#65

we checked the pelican 1700 (rifle case, the one we used for isms) several times now, it’s always fine. super sturdy case and the long/flat orientation means you’re not stacking things on top of one another several levels, so there’s less overall jiggle.

but, even with the wheels it’s pretty awkward. but i actually returned the air 1535 upon seeing that comparatively not much would fit in it (part of the realization that a large-ish mixer is essential to performing the set we created)

#66

maybe Mantis bag would work?

#67

The Moog Theremini bag is a perfect size for the Make Noise 104hp skiff…I think a 4u skiff would fit just fine as well.

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#69

I’d love to hear about your experience flying with the 1560, if you ended up getting one.

I’m planning some small touring and would love use this case, but would also prefer to carry it on if possible. Even though the dimensions are a bit over the limit.

#70

the 1560 is a good size for me personally as a case for checked gear but you definitely can’t carry it on. too big and especially when full it’s really heavy. i wouldn’t want to have to deal with it in the overheads, if you could even get it that far past the airline workers. checking that much gear is an anxiety attack no matter what but the case is solid and everything was always completely protected.

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#71

I was quite concerned traveling with the modular myself, but after a number of trips (both domestic and international) I can say that I had zero issues. I own 2 variations of the Elite Modular cases (6u and 12u) and always found space in the overhead. Security checks have been easy, and other than having the case dusted for explosives there wasn’t a single question. I wanted to share one big issue I faced on my last international flight though, as I’m still trying to find out how to avoid this in the future. Here’s my story: I brought the 6u case on board with me, but checked in power adaptors and cables plus my Digitakt that I’m also using in my Modular setup. Unfortunately, my suitcase didn’t make the connecting flight which left me with my Eurorack case without the other essentials. There would have been no way for me to carry all those cables and adaptors on the plane, as you’re only allowed a small backpack in addition to the carry-on suitcase. Luckily my show was on the following evening, and the suitcase arrived in time for the soundcheck. However, I’m now more anxious checking in things than bringing them with me on board :grimacing:

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#72

Thanks for the heads up! I just bought a Make Noise 7u metal case (got it yesterday) after I found out that they can go as a carry-on, but I would’ve most certainly checked in those adaptors and cables. I guess I won’t after this little story…

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#73

Make sure to check the weight limits on your flights as well. I flew today with a Peli 1560 checked and a backback with stuff on my back and one guy ended up weighing my backback. Was too heavy but managed to talk me to getting it on the plane.

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#74

Good point. For my show at the Tokyo Modular Festival my fully loaded 12u was conform with the overhead limitations, but ended up being too heavy. The only solution was screwing out half of the modules and packaging them in plastic boxes that went in my suitcase. This episode taught me that 6u is the most realistic size for traveling!

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#75

This pacsafe backpack fits intellijel 84hp case perfectly. I have yet to take it out on the road though.

I have taken of the handle from my intellijel since I dislike it but I think one can fit one with a handle inside the backpack as well.

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#76

@kuorinki do you have a link for this backpack!!?

#77

It’s Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45

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#78

ugh… that handle is the actual worst! It’s only comfortable for the amount of time it takes me to carry it to my car. Any longer than that and I’m pretty sure it’s trying to remove my fingers!

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#79

I’ve been thinking about removing the handle on mine for something better, definitely not the greatest.

I’ve flown with my 7U 84hp Intellijel case many times and my Pittsburgh Move 104 a bit before that.

I ended up with one of these Roland gigbags, can fit a lot of stuff but it’s a bit unwieldly, but has worked for a few trips. I once overpacked it so much that it didn’t fit in the overhead haha, but I was able to put it on the floor next to me.

#80

Hi, I’m hoping someone else has some insight on this. I’m traveling again with my eurorack this August but I have a couple predicaments.

The first time I traveled with my case, it went fine. The only problem was - it was super heavy to carry it by hand through the airport. My case is maybe 15-20 lbs. (I have a dark modular portable 208 case - looking into getting an Elite modular 12U though). I’m petite and it was a struggle. I kept wishing it had something I could roll it on. My thoughts went to a Pelican Case but those are so big.

Next the airline I am flying through says, “No full-sized carry-on bag on board”, which is weird but is a eurorack case considered a full size bag?

Just looking for some better options.

Thank you in advance.

#81

Where and how often are you traveling, as this can make a big difference? As can the particular airline policies.

In general though, these cases sound too big. You’re just asking for trouble (i.e. a destroyed, delicate modular synth) if you don’t plan ahead.

I took a 12U folding Amalgamod case (about 10 kg fully loaded) on various European budget airlines, and while it was OK in the end, there were a few ridiculously over booked flights where I could’ve ended up having to check the case in (to the hold) which would’ve been a disaster.

I personally - if paying myself - won’t take much more than a smallish 3U or 6U I can almost guarantee to carry on.

Others here have good experience and will chime in.

#82

I know that in the US there’s a law requiring that airlines let instruments into the cabin if there’s room when you board the plane:

“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.” (from transportation.gov)

However, there’s a chance that if you aren’t permitted a full-size carry-on, the airline has assigned you to the last boarding group and it’s very possible there won’t be room in the overhead. In any case, I would contact the airline beforehand and ask if they will allow you to bring on a musical instrument in addition to your personal item. I would feel free to mention the law when you ask.

The size limitation on a “personal item” vs “full-size carry-on” is generally shrinking because airlines want to charge us more, but they’ve always let me on (so far) with a modest backpack. Most airline limits seem to be around 18"x14"x8" here in the states, at least for now.

I hope you find an excellent solution! If I knew more about specific cases I’d definitely share. Good luck!

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#84

cool if I post some pics of my acoustic case and y’all weigh in on whether it’ll get destroyed if I check ??

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thx friends. it’s a cheap guitar but still don’t want to smoosh it

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#85

The whole United Breaks Guitars fiasco shows that there are two issues at least with a guitar case: whether the envelope protects the guitar, and whether the guitar inside suffers rapid deceleration and fails - i.e. is loose enough to become a projectile inside the case. If I recall correctly the UBG guy’s guitar had a neck splinter that is consistent with the guitar ramming itself into the end of the case and… sudden stopping itself to death.

So… does the case provide an envelope and protect against the shift and decelerate problem?

Not sure I"m right on this analysis, btw, I’m doing engineering thinking on the fly…

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#87

Hey lines!

I really love all the information gathered here (plus the threads listed by Rodrigo in the first post). Maybe we could merge all these in a “packing and travelling with instruments and gear” thread.

My question is: Do you guys pay an extra “gear/instrument insurance” when you check-in the gear that won’t fit in your carry-on luggage?

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