What I'd really like to find out is what the dimensions of the overhead bins are in these aircraft. It would actually be helpful to me to have some idea whether or not the instrument would actually fit in an overhead bin, in the admittedly highly unlikely scenario that it had a bin to itself. I've flown in some small commuter planes where the answer was clearly "no way"...even if there were nothing else in the bin, it just wouldn't work (typically, the harp would probably fit lengthwise, but the bin wouldn't be deep enough to allow the door to close). They must be big enough on some aircraft, though, because people do fly with these harps.
I've seen some larger bins in which this harp would fit on top of other luggage, but I'm still not sure that the widest point isn't too wide to allow the door to close. So the depth of the bins with the door closed is one thing I'm trying to find out.
It would almost certainly fit in a closet, and would take up no more space than a garment bag (in fact, it could easily even be hung up on a coat hanger using the backpack straps). The question here is, do smaller domestic airplanes even have closets these days?
If I end up having to gate check it, then that's what I'll do...much as I'd hate to lose any instrument, this isn't my main axe, and if I can't travel with it, it isn't of much use to me. That may sound callous, but it is what it is.
Originally Posted by
Ti22
As a working muso the "sour grapes" comments from so many "travel pros" found in discussion forums is nothing new. And quite laughable since the PRIMARY reason a muso flies is to do gigs with their instrument.
Fortunately, the airlines (and congress) seem to "get it" and the issue isn't as bad as "Chicken Little's" like to make of it.
Having said that, I travel extensively with 45" x 20" x 7" cased acoustic guitar and IMO you would likely be okay. Better paid first or if you have some status with the airline since you would be able to board early and secure (hog) available bin space.
Small overheads? Once again, status and/or early boarding can help maybe secure a closet, etc. FA's tend to like us so pour on the charm and be as pleasant as possible. No need to get angry, ever! In the couple times I had no choice but to gate check the pilot/FO took a personal interest and insured it was handled with due care. Of course, a Grammy or two doesn't hurt, LOL....
Thanks...that is helpful!
One thing I have found is that people seem to be intrigued by the idea of a small harp (people seem to be fascinated by harps in general, and the idea of one that you can easily carry on your back and hold in your lap really fascinates them).
Originally Posted by
CarmenOM
2) Buy a hard case for the harp and store it at the left luggage facility at DUB (
http://www.dublinairport.com/gns/at-...t-luggage.aspx). This will be expensive for a whole month but probably not more so than trans-Atlantic FedEx. You will have a good case you can use again.
Buying a hard case isn't an option, I'm afraid. Harps vary so much, not only in overall dimension, but in general shape, that any case has to be custom-made. Some of the big manufacturers ("big" being a relative term when you're speaking of a fairly obscure folk instrument), such as Rees (which makes the Harpsicle) and Dusty Strings do make soft cases for their instruments (the one I have is specifically designed for the Harpsicle), but none of them make hard cases. The cost of having a hard case manufactured specifically for this harp (even if I had time to have it done before I leave) would be many, many times the worth of the instrument.
I can look into having it shipped, I guess, but I'm not quite sure where I would ship it, as I'm only in Dublin briefly before heading off for rural Donegal.
Just to let folks know where this saga stands, I just heard back from the maker of the harp. She says she flies frequently with a Harpsicle, both domestically and internationally, and has never had any problem taking it on board (the one time it couldn't be fit in onboard storage was on a prop-driven puddle jumper, and then she gate-checked it with no problem and it arrived in good shape). I also found a couple of testimonials on the maker's website from professional harpers who travel regularly with Harpsicles. So, I guess the upshot is, I'm going to give it a try.
Thanks again for all the input!