flying your show

[w]

Hello -

What tips would you give for planning to take your show on the road via airplane? How do you pack, is it expensive, the odds of your stuff arriving when you do...

-Wes-

[worldwidese]

Unaccompanied baggage

Cargo or unacompanied baggage is probably your best bet. You would probably need to send it a day before you fly to make sure it gets there in time.

It's more hassle than taking it with you, because you have to pick it up from a different part of the terminal. Don't know how it would be now with all this terrorist search stuff. You'd probably have to let it be searched.

You can check it in yourself, or do an online search for "unacompanied baggage" for a firm that will do it for you at a cost to you.

Call an airline to ask them about the new rules, costs etc.

[Doctor Eric]

Or use curbside check in and tip big when you do. A twenty dollar bill goes a long way, and is well worth it. If you take your stuff with you, find out exactly what size and weight you can bring, you don't want to pay overweight fees, and in my experience, airport employees lead very boring lives, so being a performer can help alot. The security guys in Oakland bring me back with them when they "search" my gear (they know exactly what it is now, they don't even look) and help me move things around from suitcase to box, so I don't have to pay overweight. Get an ATA case. And never fly without a boxknife in your carry-on.

[worldwidese]

Good idea eric about the curbsite deal. But I think you needed an LOL or a cynical Smiley for your last sentence. Some of the readers are a bit naive!

[Doctor Eric]

"Some of the readers are a bit naive!"

I know, it was intentional.

"DANCE, PUPPETS! DANCE!"

[Woofnah]

it helps to know your supervisor is out of the office

Sorry, the Dancing Puppets are on strike. For the same price we can get you puppets that trip over their own feet and fall on their faces.

[dave walbridge]

Packing for air travel

Just got off the airplane Saturday, so here's a few thoughts:

1. Learn the rules -- esp. what you can't bring and weight limits.
2. Bring at least part of your show in your carry-on.
3. Send ahead big stuff or ask your client to provide it.
4. Pack light.
5. Use strong cases.

- Dave

[dave walbridge]

and wheels

Addendum: Add wheels.

I've got wheels on my case, my suitcase and even my carry-on. Save your shoulders.

-Dave

[martin ewen]

Trade secrets

get a photo of yourself in whiteface and carry it in your wallet and if anyone at the airport gives you a hard time when you're checking in, take it out and show them while asking. "You wouldn't want to make the clown cry would you?"
Works for me.

[ewan uno]

i flew my show with ryanair a few times this year.
although they only give you a 15kg baggage limit, you can also take a big peice of baggage as sports equipment. for an extra £17.
only one per person.

which is quite nice if your festival is giving you a £300 travel alowance, and dosent want recipts.

and take a trolley.

[TCsteinberg]

You can check in anything up to 100 lbs.
if it's between 70 lbs. & 100 lbs., they'll charge you an overweight/oversize fee. the fee & exact weight may vary from airline to airline.
If it's over 100 lbs, you have to go air cargo seperately.
Since 9/11, and the new security procedures, you must have "known shipper status", and "security clearance" with a cargo company, or use a "freight fowarder", who's kinda a middle man. May caost you more, but they have clearance, do all the paperwork, and GET THINGS DONE.
I use American Airlines Cargo, only because they have several 24 hour facilities including JFK, Dallas, LA, San Juan, Miami, and I believe London too. It took me awhile to get a "known status" with them, but it was neccessary.

The "tipping BIG" thing at curbside can work, but also cannot work (I know from experience). I once tipped a curb guy $20, but then still had to pay the overweight charges. wasn't the curb guys fault, but someone above him stopped the cases.

Getting your equipment to your destination is too important to "wing it" at the airport. Find out all your info beforehand, and make all arrangements. Know the exact dimensions and weights of each case.

P.S. hey Lerch, how r ya? just gotta tell u that your funny animation is kinda distracting when ur trying to read ur posts.

[Kim]

New Weight Limits

Hey there...

Has anyone experienced the new weight limits?
23kg per piece

I'm just wondering if airlines are as strict/lenient as they used to be...? Like, I know that you could regularly smile a lot an be nice to the staff, and they'd let you get away with a few extra kilos...

Anyone with "Real World" stories?

Cheers - Kim