Air travel with DIY tube gear.

[Bas Horneman]

Built a EL34 amp for a buddy in South Africa, going there next thursday..want to carry it in my hand luggage....or would be normal baggage be better?

Would they go for it or would I getting myself into trouble..
Depart at Schiphol..transfer in Athens...mentioning this since each country will have its own peculiar way of wanting things...

Regards,
Bas

[Bandersnatch]

Hey-Hey!!!,
I would not travel with it bare. I'll assume that it will be able to fit in a carry on sized box with some minimal packing. I would want it easily accesable for inspection, but protected against other bags inthe same compartment.

Could you call the airline, and get their suggestion for taking it as caarry on? emphasize extreme fragility and expense, not a replaceable item and such.

Either that, or pack it well enough that you could throw it to SA. Make it tough enough that the bagage handlers can't get it apart, maybe use a wooden crate. Chrome steel might be best.
regards,
Douglas

[Bas Horneman]

Thanks Douglas,

Yep, I think phoning the airline would be a good idea...

emphasize extreme fragility and expense, not a replaceable item and

Good tips!

Cheers,
Bas

[Christer]

Originally posted by Bas Horneman
Thanks Douglas,

Yep, I think phoning the airline would be a good idea...

you definitely should check with the airline, except that they
probably won't have a clue what you are talking about so
even if they say it is OK and tell you how to do
they might still think it is bomb when you show up at the airport.

[Bas Horneman]

Christer,

Yes, know what you mean...I just got of the phone with the airline..they referred my to the marechausee (special police in charge of security in holland) They referred me to the airline...but did agree to see if they have an answer...they would call me back.


Cheers,
Bas

[Christer]

Originally posted by Bas Horneman
Yes, know what you mean...I just got of the phone with the airline..they referred my to the marechausee (special police in charge of security in holland) They referred me to the airline...but did agree to see if they have an answer...they would call me back.

Yes, and just remember, whatever they say, don't trust them.

A collegue of mine was to spend a year in Paris and checked
if he could send his 60kg electric piano with train there. Sure they
said, 60kg is OK. Off he went to get a special wooden case
made for well over $100. When he finally tried to ship it they
refused. But you said 60kg was OK. Yes, that is the limit, but
you have to split it into two boxes of 30kg each.!!!!!

[ashok]

Hi Bas,
I think you need not worry too much. If you have lettering on the unit saying Amplifier , volume etc , they will not be too alarmed.
You MUST remove all the tubes and pack them in a strong cardboard box with some small size bubble pack or foam plastic wrapping. All of it is best packed in the check in baggage . Tubes wrapped again with clothes or bubble packing.
The tubes can also go into the hand baggage.
I recently got a dozen tubes from the US and some from Singapore. They did not have any problems. All were carried in the check in bag.

Like Douglas said , pack it so that you can open it for inspection . Put a layer of clothes below and above the amp. Generally this should be good enough. If the amp is very heavy you can use a few layers of bubble packing material above and below the amp.
Sides are usually well protected with all your ( squashed up ) clothes and other things!
Hand carry is usually to be avoided nowadays. Both ways, you will still probably have to open it up and show it. Hand carry can cause trouble at many places. Check in , usually only at the first xray point.
And make sure there are no loose wires anywhere. That can frighten them ! A terminated power cord is OK.
Have a safe flight. Enjoy your holiday !
Cheers.
Ashok.

[Bas Horneman]

Thanks Ashok,

Will do my best to enjoy my holiday... ;-)

I think you are right...I am leaning more towards NOT putting it in my hand luggage...

Cheers,
Bas

[ashok]

Hi Bas,
I forgot to ask you to carry a small roll of scotch tape ( cello tape ) to repack the amp if it has to be unpacked for checking. Just pack this in the bag carrying the amp. If they do unpack the amp you can repack it again easily. You may not get tape for this at the airport !
Cheers,
Ashok.

[Bas Horneman]

small roll of scotch tape (

Good call!...

Yessiree...I'm starting to become confident all will go smoothly...
;-)

Cheers,
Bas