Taking Synths on Flights?

DCPete · Post by **DCPete** » Tue Jan 22, 2013 8:29 am

A bit of advice needed.

Got a gig abroad coming up soon. At the request of the organizer, I will need to take 1 synth with me. Back line will be provided etc...

Never done this before so I'm curious as to whats involved. Only going for 2 nights/3 days

How does it affect you luggage weight? Extra costs? Worthy of maybe taking lightest synth or does it not matter? Any weird checks made on electrical appliances worth worrying about?

Cheers in advance

Pete

Post by **mikemolloyuk** » Tue Jan 22, 2013 9:51 am

Hi

Make sure you get a good flight case. Some companies call it a full flight case rather than a semi flight case.

My mate had a really nice custom made guitar on a flight once and the case was so badly damaged due to baggage handler throwing it arround, the guitar only just survived it. The case saved it.

DCPete · Post by **DCPete** » Tue Jan 22, 2013 10:16 am

mikemolloyuk wrote:Hi

Make sure you get a good flight case. Some companies call it a full flight case rather than a semi flight case.

My mate had a really nice custom made guitar on a flight once and the case was so badly damaged due to baggage handler throwing it arround, the guitar only just survived it. The case saved it.

Ewww...My Triton & Trinity's have proper sturdy steel cornered flight cases but my M50 for example case although similar might not be up for the journey due to flimsy wall structure (THON). I could get away with either of these but naturally, they weigh a tonne cased up...the M50 not so much naturally.

Anybody use the MicroX (orange) as on-flight travel luggage either?

billbaker · Post by **billbaker** » Tue Jan 22, 2013 2:25 pm

Does your synth have a rack equivalent? Most single or double space racks, even in a case, will fit guidelines for carry-on. PLayed with a midi controller the sounds would be the same.

If you are reluctant to check it you might call the airline and explain your needs. You can get a waiver for oversized baggage (tho it may cost you) such as skis or surfboards so I think you'd be able to do the same with a lighter keyboard in a gig bag... but I'd definitely call ahead about that.

If the airport is reasonably close, you may be able to find out all the details and get pre-aproval of your gear.

Fully qualified flight cases will have "ATA approved" somewhere on them and will have recessed handles and (especially!!) heavy duty twist latches. Remember that you aren't limited to "stock" padding so pick up bubble wrap or good foam to help shock proof the interior. Pay special attention to the corners and ends. Your case also needs side "crush" reinforcement in case it's at the bottom of the pile.

No locks are allowed.
Get insurance equal to replacement value. If the airline breaks it you'll have some recourse for replacing your gear at the last minute.

Back-up all your data!

Back-up ALL your data - and keep a spare copy on your person (carry-on) and a separate one with your gear and in your checked bags. Back-up is cheap.

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Don't bring vintage gear. Don't bring your studio "baby" unless you think it will survive being dropped 3 feet onto concrete or flung 10 feet sideways into an aluminum bulkhead.

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I'm a long time user and big supporter of SKB cases. They're light weight, tough as hell, and generally speaking there's enough room inside to add temporary padding (bubble wrap) as needed to keep things safe. The latches of the standard case are NOT ATA-rated so you'd need to add something extra like HD (2 inch wide) velcro belts as a fail-safe for the latches if you were going to let baggage gorillas handle it.

BB

billbaker · Post by **billbaker** » Tue Jan 22, 2013 2:36 pm

"... Micro X (Orange) case"

That would probably get a waiver as a computer-type device. Subject to x-ray inspection. Probably doesn't weigh enough to throw off your two-bag limit, but would count as one.

Might need a "special" status (read: pay more to carry this on) because it is longer than the allotted space for carry-on.

Budget an extra $100 for baggage hassles.

Per my post above: Any time you spend working out the details before you show up at the airport will be worth-while.

BB

DCPete · Post by **DCPete** » Wed Jan 23, 2013 8:04 am

billbaker wrote:"... Micro X (Orange) case"

That would probably get a waiver as a computer-type device. Subject to x-ray inspection. Probably doesn't weigh enough to throw off your two-bag limit, but would count as one.

Might need a "special" status (read: pay more to carry this on) because it is longer than the allotted space for carry-on.

Budget an extra $100 for baggage hassles.

Per my post above: Any time you spend working out the details before you show up at the airport will be worth-while.

BB

Thank you my friend!

All good advice & something to have a good think about... I am quite nervous but I have a few months planning on my side (May) so will look into ALL suggestions.

Cheers

xmlguy · Post by **xmlguy** » Wed Jan 23, 2013 3:26 pm

My favorite portable synth combination is the Novation X-Station 25 with a laptop. The X-station has a great aftertouch keybed, works on rechargable C cells, and will automatically recharge the batteries when hooked up via USB or a powersupply dongle. With a USB cable, it works as a great controller for Massive, FM8, Absynth or other softsynths, besides having a good built-in synth with lots of knobs. It easily fits as a carryon.

Ultimate Dj · Post by **Ultimate Dj** » Mon Feb 11, 2013 9:31 pm

I carried my on the plane itself. I would never trust it to ship through. So much can happen and it could even get lost. I just told them too bad, I'm taking it on. The stewardess were way cool and put it in a back closet.
It was my Korg M3. Who are you flying?