[Trombone-l] Carry on instruments

[John Hinchey]

Hi all,

I think I've posted this before.  I use this IQ smartpak case.
http://www.portablebooths.com/smartpak/

I've got a small tenor Cronkite gig bag.  I put a styrofoam cone in  
the bell of my conn 30H inside the gig bag,
then wrap the gig back in bubble wrap. It fits snugly in there with  
my trombone stand, a plunger and plexi mic
shield.  It's shorter and lighter than the golf cases.  I've never  
been charged with oversize or over weight.
  I just flew back this morning from a gig in New Orleans and no  
problems, no questions asked.   The case light
enough that it doesn't cause weight problems and it is only a few  
inches over on the combined length, height and
depth for restrictions.  It does seem to always get opened by TSA and  
inspected but it fits easily through their
x-ray machines.  This biggest problem with it so far is, people  
mistake it for a trash can back stage!  I've always
got to check for empty coke cans.

So far so good for my travels, your milage my vary  I do feel the  
pain of my good friend Billy Huber and his horn
and flying problems.   I know some guys like that cronkite 2 piece  
case for carry on when flying.

Regards,
John Hinchey
Nashville, TN