Travelling on airplanes with a musical instrument is often quite challenging, especially if you aren’t prepared. The flight policies of most airline companies are made for the average flyer. Not for a musician with instruments. For instance, if you are a saxophone player, a good saxophone bag undeniably helps. But you need to keep some finer points in mind before you board the flight.
First, the more streamlined and less bulky your case, the better it is to carry. The manufacturing material should be sturdy or reinforced. The saxophone bag should offer protection and be forgiving at the same time to allow other people’s luggage beside or on top of it. Avoid taking a large bag because you may not find an open bin to put it, unless you are one of the first passengers to board the plane. But security agents at the gate will insist on hand-checking the bag.
If you can’t avoid taking a large bag, ask yourself, whether there are any items that you can take out of the pockets to make it light and more compact. An oversized pocket on the outside may tip the balance of properly keeping the bag inside the plane. Even if that’s resolved, a bulky bag will catch the eyes of the security agents at the gate and would make them rigid.
It’s always advisable to carry your instrument as a cabin baggage. Keep the things necessary for your gig with you. This is because even if your checked-in baggage is misplaced, you will still have the equipment at hand for your performance.
There have been several instances where instruments of musicians have been damaged because of mishandling by airlines staff. The damage could be more serious if the instrument is not properly packed. So if you are a sax player, get the best saxophone bag for your travel and keep headaches at bay.
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