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Thread: Flying with a mandolin

  1. #1
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    A while back, Scott had a link to the FAA regs on flying with a (carry on) mandolin. I have searched through the pub, but I have missed it. Does anyone know where to find it?

    Related: Are there new regs that supercede the old link?

  2. #2
    _________________ grandmainger's Avatar
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    I believe this should answer your question: TSA: Transporting Musical Instruments

    Germain




  3. #3
    _________________ grandmainger's Avatar
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    From the link above:
    'String instruments, within carrier size limitations, are best transported as carry-on items.'

    Note that this is only a recommendation, not a law. As they point out, you really should check with the individual airline first. However, you at least know that it's not expressly forbidden.

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    Hi Dave,
    I have that letter somewhere in the rubble of boxes from my old office. I'll poke through them over the weekend, tho I don't have the capacity to scan and email. I'll try searching here.
    Wye Knot

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    Wye Knot

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    Registered User John Flynn's Avatar
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    The policy on the first link above states:

    Quote Originally Posted by
    As a final resort, if the screener cannot clear an instrument through the x-ray and/or physical search, the owner may be asked to play the instrument.
    Does this apply to banjo players? I would rather be hijacked than listen to that in the security line!

    So here's a question for the group. If TSA does make you play your instrument, what would you play?




  7. #7
    I'm a country mouse Bobbie Dier's Avatar
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    I'm going to the UK next month. I'll be taking old Flatiron Cadet with me. Think I'd play Jerusalem Ridge. Never been asked to play in the security line. I've had to take my shoes off a few times though
    I wandered again to my home in the mountains....

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    Gilchrist (pick) Owner! jasona's Avatar
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    Note to all: avoid America West. Their reading of the FAA regs are that Musical Instruments all have to be checked, no exception. I almost got kicked off a recent flight when the woman removed my mandolin from the overhead (after the plane was loaded and it was obvious that there was no demand on the overhead space).
    Jason Anderson

    "...while a great mandolin is a wonderful treat, I would venture to say that there is always more each of us can do with the tools we have available at hand. The biggest limiting factors belong to us not the instruments." Paul Glasse

    Stumbling Towards Competence

  9. #9

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    I fly Northwest tomorow , I' let you know my report.

    Rick

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    Registered User Ken Berner's Avatar
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    Hey Tone Monster, Have a great trip, but Security may want a free concert while checking out your axe. Some of those folks are warped!

  11. #11

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    Maybe when they see my Prucha never when they saw my Martin Backpacker that went to Greece, Brazil, Italy, New Zealand,France and Lakeville,PA.

    Rick

  12. #12

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    Just got back from a trip, and they never even looked at it twice.Had printed out the letter, but never needed it. I was concerned that the tuner and extra strings might be a problem, but they were not. Also carried on a bottle of rum with no problem.

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    I had no problem on Southwest recently. I think I'd have to play "We're not the Jet Set."

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    Flew Southwest from LA to Nashville with my mando and a carry on, no prob. Flew home a few days later, and security wouldn't let both bags on the plane (I had to check my carry on.) Annoying, but hwatever.
    "wait until someday, 'cause when I know what to say, I'll say it in the best way you've ever heard..." ~nickel creek

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    In the past three years or so, I've flown Southwest, American, and Continental. I've never had a problem, always took Amanda Lynn as a carry-on & stashed her in the overhead bin. It probably helps to board early enough so that there's plenty of available space near the seat.
    smithkathy

  16. #16
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    What to play?

    I'll Fly Away
    Leavin' on a Jet Plane

    What not to play?

    Well, I'd avoid Crash of the Old 97, even if it is about a train.

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