I’m sooooo sick of worrying about the possibility of having to check my sets when I travel, so once again, I’m searching for a case that looks like a standard piece of baggage instead of a big black box.
My standard pipe box isn’t much bigger than most carry-ons, but something about a big black box attracts attention at security and at the gate.
Gun cases probably aren’t a less conspicuous solution…
So, I figured what other industries/hobbies have a similar problem, and it turns out that broadcast video cameras have a similar problem, and there is a whole industry devoted to producing robust camera cases that are are designs for carry-on.
I’m thinking that this may be the best solution available right now, was wondering if anyone has a better suggestion:
I’ve got a Seattle trip coming up in a couple of weeks, and I’d really like to take my set up for sessions, but already I can feel the tension building up in my stomach about dealing with TSA and Alaska Airlines…
Pat D’Arcy has a case that is absolutely standard size for carryon, is hardshell and foam-padded, and it, of course, requires that he ‘break down’ his set so that it fits in the case.
I’ve traveled with my ‘Froment’ case - the breakdown shotgun case that measures 34" x 12" x 4" - for 14 years on planes and have got them on board every time as carryon. Once, they made me check my camera bag out of spite - i just took the camera stuff out and handcarried the cameras.
I traveled to/from Chicago to Dublin via Heathrow and no problems. I was standby coming home on the AA flight from Heathrow to Chicago but still got the case in the overhead above me boarding almost last for the flight.
Hey Michael…do not worry about checking in your pipes. I am a former TSA employee and as long as your case is around the same size as a carry-on you should have no problem. TSA’s policy on carrying instruments is specific. They will let you carry instruments on the plane as long as its not too big like an upright bass. Let TSA know that what you have is an expensive musical instrument..they should give you no problem..if they do, tell them that you cant check it in because the reeds will get damaged during flight ( liability anyone!!!) if that doesn’t work ask for the supervisor..and ask them for the SOP ( standard operating procedures) about musical instrument carry-ons..there is nothing stating that bagpipes or uilleann pipes cannot be carried on the plane. The only reason why TSA employees ask you to open up your pipe case is that it looks real strange through the x-ray machine..and lets face it..it’s not everyday that TSA employees see bagpipes comming through the x-ray machine..most don’t even know what bagpipes look like. I hope this info helps and eases the tension of flying…Sean
The problem is that most pipe boxes don’t fit in the sizing box provided by the airlines. As far as I can tell, nothing people carry on as rolling suitcases do, but when I come up to the gate with my piping box, I get the evil eye from the gate attendants and they’ll sometimes point to the sizing box. I’ve had Alaska Airlines agents say “That’s not a carry-on” in the most nasty tone of voice.
Reading through the musician’s union letter from the TSA, it just states that musician’s are allowed to bring an instrument as an additional carryon on top of the ususal suitcase and personal bag, but it doesn’t say anything about bypassing the airlines arbitrary size restrictions.
Checking on eBay, I see that there are a bunch of these video camera bags for sale, we’ll see how it goes over the next few days…
Last year I faced the same problem. I looked for something for about a week. I finally bought a Samsonite rolling hard-shelled suitcase that they said at the store was ok for carrying on. I only got trouble at one airport, London. Everywhere else they just looked at the contents and let me on. It fits with no problems in the overhead. They did make me check it in Germany for the bus ride from Frankfurt Hahn to Frankfurt Bahnhof, but that was only two hours; and the driver showed me exactly how he would secure it below; he told me that it would move less there than in my lap; and I far as I could tell, he was right. Jack
How big a set are you fitting in this case, and how much disassembly? For my 3/4 concert set, I need a minimum of 24 or 25 inches in length, which won’t fit into an airline sizer box.
Your problem is that you are trying to look for something that looks like a suitcase and not an instument case. If you have something that looks like a suitcase..of course they are going to hassle you before you even get to the security checkpoint. If you have an instrument case they will be more flexible with you, and will let you go through. Also luggage sizing is up to the individual airlines not TSA, but TSA will not hassle you with a decent size instrument case. I have the mother of all uilleann pipe cases and TSA gives me no problem with it..its perfect for full sets..here is the link.. http://www.exploreproducts.com/guardforcegds-7454breakdownshotguncase.htm. It looks like an instrument/shotgun case and not a luggage case. Its super strong and can fit a full set of pipes including the bellow because its deep enough. Its on the heavy side but its worth it..it also has wheels on it for airport use…this is the Fort Knox of uilleann pipe cases..I hope this info helps..Sean
That’s a beautiful case! I may have to get one… I’d still be concerned that its pretty long compared to most carry-on bags which are 22" or less. That’s very similar in dimensions to my Seth Gallagher box, and I’ve been hassled about it several times. Maybe its just Alaska airlines… Of course with that case, if they made you check it, it probably would survive.
I love shopping at electronic surplus stores… I had a free hour this afternoon I went down to my local Murphy’s Surplus and found an Olympus equipment case, looks like it may have been used for some kind of medical equipment. Its 22.5"x17"x5" and fits my 3/4 concert set with the bass drone removed and the stock sitting at a diagonal. Its about as small a case as I could find that would fit the set, looks like a slightly larger than average attache case.
The price: $20.00
I’ll still look at more robust solutions, but this may work fine.
Found out today that a viola case is very close, but just a little too narrow.
– Michael Eskin
…
I bought a full size violin case, the soft-sided type, for $25.00 at a “Going Out of Business Sale” and it fit my full set just fine.
The only thing that required removal was the bass and baritone drone end pieces.
The fact that it’s soft sided – (it’s slightly padded) is not an issue - I figure that if I’M carrying it, then it’s going to be OK, so long as it’s in my possession.
I fly with my pipes on average about 7 times a year round trip, which makes 14 each way… not to mention connecting flights etc. I have flown with my big old nasty looking wooden pipes case on most of these trips carrying my D set. The only trouble I get is from the security people whom, once you explain what they are and have a copy of “The Masters Touch” inside are all questions and intereseted in what the instrument is. I have a tidy but very heavy case for my B set that Jim mentioned above which is closest to the regulation size. I also have a new case now one of those Savage & Hoy jobs. It is excellent but be prepared to wait! Also if you order one request they pad the lid and sides, I did and it is worth the extra $30.
When you are at the gate keep the case out of sight as much as posible so the attendants can’t build a preconceived notion in their heads that “that case will have to be checked”! When walking up hold the case on the opposite side to the attendant so it isn’t in their face.
The only time I ever had to check my pipes was returning from the NY tionol shortly after the 9/11 tragedy. That was a once off and wouldn’t happen today. Also, my pipes were fine but my nerves were a bit shaken! … well alot shaken actually but everything worked out okay.
That’s it. Nothing really to worry about. I also keep a copy of the regulations in my case just in case it gets ugly. Basically it depends completely on the mood these people are in. Bad mood they’ll inflict their misery on you - good mood they’ll be cool. So don’t be a nervous looking would-be bomber when you talk to them. Just be cool, calm and collected to the best of your ability. If they suggest checking the case don’t have a baby… just take a deep breath and try to explain the situation to them calmly. If they are being awkward ask for their supervisor.
Patrick pretty much covered it. I try to board early (never mind the seat assignment). If you board late, the overheads and spaces can fill up and then you’d be stuck. Once, they tried to get me to check it on the jetway (as the flight was full) but still managed to find a spot on board for them.
The ‘how did you get them on board’ question was one that I always had the pipers visiting Chicago. Pat Mitchell told me in 1976 that he told the airlines that his W Rowsome pipes were irreplaceable as they’d have to dig up the maker to try and replace them!
Michael,
I got the above Guardforce case last month, actually my wife bought it for me for Christmas. It fits my Gallagher 1/2 set, with room to spare for misc items, perfectly without having to break it down or even slide the drones in. It has “egg carton” foam interior on the bottom and lid. It also has a removable partition covered with egg foam as well that you wouldn’t need except to possibly keep as a spare bottom for the case.
The inside bottom has several sets of velcro straps that happen to be in good places to hold the set from going anywhere inside the case. It has a very well cushioned interior. The exterior provides great protection as well. It also has 2 combination latch locks as well as 2 keyed lock latches.
There is a carrying handle on the end and on the front. It has legs and wheels on one end for standing it up and dragging it. The only drawback to the case is its weight. It is 20 lb. I have considered possibly removing the wheels and legs to lighten it up, as I probably would rarely use them,
and they would probably drop several pounds from the total weight, but the weight at this point in my life is not a big deal. If you would like, I can send a pic of the case with my set in it to you, as I don’t have a way to post pics.
Ailin
I swear I don’t even know why I write on this forum. I think people like to write just to write. The last three people to write on this topic said the same exact thing I have already mentioned before. If you think that you can get your pipes on the plane by hiding them away from security..your mistaking. All your doing is screwing yourself because you have waited in line all this time and when you get to the front they will tell you that your case is too big..bye bye. I have done before to other people on the job( not uilleann pipes of course) I love how people come up with their on theory on why pipes can get on planes. I have told you about TSA policy because I used to work for them, but don’t take my word for it..my say doesn’t matter here..you all seem to know everything about that subject.
Having some hormonal issues there “irishpiper”? It’s called a conversation for a reason… sometimes people like to back up what others have said. I thought that’s what I was doing but apparently I was merely wasting my time and everyone elses along with annoying you, it would seem that in your microcosm conversation ends when you deem it so. Please accept my heartfelt apologies and go F@@K YOURSELF! Now… that should solve everything
Well, my new $20.00 case both fits my 3/4 set perfectly, and has dimensions that easily meet Alaska Airlines published maximum sizes for carry-ons so I’m set. There’s not going to be any debate at the gate. It goes on the plane. Actually, this case is so small (22.5x17x5) it might even fit under a center seat. If the plane is out of space in the overheads, I’m taking the next flight.
Actually, I’ve never had any big problems with the TSA folks. At the X-Ray machine either they want to look at the pipes or they don’t, but I’ve never had them tell me I couldn’t take them through to the gate.
This whole discussion doesn’t have anything to do with TSA, it has to do with the arbitary rules applied by the airline gate personnel when you actually board. They’ll hassle me about a pipe box while not taking issue next 10 people also have suitcases that wouldn’t have a chance of meeting their maximum dimension requirements. I agree with Patrick completely, my experience has been that to maximize the chance of success, keep them out of site as much as possible and walk up to the gate with your ticket out, no other carry-on bags, and the pipes on the far side from the gate attendant. Doesn’t hurt to have the airlines published carry-on policy and the TSA musicians’ union letter in your back pocket just in case…
WOW Patrick.. Hostile there!! I think if anybody has issues it would be you. You are right.. this is a conversation..and I was stating my opinion..like you..but I don’t use vulgar words to get my point out. I think somebody had a little toooo much coffee today..what do you think? Patrick..Sorry if you got upset about what I wrote..but such is life. I am glade that everything worked out for you Michael!!
Now… that should solve everything 
Patrick..Sorry if you got upset about what I wrote..but such is life. I am glade that everything worked out for you Michael!!