Notes When Traveling Saxophone
If you have been playing the saxophone for a while, then sooner or later the problem of traveling will arise. More specifically, how can you bring your instrument on a plane or train and still be safe?
Traveling with musical instruments can be a hassle as the regulations of many airline companies do not allow music boxes as hand luggage.
People try to avoid paying extra baggage fees, so they often pack smaller luggage as carry-on, resulting in overcrowded compartments, so even if you can bring your musical instrument Through the check-in gate, you still run the risk of damaging the container as it is often tucked in the middle of the bag.
If you're a saxophone player, you'll certainly want to bring your instrument as hand luggage, but you must be prepared for any surprises at check-in. So let's take a look at the best options for traveling with your saxophone.
Buy a compact box
Maybe you already have a hard case for your saxophone, but it may not be suitable for airplanes. If your suitcase is bulky, it won't be able to get through the check-in gate, so buying a less bulky hard case is the best option.
Make sure to buy a suitcase that's as streamlined as possible and avoid stuffing the outside bags with bags as the border officer may reject your suitcase as carry-on if it seems bulky.
Hand luggage dimensions for most airlines are 22 x 14 x 9 inches, but you should double check before you travel. Another tip is to bring a tape measure to prove your case fits these measurements.
A compact suitcase also ensures you have enough space in the compartments and still allows others to leave their luggage next to your suitcase.
Avoid using a soft case for your trumpet as it may bump into other luggage in the overhead compartments, possibly resulting in key or other bent parts. Make sure to pack it tightly in the box by wrapping it with shockproof wrap for extra protection.
Since there's always the risk of having to check your saxophone, it's always better to keep the detachable parts with you, such as the strap, reed, and mouthpiece.
Protect your trumpet
Even when using a hard case, there is still a lot of movement in the flat compartments, which can damage your instrument.
Make sure to purchase a bendable key clip to keep your gasket well sealed. They help keep the pads fixed and shaped to the sound hole, prevent leaks, and keep the keys from shifting.
Another handy tool to help lock the saxophone in place is the extension plugs. These ensure there is no wiggle room between the box liner and the end plug, which prevents the receiver from bending.
Many saxophone players like to store their trumpets in a damp place so they can be played right away. This can be difficult to do due to liquid restriction requirements on board, so make sure to purchase a trumpet case with a humidification system and an air-tight gasket to protect your chips.
Boarding early and being friendly
With people crammed into the cabins, it's best to try to get on the plane as soon as possible. You can purchase priority boarding to ensure you board when there is still plenty of space in the cabins.
Another good tip is to book your seat in the back as most planes start at the back, which gives you a better chance of boarding early and finding better slots.
Remember that once you have safely placed your suitcase, no one is allowed to ask you to move it out to accommodate other bags, even if your suitcase takes up more space than regular carry-on luggage. .
However, it's best to keep a friendly tone when talking to other passengers or flight attendants to avoid trouble.
Sometimes they may block you when you enter the plane because the box looks bulky. If this happens, cooperate and assure them that you have traveled many times with your saxophone and that it always fits in the compartments, otherwise you will have to be ready to take it in for inspection. manual check.
You can ask passengers to place their bags on top of your hard case if the compartments are full. Most people will cooperate if you ask nicely.
Manually test your saxophone
If your trumpet has to be manually checked in on the plane, the baggage handler will bring it to the luggage compartment and bring it to you when the plane lands.
This option is less risky than checking your hard box at the gate, where your hard box can be handled by multiple people and tossed around on a conveyor belt.
If you must check your baggage at the gate, request it by hand, which gives you a better chance of asking for a more careful handler. Sometimes they even let you put your own instrument in the box.
For the safety of your instrument, it's best to exhaust all options. You can also add a “fragile” label for extra precaution.
Get tool insurance
Buying your saxophone insurance is a good precaution, especially if you're a frequent traveler.
Alternative options
Some airlines allow you to reserve seats for your instrument. This may be a more expensive option, but it's still a viable option in case you don't want to ruin your saxophone.
A cheaper option is to have it shipped, especially if you're going a long way. This option usually gives you a bundle of insurance on your package.
You can bring your expensive mouthpiece, attachments, and strap and rent a saxophone in the city you're going to instead of carrying an entire saxophone case.
If you don't have a live performance and just want to practice, you can buy a travel saxophone to take with you. It's compact and lightweight and a great way to avoid carrying around a heavy instrument and the hassle of registering.
When traveling with a saxophone, you need to be prepared for any eventuality to ensure your instrument is transported safely. Make sure to take advantage of the tips in this article and travel comfortably knowing your sax is safe.
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