Flying with Drums

[The Tasmanian]

Hello Drummers
I am taking a vintage Gretch drumkit (thanks Mr Whitten!) from Sydney to Hobart next week on Jetstar - just kick (with snare inside), Racktom and Floortom in cases - hoping the lot comes in under 20kilo's.
Is there any tip I should know as I don't normally fly with drumkits -
Is there a size limit before they slog me with extra $
Any flying tips would be welcome
Thanks hitters of skins!

ALSO - can I take a snare on as hand luggage?

[seancook]

you can usually get away with taking a snare on and chucking it in the overhead if you get on the plane early, then duck for cover as you cop dirty looks from people when the overhead space runs out.

if you havent booked your ticket yet virgin has 32kg baggage limit and you can prebook another 32kg in excess for $15.

hopefully you're on a boeing, not an embraer. The overhead luggage spots in the embraer planes can't fit anything in them, useless.

best of luck with it!

[The Tasmanian]

I'm on Jetstar - with a 20 kilo limit, apart from carry on.
I was thinking I could send the rack tom in the post, and take the snare on hand luggage if needed to reduce weight

[ChrisW]

I would take snare as carry on. If challenged make out it's uber rare vintage (it is!) and maybe they can stow it in the front cabin.
You could maybe get a soft case for it. It would be not much bigger than some of the business dudes briefcases.

The big problem with the rest of the drums is baggage handlers throwing them off the plane. I've seen it.
I would pack the inside of the case with foam and blankets, towels etc.
You'd be better off driving to Melbourne and taking the ferry.

[The Tasmanian]

Thanks Chris - It was too late and expensive to drive this time - and need them for a session next week.
I've got semi hard cases that are larger in size and heaps of bubble wrap etc - and Fragile stickers plastered all over the cases. I will also ask them to hand load them.
I do have a hard case for the snare too.
It is risky - but once this flight is over they wont be flying again - they'll be in the van like royalty
Wish me luck

[GlennS]

Chris, just be aware when you pack them that there is a 99% chance that the fragile stickers (which often say "Handle like eggs") & request to hand load won't have any effect on the way the baggage handlers treat them. Good luck!

[The Tasmanian]

Yeah I understand fragile means nothing anymore in these economic times - but there are 15 huge stickers plastered all over each case to imply "I mean it"
All I can do is be as smart as humanly possible with packing and the like
I must trust that they will survive - and I think the odds are on my side

[mylesgm]

why not have them shipped with a freight company? I know it'll be a bit more expensive but they have insurance and actually treat their clients cargo with respect not 'all care taken, no responsibility' rubbish.

[chribble]

Use the oversize baggage part and go nuts with the bubble wrap.

[The Tasmanian]

All arrived safe - I felt quite nervous on the flight thinking I would have a pile of splinters to deal with at the end....
Thanks gents for the tips!
And thank you Chris for the AMAZING kit -
Recording for the next week with the great Ben Walsh (The Bird, Dhaa etc) on sticks.

[ChrisW]

Good to hear. Thanks for the progress report.

[chribble]

similar question here.

My sister is living in london at the moment, if I get her to take a guitar back with her, an excess baggage, any idea how much that could cost? would be an acoustic jumbo

[The Tasmanian]

Should not cost anything if it is within the weight limit -
I paid $40 for extra 40 kilo's for this kit to fly with cases.
Dont forget to detune (a lot) the guitar strings for the flight - flight can bend the neck as strings come under more tension

[ChrisW]

The weight allowance is lower via Asia than via America.
I tend to fly to London via LA these days, even though it's a couple of hours longer.

[James Chia]

I've carried on my guitar (strat) in a gigbag twice with Qantas from Singapore to Sydney and managed to fit them in the overhead compartment. Check that the plane you're taking has a wide enough compartment, and be the first to board!