Trombone Travel Preparation

[NorthWoodsEngineer]

Hi All,

I am planning an international move next year overseas to Norway which involves checking my trombone with the airline. I have read that sometimes you can bring it on the plane; however, since this is a big move I will already have my carry-on plus a cat with me, so this isn't really an option.

My plan is to acquire lot of bubble wrap and pack it in every loose space in the case I can, as well as some sort of rigid foam insert into the bell to protect it from damage. I was even thinking of putting a couple of trash bags in the bell and then filling with spray foam so that it's fit to the shape of the bell.

For reference I have a protex PRO-PAC case (https://www.protecstyle.com/TENOR-TROMBONE-PRO-PAC-CASE) which is pretty beefy on its own, and my horn is a King 4B with trigger.

Is there more I can do? Maybe insurance options? Currently one of the most expensive things I own so a little nervous.

[Doug Elliott]

Sounds like you know what to do.

[AtomicClock]

This was several months ago. But maybe baileyman still has it?

I have an older tank style case, free for pickup north of Boston. But I won't be back there till Spring!

[vetsurginc]

I have gotten a couple of trombones shipped from Dillon's and from Quinn, one in case, one not. Both were prepped similar to your description, bubble wrap in the case, then bubble wrapped outside to an 8-10 thickness (special attention to the ends), then into a giant box with 4-6 inch thickness of foam peanuts around the package (and a bit more on the ends). Came through without a scratch, even though the outer boxes showed some damage. Cheaper than a tank case.

Good luck on your move! Have fun!!

[LeTromboniste]

If the plan is to put the case in a box with more padding around the case, yeah that can work. I wouldn't particularly recommend just checking the case like that, even if the horn is well padded inside. Lots of us use a golf travel case, into which you can slide your regular case or gig bag, plus clothes or shoes around it for extra storage and to keep things from moving.

[baileyman]

This was several months ago. But maybe baileyman still has it?

I have an older tank style case, free for pickup north of Boston. But I won't be back there till Spring!

Sure, north of Boston until mid Dec when we fly left, way left.