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I'm considering flying my YBB-621 from Birmingham to DC (Reagan) for TUSABTEC.

I'm looking for pointers on how to deal with the airline to make this go as smoothly as possible.

The good news is that both flights are NONSTOP, on small planes (puddle-jumpers).
The airline is USAir (actually...their commuter outfit)

The bad news is that my best case for the 621 is an original equipment case - more than adequate for the trunk of a car, but perhaps insufficient for the cargo hold.

I'm hoping that I can "gate check" it (these flights gate check a lot of bags because there is very limited storage space in the main cabin).

I'm interested in advice from people who have actually done this - esp. those who do it regularly. Are there any magic incantations that will speed my way through security (I'm quite sure the case won't fit through the usual scanner, for example). Does a letter from someone in USAir help? Who might that be? Are there any regulations dealing with musical instruments that I should have in hand when dealing with the airline or the TSA?

Feel free to contact me at <sloan@uab.edu> if the conversation becomes too esoteric for general interest.

Thanks.

Here's the key: don't fly with your tuba. Instead, fly your tuba. I have seen it done. All you need are some wheels for landing gear, and wings. I suggest a sturdy aluminum foil when making your wings. All you need now is a way to get your aircraft off the ground; that is, a motor. A tuba is very similar to a jet engine; both use air. So, you just need to learn how to blow fast air to get your craft off the ground. The great thing about this "air tuba" is that you can practice as you fly. I hope this has been of some help.

Sincerely,
Thomas Maurice Booth
GE Electric Jet Engineer/Tubist

I have flown a bunch with a bigger horn. I remember years back reading about Bob Stewart putting extra padding in his stock ycb621 case and flying with it. Having gotten a back pack on a plane, I'm wondering if the 621 could be carried on a small plane, especially puddle jumpers that have that extra space in the front. Also, with a case that small, you could probably build a plywood case around it, and just check it. Good Luck. Peace. ASG