To check, carry on, or ship?

[jglamar]

How do you prefer to get your gear to the gig, when you can't drive there?
I'm wondering whether to get one of those skb rack cases that look like rolling carryon luggage.
The question is, should I check it?
Would it be possible to carry it on the plane?
Or do you guys all ship stuff to the location, FedEx?
If you ship, how do you deal with rack gear? Ship it in a flight case, or wrap everything like it came new in the box?

[Sound Sorcerer]

I check in all my gear on Pelican flight cases when flying. I found this to be the best/fastest way to go. Do not recommend to carry equipment on the plane, like recorders or wireless mics, since security personnel gets really nervous with them...
If you want to ship equipment, rather than using Fedex or UPS, I think is better to hire a dedicated carrier company. And always use a flight case, Is not the first time that I open the door to a smashed or semi-opened cardboard box.

Regards,
Sergio Sanmiguel

[jglamar]

Thanks sergio. I always carry my mics onboard. I've found that when going through security, if I just tell the baggage screener that I have microphones in my bag, I have no troubles, and they're glad to have the communication from me.
I like the looks of the pelican flight cases... will probably take your advice and get one. The wheeled version, model 1610, looks roomy enough to hold 2 or 3 one-rackspace units with comfortable padding.

[vocomotion]

I've been using a Gator Studio2Go to carry my Apogee Rosetta 800, Great River ME-1NV, and M-Audio 1814. It's a little big and pretty heavy (wooden). Been carrying it on the plane, but they've been making me check it at the door of the plane (those commuter jets are tiny)...I carry my mics, laptop, and FW drive in my backpack. I always tell security what I'm carrying right away and they seem to dig asking me questions about what I'm producing...

--> freddie

[Robobo1]

I have carried on the larger Pelican briefcase (I think they make two sizes?) many, many times. I always carry on one case that has just enough gear to get the job done (stereo pair, cables, batteries, 722 hard disc recorder, etc). The rest is packed in another large Pelican case and gets checked.

I also carry on a small personal bag and a foldup aluminum dolly for wheeling the carry-on case around the airport.

Never had any troubles!

Like others said, I always explain what's in the carry-on box when I go through security. I also ask to be present when TSA examines the contents... it's packed tightly and everything has it's place. That gives me peace of mind... and also shows them that I am serious about my gear and they have always treated me kindly and professionally.

In addition, for my own security, I zip-tie the cases closed (Pelican cases have holes built in), and then tape additional zip-ties to the case so that if security breaks in (either the checked bag or the carry-on) they can re-secure the box. They'll replace it everytime. If something ends up missing, I can then prove to the airline that my box was opened.

Pelican cases are WONDERFUL... if heavy. Get an aluminum (light) fold up dolly!!

[Sound Sorcerer]

Originally Posted by Robobo1

...In addition, for my own security, I zip-tie the cases closed (Pelican cases have holes built in), and then tape additional zip-ties to the case so that if security breaks in (either the checked bag or the carry-on) they can re-secure the box. They'll replace it everytime. If something ends up missing, I can then prove to the airline that my box was opened.
Pelican cases are WONDERFUL... if heavy. Get an aluminum (light) fold up dolly!!

I forgot to mention this detail about the zip-Tie's... It is great! And even one time flying to Atlanta, security had zip-tied (with their own) my Pelican Cases after looking into my stuff!!

[max cooper]

Originally Posted by Sound Sorcerer

And always use a flight case, Is not the first time that I open the door to a smashed or semi-opened cardboard box.

I disagree; In some cases (no pun intended) the flight case is going to make the gear six times heavier than it would be in corrugated cardboard, thus multiplying the effect of any impact.

I suggest that if it's a single piece of gear, wrap it in bubble wrap (1" bubbles are the best) then box it, then put that in a larger box surrounded with styrofoam peanuts (the peanuts should be packed tightly. If you do this right, they really have to be trying to break it. If you do corrugated right, it's not gonna fail.

[chadly]

Originally Posted by jglamar

How do you prefer to get your gear to the gig, when you can't drive there?
I'm wondering whether to get one of those skb rack cases that look like rolling carryon luggage.
The question is, should I check it?
Would it be possible to carry it on the plane?
Or do you guys all ship stuff to the location, FedEx?
If you ship, how do you deal with rack gear? Ship it in a flight case, or wrap everything like it came new in the box?

It really depends on where you're going, and how much you're taking with you. For my recent remote in Russia, I needed 3 rackspaces of gear. I took one of the Gator "over the shoulder" dealies. To make sure that I wouldn't have to check it, I stripped the case down to bare wood, cut 1/2" off (so it'd meet airline spec for carryon), then put everything back on. Bottom line- it fit in every little puddle jumper/jumbo jet between here (Iowa) and Russia. I never had to check it once.

Shipping is notoriously unreliable in Russia, so that really wasn't an option.

The mic's were put in a cosmetic bag. I never once was questioned by any security about the rack gear, but got a few questionable looks about the mic's. All I had to say was "they're microphones" and it was done. The usual bomb sniffing stuff happened, but that's really no biggie.

If you're going international, I'd recommend getting the paperwork from customs (about ownership declaration, that sort of thing. PM me if you need the exact form number) I never had to use it, but it was nice to have. . .

[Sound Sorcerer]

Originally Posted by max cooper

I disagree; In some cases (no pun intended) the flight case is going to make the gear six times heavier than it would be in corrugated cardboard, thus multiplying the effect of any impact.

I suggest that if it's a single piece of gear, wrap it in bubble wrap (1" bubbles are the best) then box it, then put that in a larger box surrounded with styrofoam peanuts (the peanuts should be packed tightly. If you do this right, they really have to be trying to break it. If you do corrugated right, it's not gonna fail.

This may be true if you are talking about packing for one time shipping. But I'm talking about been on the road and having to setup & brake-down in the most efficient & fast possible way. I never pass over the weight limit permitted by the airlines. Also, you should take into consideration that large pelican cases have wheels, they are all fitted with high density foam or paded dividers and are also "virtually indestructible"...

[jglamar]

Thanks, SS. I have gone for the Pelican case, even though the guys at Mercenary Audio scolded me. I believe the case will protect my high-end gear adequately from the vicissitudes of airline baggage handlers!
I'll report back. Thanks for all the input everybody!~

[max cooper]

Originally Posted by Sound Sorcerer

This may be true if you are talking about packing for one time shipping. But I'm talking about been on the road and having to setup & brake-down in the most efficient & fast possible way. I never pass over the weight limit permitted by the airlines. Also, you should take into consideration that large pelican cases have wheels, they are all fitted with high density foam or paded dividers and are also "virtually indestructible"...

Gotcha. I've used Pelican cases for years flying camera gear around the world.

I suggest a layer of bubble wrap around any really fragile stuff before you case it. Check the foam and see how dense it is. My experience is that stuff like CD-drives and hard drives really hate impact. It's all about giving that stuff a tiny bit of extra distance to come to a complete stop or change of direction. If airbags can save your skull in a car accident, they can do the same for your gear when the case falls off a dock.

[Remoteness]

Originally Posted by jglamar

How do you prefer to get your gear to the gig, when you can't drive there?
I'm wondering whether to get one of those skb rack cases that look like rolling carryon luggage.
The question is, should I check it?
Would it be possible to carry it on the plane?
Or do you guys all ship stuff to the location, FedEx?
If you ship, how do you deal with rack gear? Ship it in a flight case, or wrap everything like it came new in the box?

If it’s a “one off” with plenty of advance time, I like to ship the stuff there. I have also shipped my luggage in advance for long term stays. I find it very efficient. I make sure it arrives at the hotel or venue before I leave for the date. This gives me a chance to figure out other options if the stuff got lost. It also keeps me traveling light. No delays or worrying about check in, loss, damage or mismanagement of the equipment. I just travel with a carry on or two. For me, it’s simple, safe and a sweet deal.

I too travel with Pelican cases. They make a large variety of sizes for you to choose from. They ARE the best way to go when flying. I have checked them in and/or carried them on board. I like to carry on my mics, cameras, drives and other fragile devices on board.

All our racks have ATA approved outer shells. We have shipped them via FedEx, UPS and such. We have also used dedicated expeditor or delivery companies when applicable. Our flight cases are heavy but, they have always protected the rack gear inside.

We have packed our gear in cardboard boxes as if they were “new in the box.” It really depends on the budget and amount of equipment we’re traveling with when deciding on a method for transport.

The zip-tie idea is a must. We have used odd colored ties for additional security and peace of mind. We also have used G-force detectors to make sure no one has dropped our stuff.

[Remoteness]

I just got turned on to this brand of photography cases. Seriously cool stuff.

Checkout there soft shell products.. Lightware Inc. Click on their catalog button.

I know this Jazz tour manager cat that has shipped horns and all kinds of audio stuff in the Lightware's "power" line of soft shell cases.

[Robobo1]

Originally Posted by jglamar

Thanks, SS. I have gone for the Pelican case, even though the guys at Mercenary Audio scolded me. I believe the case will protect my high-end gear adequately from the vicissitudes of airline baggage handlers!
I'll report back. Thanks for all the input everybody!~

Why did Mercenary scold you?

-R

[jglamar]

Fletcher said he wouldn't want the Lavrys anywhere near a Pelican case. I think he would prefer for things to go in heavy flight cases, but I decided in the end that the Pelican would do fine. Mine came with tons of foam padding and it's also more convenient than a road case, since it has wheels and an extensible handle. After all, I don't travel with a crew! So I have my carry-on (w/laptop, scores, mics, and hard drive), my one piece of regular luggage, and the Pelican to schlep from baggage claim to the rental-car shuttle wherever I go. The flight case idea just wouldn't work for me. Unless there's a wheeled, handled kind I don't know about... but even then, the extra weight, as someone above said, might just add risk. I once had an 8-channel Millennia shipped in a very sturdy flight case arrive busted.
Anwyay, no hard feelings to the Mercenary guys, especially Fletcher. I had a great time discussing mic pre's and a/d's with him.