Flying with a trombone
Oct 22, 2015, 8:12 pm
#1
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Flying with a trombone
So for the first time, I'm going to be needing to fly somewhere along with my trombone. It'll be too big to fit in the carry-on bin, so my options are check it or buy a seat; from horror stories I've heard from friends, I'm leaning towards buying a seat.
Southwest requires that an instrument in its own seat be placed in the first row of the airplane farther from the aisle from any other passenger (so, ideally, window seat); does anyone have any experience regarding what I need to do to ensure that an appropriate seat is actually available when I get on to put it in, or do I just have to take my chances and, if nothing's open, gate-check it?
Southwest requires that an instrument in its own seat be placed in the first row of the airplane farther from the aisle from any other passenger (so, ideally, window seat); does anyone have any experience regarding what I need to do to ensure that an appropriate seat is actually available when I get on to put it in, or do I just have to take my chances and, if nothing's open, gate-check it?
Oct 22, 2015, 8:32 pm
#2
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If you could be sure the flight would have plenty of empty seats, you would have a chance. This isn't exactly a Customer of Size situation, where you would get a free extra seat. But if you *were* a Customer of Size it might work.
Oct 22, 2015, 9:01 pm
#3
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I might be tempted to pack the trombone in its case inside a cardboard box with lots of packing, say crumpled newspaper, and check it as baggage. Assuming the trombone case is pretty sturdy, I'd think that would minimize any chance it would get damaged.
Otherwise, you could just "Hold that Tiger."
Otherwise, you could just "Hold that Tiger."
Oct 22, 2015, 9:47 pm
#4
Join Date: Sep 2009
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Are you sure it won't fit in the carry bin? I've seen several large guitars that appear much longer than any trombone fit into the overheads ... Just fly on one BNA flight 
Unless your case and/or instrument is much longer than a standard trombone I would think it would fit.
Otherwise, if you are going to but it a seat you will need to check in with the Customer Service Agent to make sure you can have it properly situated.
Unless your case and/or instrument is much longer than a standard trombone I would think it would fit. Otherwise, if you are going to but it a seat you will need to check in with the Customer Service Agent to make sure you can have it properly situated.
Oct 22, 2015, 10:10 pm
#6
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The length isn't so much the problem, it's the size of the bell. A carry-on has a height limitation of 10" or it won't fit into the overhead bin.
Oct 23, 2015, 9:54 am
#8
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She was comparing the length of a guitar and the length of a trombone. I'm talking about the diameter of the bell, not the length of the instrument. A trombone bell has a much bigger diameter than the depth of a guitar. If the case is more than 10". there is a good chance it won't even be able to fit into the opening of an overhead bin.
Oct 23, 2015, 11:04 am
#9
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she was comparing the length of a guitar and the length of a trombone. I'm talking about the diameter of the bell, not the length of the instrument. A trombone bell has a much bigger diameter than the depth of a guitar. If the case is more than 10". There is a good chance it won't even be able to fit into the opening of an overhead bin.
Oct 23, 2015, 11:41 am
#10
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You could always buy a Business Select seat for yourself and a WGA fare for the trombone. That will ensure you board as early as possible.
Checking with the gate agent should help though.
Checking with the gate agent should help though.
Oct 23, 2015, 11:44 am
#11
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Oct 23, 2015, 1:18 pm
#12
Join Date: Jul 2005
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My son flies SWA all the time with his trombone. he has a tenor in a Protec hard case, and it has fit in the overhead every time. I would imagine if you have a bass trombone, or a bulkier case it might be an issue, but the ability for him to carry that on along with an appropriate sized suitcase is one of the major reasons he usually flies SWA. I did not know anything about being able to pre-board, but if that is the case, that is even better, and I will need to let him know!
Last edited by headoflife; Oct 23, 2015 at 1:19 pm Reason: adding info
Oct 23, 2015, 2:25 pm
#15
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If you buy the trombone a seat, does it require the seat belt to be fastened?
Also, for the curious, this is the first link in a search for "Trombone Airplane"
http://www.yeodoug.com/resources/faq...xt/travel.html
Also, for the curious, this is the first link in a search for "Trombone Airplane"
http://www.yeodoug.com/resources/faq...xt/travel.html