T/B Double Case or Bag for Flights

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DJC999
Posts: 2
Joined: Aug 10, 2019

by DJC999 »

Hey, y'all!

I'm looking for recommendations for a tenor & bass trombone double case or double bag that can fit in an overhead on most commercial flights. I'm finding myself more commonly in a situation where I need to take 2 horns out of state (out of driving range), and my current option (Altieri) is just a little too bulky for me to comfortably take onboard without purchasing a second seat (an option I'm trying to avoid for my finances' sake). Neither of my instruments are a screw bell.

Any suggestions?

-Dan
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Soulbrass
Posts: 143
Joined: Mar 08, 2023

by Soulbrass »

Hi...sorry, just seeing this.

The Bonna T/B double would be my choice. I've owned the two-tenor version...excellent build and protection.

Many airlines are sympathetic to instruments and, as long it fits into the overhead, will allow you to carry-on. The Bonna will likely be fine if they force you to gate check.

Good luck!
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slidefunk
Posts: 106
Joined: Oct 19, 2020

by slidefunk »

[quote="Soulbrass"]Hi...sorry, just seeing this.

The Bonna T/B double would be my choice. I've owned the two-tenor version...excellent build and protection.

Many airlines are sympathetic to instruments and, as long it fits into the overhead, will allow you to carry-on. The Bonna will likely be fine if they force you to gate check.

Good luck![/quote]

This has not been my experience at all. FAA regulations are vague but generally state that if it fits when you board the plane it's allowed to stay there. Most gate agents have fought me over my Bonna double bag. Not all, but most. I've even had a ticket agent at check-in insist that it needed to be checked. The Bonna is just too big not to be scrutinized. It probably doesn't help that I ordered it in red leather. If you want to get it overhead, consider buying into an early boarding group if you can, bring a copy of the regulations and be prepared to have a polite disagreement at the gate.

It protected my horns through gate check just fine until the one time it didn't and the bass bell was warped slightly. Under rough enough handling the frame does give way.

If you plan on flying a lot you might look at the TANK case and just check it, but that could present transport issues once you arrive, so I guess pick your poison. There isn't really a clear cut option for this situation.