I just bought a nice aluminum case for my pipes so they can travel with me. I’d like to take them along when I fly up to Wisconsin this Christmas, but I’m kind of worried that that’ll be hard to do. I’m definately not the expert on airport protocol, but I’d imagine security won’t be too willing to let me walk onto a plane with a metal briefcase. This thing looks like it’s straight of a 007 movie - what they use to carry syringes full of flesh-eating bacteria or bombs. I’m worried that just because it’s metal they won’t let me take it on the plane - it could i suppose be dismantled to make some sort of knife-thing.
Am I just paranoid? You think I’ll have problems? Have YOU had problems? I hear it’s a definate no-no to let them load up your pipes underneath - it gets a little too rough. So if I can’t take them as a carry-on, I guess I just won’t take them.
Thanks,
Joey
typo
[ This Message was edited by: joey_schu on 2002-11-10 04:11 ]
Best to negotiate well in advance of flying…do it in writing even!
I’ve flown one way with an airline with the pipecase as hand luggage, only for them to INSIST on them going in the hold for the return journey.
I’ve heard of some folks taking the chanter into the cabin with them and the rest of the set goes in the flight bag in the hold.
Best thing is probably not to fly!
Oh and the Security folks have an absolute Paddy when they open up the case and see what’s inside…I’ve had swabs taken from my set and checked for explosives on more than one occasion…I suppose it does look a bit like a rocket launcher!..one guy I know said he once had to take the pipes out to play them for security to prove they weren’t stuffed full of dope or cocaine. I think he was flying to Amsterdam.
So there you go…
Amsterdam, it’s drugs they worry about.
Belfast, it’s rocket launchers.
C’est la vie!!
i would call them first,i would try not leave them with luggage, they will be thrown about.thats if they dont go missing{god for bid} u would be better of driving if possible
More opinions from the lunatic fringe (i.e. Highland pipers)…
Lots of us travel on planes with aluminum cases such as you are describing. They will have no trouble with the case as long as it is not too big. They are increasingly likely to be troubled by the contents. I always keep all of my maintenance items in my checked luggage. That means hemp, swabs, seasoning, wax, pull-throughs, and especially mandrils, razors, swiss army knives, utility knives, or leatherman etc. all go in my checked luggage. I sometimes keep a walkman and a book in there but otherwise just pipes.
This has worked for me throughout North America and Europe (including Amsterdam). Of course Highland pipes are more recognizable than uilleann pipes but if they don’t understand just say “like on Riverdance.” Usually just telling them it’s a bagpipe is enough.
Cheers,
Aaron
[ This Message was edited by: AaronMalcomb on 2002-11-10 10:14 ]
Try negotiating beforehand, preferably getting something in writing. You do not under any circumstances want to send them under. They do not treat luggage gently, and more often than not things in special protective cases go missing, and I don’t mean they’re misplaced.
We all know how tough it would be to get a new set of pipes from the maker of your choice (or the maker of the pipes you currently have) in a short time, not to mention the fact that airlines insurance probably wouldn’t cover more than a few hundred of the pipes.
When you do take your pipes on board (hopefully after having a piece of paper in hand that says you can), take only bag, bellows, mainstock&drones/regulators and chanter. No assistant tools. It sometimes helps to have a music book in the bottom where it can be seen, but doesn’t block any of the pieces of your set. Offer to play the set to show what they are, and don’t worry if you don’t sound good because you’re rushed.
Point out that you passed the x-ray machine and would be willing to have a hand search (specify that you would like to handle them when they want to open any normaly closed part, ie. places where your reeds are).
If possible, have a friend come with you to the gate in case they won’t let you take them on. You do not want to be stuck sending them under. Ever.
Joey…I remember reading a message you posted in July, just a few months ago, inquiring about the pipes, how the drones were attached, and what size to order. If order time is what I think it is, I assume you only have a practice set, or have you somehow acquired a 1/2 or full set lately?
Not much to fear with practice sets since they easily fit in regular suitcases with other stuff, and can be easily explained.
Yeah, you’ got the right guy, Lorenzo. Way to make a beginner feel important - that post was way back in July! But yeah, the pipes in question are(is) a practice set. Funny, I was mainly worried about the fact that my CASE looked nasty, not my PIPES! Interesting. I better learn these babies quick or if the security guys DO make me play them, they’re gonna think it really is a weapon of some sort.
Thanks for the good words, all; I’m gonna try to get in touch with the airline…