TubeNet

I have to fly from Geneva, Switzerland to Oslo Norway on Thursday 7 Jan and I would prefer to buy a seat for the tuba and take it on board. Unfortunately, all Scandinavian airlines have a policy which states that the only musical instruments that are allowed on board are cellos.

Should the tuba be disguised as a cello ? If anyone asks should I just say it’s a cello ?

Since this tuba is about the size of a cello hardcase why would the airline care?

I’ll be flying with the large and rare Hirsbrunner Kaiser BBb. There is no hard case for it , only a gig-bag. The train is 30 hrs one way, driving is 20 hrs plus 2 ferries.

I’m not usually one who breaks the rules but since I find this a discriminatory rule, should it be obeyed?

Seeing that the case/package is definably going to be x-rayed for security, I cannot see how you can possibly disguise as a cello. I would suggest, contacting the airline and try to get prior agreement to accept as cabin luggage, find an alternative airline who will, or be resigned to driving.

Getting around airline policy is always a roll of the dice. Maybe the rule is unjust, but if you try to break the rules then you run the risk of not getting on the plane. Do you want to take that risk? I don't know of any tuba player that's been able to purchase a seat for their instrument in a long time. In your situation, you MAY be able to talk you and your horn on the plane, but I'd say the odds are just as likely that you'll fail. And you won't fool anyone into thinking that a tuba is a cello, that's probably the dumbest idea I've ever heard.

If you want to fly with your instrument, buy a proper flight case for it, or have one custom built. Since you don't have time to do that, I would drive if I were you.

There's always room for cello!

Hope you have solved your problem by now.
May I ask what you will be doing in Oslo?
Prepare for a cold experience, -20 C in Oslo today and a lot of snow.

MartyNeilan wrote:There's always room for cello!

I like this advertisement. I wish the Swiss had Jello here. Perhaps since they don't have school lunches, they don't need it.... esp. laced with the fruit cocktail..

tuba-tobias wrote:Hope you have solved your problem by now.
May I ask what you will be doing in Oslo?
Prepare for a cold experience, -20 C in Oslo today and a lot of snow.

Hei Tuba players !

I sold a really rare and large Hirsbrunner tuba and wanted to hand deliver it in person.

Since the plane is nearly empty, I have bought a ticket for myself and the tuba. (When buying the ticket I had to say the Nationality was Swiss and the sex was Female)

I have packed it in a way that the size is similar to a cello 142 cm X 60 cm X 41 cm. I will not tell them it is a cello but will instead bring them copies of cello case advertisements showing the dimensions of a cello case in which they can compare to the dimensions of the tuba.

Either they will allow me on the plane or say I will have to put it under the plane. If it needs to be put under the plane I will have a large box ready.

I know I’m taking a risk by going on the plane but the new owner really appreciates what I’m doing. Sometimes risks need to be taken in order to advance.

If there are any tuba players around who would like to share a beer on Thursday evening, my number is +41.79.245.8529.
Tim

Timswisstuba wrote:I know I’m taking a risk by going on the plane but the new owner really appreciates what I’m doing. Sometimes risks need to be taken in order to advance.

Good luck Tim!

Good luck! Let us know how things turn out!

Hei fra Norsk. (Hello from Norway)

Thanks for the good luck messages! In most of Europe there is lots of snow and below average temperatures. All planes to and from London were cancelled yesterday due to the paralizing snow. However, here in Oslo there is also lots of snow, the temperature is – 20 and the plane still landed without delay on a snow covered runway.

I was able to take the tuba on board wothout any problems. I find that if I show respect and willingness to co-operate with the check-in clearks that my demands are often met. It took a lot of time getting through security because the tuba bell did not fit through the x-ray machine so a full cavity tuba search had to be done manualy. Once again showing respect and willingness to cooperate I was able to pass through security.

The only real problem I encountered was a large ”grand orchestral” woman with gold teeth and who spoke no English (most likely Russian) sitting in front of the tuba . She insisted on reclining her seat fully. The few millimeters between her and the tuba were just enough for both her and the tuba to rest comfortably. My advice for anyone travelling on board would be to buy a third seat (the one in front of the tuba) so that this does not happen.

It is really cold here. It reminds me a lot of living in Rochester NY but I don't remember it being this cold. The only time I've experienced -20 was in Jan 1998 when I drove to Montreal to hear Mahler 5. There was an ice storm so bad that I had to stay a week. Dennis Miller was an excellent host and we had a great time together tuba talking.

My impression of the Norweigians is a good one. They are excellent players maybe because they have instrumental music at school and because it’s so dark here that they spend a lot of time indoors practicing. They are also honest. I mistakenly dropped some money on the street and a tall, long-haired ”hard rocker” man who looked liked he was going to take all my money , instead gave me the money I had dropped.

The new owner is happy with his tuba and I will leave Norway with an excellent impression.

Timswisstuba wrote:.
It is really cold here. It reminds me a lot of living in Rochester NY but I don't remember it being this cold.

Haha, with Windchill it often can feel like -20!

Timswisstuba wrote:.... The only real problem I encountered was a large ”grand orchestral” woman with gold teeth and who spoke no English (most likely Russian) sitting in front of the tuba . She insisted on reclining her seat fully. .....

You can eliminate this problem by requesting a 'bulkhead' seat. ... whereby there is nothing in front of you except the cabin wall.