with instruments is never easy!</p>
<p>Bob was able to take his horn carry-on when they flew to Europe, but traveling from southern CA to northern CA on Southwest, he had to check his horn in. On one of the flights they must have put it through special handling because it ended up at the baggage office with the oversized luggage.</p>
<p>His horn made it safely both ways with no problems. We don’t know if they just handled it more gently through the process since it was an instrument, and if so, are grateful for that.</p>
<p>My D has been able to bring her horn with her as carry on luggage even in a smaller plane by placing it under the seat in fron of her.
But I guess all planes are different…
I would still try to take it as carry on and see if it can be worked out.</p>
<p>My S always bubble wraps his horn inside the case very carefully, and puts some kind of a belt around the outside of the case so it doesn’t pop open. He then takes it to the gate as a carry-on. However, it has never fit in overheads or under the seat, so he always has to gate-check it. Then he is able to get it back right as he is getting off the plane, without having to wait for it at a baggage carousel. So far, it has never been damaged.</p>
<p>My S has a cut bell and a back-pack case. He only carries it on. Ticket counter person at AirFrance (in Munich) tried to tell him he had to check it. Agent called her manager (at his request) but we don’t know what was said because we don’t speak French. They told him they would let the folks at boarding decide. We spent a couple extra hours at the airport, waiting to make sure they let him on the plane. He wasn’t going to check it. Folks at boarding didn’t look twice.</p>
<p>On small planes, they take it from him and store it in a special place, and he receives it when he leaves the plane, not in baggage area.</p>
<p>I also know that cutting the bell can affect the horn. If he’s really attached to his horn the way it is, perhaps you might look into renting another for the summer (or just for June) that is cut? </p>
<p>Here are some tips for flying: [The</a> Horn Guys: The Best Cases for the Finest Brass Instruments](<a href=“http://www.hornguys.com/cases.php]The”>http://www.hornguys.com/cases.php)</p>
<p>Cases aren’t cheap. My kid has a Marcus Bonna 5 flight case. We bought it when it was somewhat cheaper than they are now, but it’s earned every penny!</p>
<p>That is really helpful thanks. I am concerned about cutting his bell as well, and wish he had bought one that came in two pieces to start. We are in Chicago area, if anyone knows a good techician here I would be much obliged. I will pass on the tips about bubble wrap and boarding early. I know he would be VERY unhappy if he had to even gate check it much less have it go through regular baggage checking. I don’t know if he is overly concerned. I would think most cases are too big to fit under seat in front.</p>
<p>Wow Binx, your post is really helpful thanks, I knew I could count on CC. I will send my son the link.</p>
<p>MomofCompo - formerly known as 88Fingers - I’d love to hear how your son’s first year at Eastman worked out. I didn’t even remember he played the French Horn! Does he feel he made the right choice of program in the end? It would be great to get a report, in fact, from all of you from last year who were agonizing over the decisions at this time.</p>