carson smith wrote:
Has anyone had an experience flying with a fixed bell horn recently or know anything about the requirements these days? Thanks, Carson
I spent last summer up in Southeast Alaska, on an elective work assignment. Yeah, I know, what a rough life, but someone has to do it! <grin> It was the opportunity of a lifetime! That area of the country is a temperate rainforest. Flowers abounded, the weather was wonderful, except for rain 222 days/year.
Anyway, I took along my fixed bell horn, a Yamaha 667. I made the decision to send it through as baggage, rather than carry it onto the plane. There were many, many flights required by this job, at least a dozen, or more, as I recall. Only one bit of damage happened. Somewhere along the way the case got treated a little too roughly, resulting in a pushed in 2 cm area on the part protecting the bell. A small peripheral wave, similar to what might happen if one carelessly caught the lip of the bell against something, resulted.
My solution was to pack the bell area inside the case with a cotton sweater I had along. I wrapped it around the lip of the bell, stuffing the rest of the material inside the horn. No further damage happened to my horn.
Since returning, I have purchased a ProTec case. The padding inside the case is much more snug. The case itself seems a bit more sturdy, as well. I would have no fear of allowing it to go through with my baggage, next time I travel.
One caveat is in order. If you choose to boldly relinquish your horn, letting it out of your site, abandoning it to the horrors of baggage handlers, be aware that you can no longer lock your luggage. If you're not available to unlock luggage, it may not be allowed to travel with you. I've heard that locks might be removed, allowing searches, should the inspectors feel it to be indicated.
Good luck! I hope you don't have to buy an extra ticket to put your horn on the seat beside you.
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