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I'll be going to Russia in May to perform. Do you all think that I'll be able to bring my euphonium on in a gig bag as a carry-on item and store it above? Will it fit? Please all who have experienced this give me all sorts of options. Thanks.

I recommend calling the airline and asking how large the overhead compartment is on your flight. On an international flight, I would imagine it would be pretty big and possibly able to accomodate your horn. I have been on several planes where I could stow my horn in the overhead compartment, often on flights operated by American Airlines.

When I get on a plane and can't get my euphonium into the compartment, I apologize profusely to the flight crew and explain politely but desperately that my horn can absolutely not go under the plane. They will usually humor me and put my horn in a safe place, like the coat closet or where the flight attendants put their luggage. Once I was allowed to store it in the empty seat next to me.

EDIT:
My horn has been in the overhead compartment many times, and has never been damaged. If you use the overhead compartment, DO let other people put their luggage there, that way your horn will be immobile and not able to slide around during the flight. This effect was demonstrated when my car flipped on the highway carrying five people, luggage, and instruments. No one's horn was damaged because the trunk was so packed and nothing could shift or move - I guarantee that if we had just the five euphs back there and no luggage, we'd have had some serious damage on our hands.

Hope this helps -
- Jamie

In 1991,I got on an Alaska Airlines plane in Siberia with a Russian tuba in a canvass bag.The flight attendant told me to check it and I did.Upon arrival at Anchorage I reclaimed the horn and found the bell badly rumpled and a huge dent in the bow.The horn still played and I was determined to avoid further damage.
I booked the rear seat on a flight to Juno (spelling?).I was trying to cram the tuba behind my seat when the flight attandant told me to check the horn.I explained that my tuba had taken enough damage and I refused to let it out of my sight until I reached home.Fortunately,the pilot came up and told me he would put the horn in his locker in the cockpit and instructed me to walk to the front of the plane upon landing and he would open his door and hand the horn down to me.Leaving the plane,I walked
around front after the engines stopped and the pilot handed me my horn.
A security lady ran out to me screaming,"Stop,don't move".Apparently she thought my tuba was full of drugs or something.After explaining and
tooting a note or two to show the horn was empty,she let me go.
I'm sure that nice pilot took a lot of heat for that.
Doc's idea of buying a seat for the tuba would have prevented all this.
tubatooter1940
www.johnreno.com/

Brandon,

My suggestion is prepare for the worst. After flying with my euph a couple of times this spring, I figured out that a flight case is the only way to go. Fortunately, USAirways is taking responsibility for destroying the bell section of my Yamaha case and is paying for a custom Unitec case that I should have pretty soon. For me, it's worth the money just to not have to worry the whole time you're on the plane whether or not your horn's going to make it allright.

Hi Brandon,

I have not had any trouble with my horn in a gig bag on international flights and I have been them quite a lot. The big planes overheads are quite roomy. Some of the airline employees will pitch a fit, and say you wont be able to board, I had that happen one time coming back over from Manchester, but nothing happened. I say best bet is bring it up top. They might be asses to you but always remember don't be one back!

Brandon Jones wrote:I'll be going to Russia in May to perform. Do you all think that I'll be able to bring my euphonium on in a gig bag as a carry-on item and store it above? Will it fit? Please all who have experienced this give me all sorts of options. Thanks.

Hi Brandon,

Steve Mead always flies with his horn in a gig bag.

I met him in the hallway of the hotel in Greensboro (ITEC 2002) after he just arrived from England. I saw him with his luggage and his horn over his shoulder. I asked him if he always flew with his horn in a gig-bag. He said he's never had any trouble flying with his euph on as carry-on.

Good luck.

Brandon,

I have flown with my euphonium many times and simply put it under the seat in front of me (in the gig bag, of course). The overhead compartments are usually not tall enough to accomodate for the bell. Put the horn (bow first) under the seat in front of you... the bell will crowd your feet a little, but the peace of mind from knowing that it is not being crushed in the luggage area is well worth the slight discomfort. The flight attendants are not supposed to allow anything sticking out from under the seats, but I have never had a problem with it. Hang your jacket over your knee and they will not be able to see!

Good luck!

Brian