Flying with Besson cases...

[joshwirt]

I recently flew to Vienna from the UK with my brass band. I had no problems with the case as far as protecting the instrument. However, the other BBb player got a nice 'addition' to his bottom bow.

Several of the EEb players in the UK fly their horns in the Besson cases all the time and it seems hit or miss. One guy flew his to France and back with little problems, however anothe flew to Norwaya and had his horn mangled.

Conclusion: Have insurance and hope that all goes well unless you can afford a more trustworthy case....and still have the insurance!!! I've flown with Walt Johnson case with ZERO problems to the instrument....the cases have sustained some scratches, but that's what they're there for, right?!

Good luck and safe travels,

Josh Wirt

[charlieJ]

I flew with my Besson case one time and sweated the entire flight - direct flight with no connections prior to 9/11. I stuffed the bell with a partially deflated basketball, then pumped it up so it would absorb impacts from that area, then I wrapped the horn in bubble wrap and towells.

I think the side walls of Besson cases are too limber to fly with - any direct side impact could do some serious damage in the guts of the horn.

[Mark Preece]

I flew from Canada to the US, and also to Japan with my Besson 982. Each time I bubble-wrapped the horn inside the case, and I haven't had any problems at all!