will the TSA pay attention to my note?

[eyeballkid]

they wont even read it.. In truth they probably only ACTUALLY inspect a random 10% (if that!) of what comes thru and leave us all worried that we are going to be inspected. Its what happens at customs ALL the time, but the percentage is waaay less.

 

[Ric5]

The only purpose of the TSA is to annoy all of the law abiding citizens. They never have caught a single terrorist.

 

[singlemalt]

Write in Arabic, that gets their attention.

 

[bobba66]

I use to work on airport baggage handling systems. Those things are brutal. Hated to see guitar cases going down the line. TSA is the least of your worries.

 

[bholder]

I don't think they'd ignore it entirely, it might be good for a "point and giggle".

 

[devnulljp]

Carry it on with you.
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The rule requires that each U.S. carrier subject to this regulation allow a passenger to carry into the cabin and stow a small musical instrument, such as a violin or a guitar, in a suitable baggage compartment, such as the overhead bin or a closet, or under the seats, in accordance with FAA safety regulations and the carrier’s FAA-approved carry-on baggage program.

Carriers must allow passengers to stow their small musical instruments in an approved stowage area in the cabin if at the time the passenger boards the aircraft such stowage space is available. Under the rule, musical instruments as carry-on items are treated no differently from other carry-on items and the stowage space should be made available for all carry-on items on a “first come, first served” basis. Carriers are not required to give musical instruments priority over other carry-on baggage, therefore passengers traveling with musical instruments may want to buy the pre-boarding option offered by many carriers to ensure that space will be available for them to safely stow their instruments in the cabin.

 

[Pilgrim]

If you don't have a TSA lock on the case, they will break the lock and and probably remove it. BTDT, they simply broke the lock.

Don't even try this without a TSA-approved lock.

 

[bholder]

Carry it on with you.
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Hah. Well, good there's a decent way, at least, but of course, they find a way to make you pay extra for the privilege. YAY Capitalism!

 

[Skeptismo]

+10 for shipping it to and from your destination via courier. More accountability.

 

[MDBass]

Hi.
I'm traveling from Miami to Buenos Aires via Chile without a TSA approved music man case housing a bongo 5HHP.

I left the case open and added a TSA approved luggage strap lock. Since the stap lock might not be enough protection I left a note telling TSA agents to relock my case and provided a key.

Will they pay attention to it?.
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View attachment 534762

There's no reason to check your bass, and a whole lot of reasons not to. Carry it on.

 

[PortlandBass77]

I would never risk traveling by plane with any $2000 instrument (even if the TSA do bother to read the note and care). You should get a beater bass to take with that you wouldn't care to much about if it got stolen.

 

[1bassplayinfool]

There's no reason to check your bass, and a whole lot of reasons not to. Carry it on.

Use a gig bag with a hanger. The airline will put it in the closet. Never had a problem.

 

[MDBass]

Use a gig bag with a hanger. The airline will put it in the closet. Never had a problem.

This. I've done plenty of international gigs with nice basses, and they ALWAYS ride in the closet or in an overhead.

 

[BassIsBoss]

I think it's a lovely note.

 

[Son of Wobble]

I suppose the note will at least insure there is something in the case when you arrive at point B...

Another vote for removing the neck and carrying her aboard in pieces. Ain't no big thing!

 

[Bob-I]

I once checked a guitar in a hard case with a TSA strap and lock. When it arrived the strap was gone and latches broken, taped together. Once I opened the case I found a missing string, not just broken, missing.

 

[quickfix]

Just sayin'. Carry your instruments on board.

 

[Son of Wobble]

I once checked a guitar in a hard case with a TSA strap and lock. When it arrived the strap was gone and latches broken, taped together. Once I opened the case I found a missing string, not just broken, missing.

LOL!

Hey, in the thief's defense, at least he only took what he really needed.

 

[Dave W]

I don't think they'd ignore it entirely, it might be good for a "point and giggle".

Lol!

"Hey guys, look at what this jackamole left inside this case!!! Does he really think we'd actually do that? HA HA HA!!!"

 

[joe vegas]

i've now done europe and the states with a SKB hardshell case protecting my holy grail... i have a note on 2 sides of the case very clearly and nicely asking TSA to re-tie othe bungee cords holding the 2 shell halves together (as the clasp-locks are completely useless caca on an otherwise great protective case) after inspection. in 4 trips, the bass was repacked well and brought to oversize luggage by hand, coming and going.

maybe i've been russian roulette-lucky.. but hopefully this adds some good news to the thread's narrative so far.