I was livid, a complete nervous wreck! It was on the return flight from the NY Tionól in 2001 out of JFK. Only a few weeks after the Sept 11 disaster. This had the airline people on edge *Big Time* and they weren't taking any sheet. I basically begged and they weren't having any of it... "it's a priceless, irreplaceable, historic, old instrument"... "If you don't check the case you ain't gettin' on the plane"... charming!
Anyway, as you can tell it was a damaging experience
![smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile_144.gif)
Luckily I have a very strong flightcase for my Wooff's and they made they journey intact except for the baritone reg reed coming out.. .that must have taken quite a wallop to do that! I also asked the attendants for duct tape and I sealed every opening on the case. It is already airtight but I didn't want to take any chances. I used nearly the entire roll.. .served them right
I have flown many times since with absolutely no trouble. It is now law that you can carry on your instrument and the attendants and customs have to cooperate with you. The Musicians Union fought successfully for this law to be passed.
Patrick.