Bubble wrap and airplanes

[jma78]

Hi,

If one would stuff a tuba bell full of bubble wrap before checking it in for a flight would there be risk of damaging the bell by the bubble wrap swelling when the air pressure is lower?

Thoughts?

[CA Transplant]

Seems doubtful to me that it would harm your instrument. That stuff isn't all that strong, and stuff is shipped in aircraft all the time surrounded by bubble wrap. I've not seen any cardboard boxes deformed by any expansion that might occur, so I doubt it would damage your bell. Air is compressible, so the amount the pressure would increase would be small.