[Dixielandjazz] Axes :) as carry-on luggage

[Gluetje1 at aol.com]

I shall never again assume that I can carry on my instrument.  It is  
ultimately always the call of the chief attendant for that flight whether you  can 
board with it no matter if you have no other carry on.  My banjo was  cleared by 
both security supervisor and an AA supervisor, the letter saying  carry-ons 
permitted in my hand, but still turned away at boarding  by a b----- attendant 
for no reason other than her mood.  Because I  then asked if it would then be 
gate-checked she made sure it came flying  off a carousel (case upside down) 
on arrival.  Coming home, attendants on  both flights made friendly comments 
and sent me right on down the aisle  instrument and all, same airline, one of 
the planes actually smaller.
 
There can be no assurance that you will be allowed to board with it as  there 
is no consistency even within the same airline on same size plane.   So in 
future, when I fly with instrument of any significant size, I will attempt  to 
pack and insure it appropriately, ship it, or luggage check it, and not  travel 
with an instrument unless I understand I may never see it again.   The only 
certain option if you must fly and be absolutely certain you  can carry a 
premium instrument with you is to buy it a seat.
Ginny
 
 
In a message dated 7/29/2006 5:00:44 P.M. Central Daylight Time,  
jazzdude39 at comcast.net writes:

Nancy,

The agreement negotiated between the American Federation  of Musicians to 
allow musicians to carry on board any flight, their  instrument, as long as it 
fits in the overhead bin has reached a roadblock.  This was with the National 
Transportation Safety Board but Homeland Security  is now in charge. I have been 
told that the AFM is again negotiating to obtain  a new agreement. Currently 
some airlines will honor it, but Delta will not.  

I will post the new agreement when it is in effect. In the meantime  call 
your carrier and see if they will allow you to carry the third bag  on
(your instrument). If you have only two which include the ax, you might  be 
ok.

Dave  Hanson
Trombone
Atlanta