Flying with my flatiron ?

[om21ed]

I was going to drive to Niles H's Mandocrucian Boot Camp but domestic considerations prevailed and now I'm flying (Ohare to Dulles). I don't really fly much and have never travelled with my mando. So, I'm assuming no problem putting itin the overhead space--am I right ? Do I need to lower string tension or take any precautions? should I take the Washburn and not risk the Flatiron (its only a Nashville Performer A but it is my "Precious"_) Anybody else going ?

[Brian Aldridge]

You won't have any problems flying with your mando, as long as you are not put in a small puddle jumper at a connection. It will fit in the overhead just fine. No need to lower the strings as the cabin is pressureized. I fly with my Precious all the time.

[jasona]

...unless you fly American West. They they *will* take your mandolin out of the overhead, even when the plane was loaded and the space clearly not needed, just *because* its a musical instrument. Their policy is that ALL musical instruments and sporting equipment MUST go into checked baggage. They read the FAA rules, but clearly didn't understand them.

I, clearly, will never fly them again. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[springer_spaniel]

I fly with my mandolin all the time also and use the overheads with no problem ( Mostly NorthWest and American .) However I do loosen the strings due to turbulence. I don't think the extra tension is too good if it gets thrown around in the overhead even with the hard case.

Just my 2 cents

[Bobby G]

I just got back from Baltimore Md. from Texas. Took my Washburn and carried it on. Continental Airlines, no problems at all.

[cbogle]

I've (fortunately) never had a problem carrying a mando on ANY airline.....including America West (sorry to hear about the problem you had, Jason). I do agree with Springer Spaniel in that it's probably good practice to loosen the string tension slightly as well; some flights can get a little rough.

[mandoJeremy]

I have taken mine on many flights and never loosened the tension and never had it anywhere besides the overhead or under my feet. Even if they give you the ticket when you are going to the plane that says it will be checked baggage, just put the ticket in your pocket and continue on. Our bass player has done that with his electric and it is obviously too big for carry on but he always seems to put it in the overhead.

[John Flynn]

When TSA asks you what kind of instrument is in the case, don't say, "My Banjo Killer," "A Real Cannon," or "Da Bomb!"

[Chris "Bucket" Thomas]

Most folks are assuming that you loosen the strings for turbulence. Good thinking but………the entire instrument is subjected to the entire G load increase at one time, as a whole unit. Also, the load is relatively light.

Also, pressurized/ unpressurized………at 37,000’ in the typical airline plane the cabin altitude is between 6500-7000’. That is the altitude you body thinks that it is at.

The concern, if you choose to make it one, is the humidity. It is extremely dry in an aircraft, only 2-6% humidity. That could pose concerns for wood and glue joints, especially since the change is rapid.

I fly with mine 15 days a month (85 hours of air time), I never loosen the strings. East Coast (75%-100% humidity), in the plane for 6 hours (3-6%) and than on the West Coast (25-30%-low humidity) and back. Yea, it is also a little flat or sharp after a trip (depending on the coast).