Has anyone carried an amp on an airplane recently??

Chad95XJ

Chad95XJ

New member
I had my dad's ancient Airline amp redone, and I'd like to bring it with me to surprise him when my daughter and I fly out to see my parents next month. It's small enough to meet the requirements for carry-on luggage, but I'm worried about what the TSA will do when I get to the checkpoint with it. I know I could pull the tubes and just check it, but I'd hate to take a chance on it getting destroyed by baggage handlers. I was wondering if anyone has tried to carry one on recently, and if they've had any issues. Thanks!
 
Re: Has anyone carried an amp on an airplane recently??

Eeek! Man, what an issue.

I would be in constant communication with the airport and flight folks from now until you get on the plane. Can you loosen the chassis from the cab a little bit so the TSA guys don't have to tear it open when you inevitably get pulled from the line for suspicious materials? Pack the tubes in a clear container with clear bubblewrap that's easily accessible for when they want to thumb through them. I would definitely DEFINITELY call ahead and tell them you specifically will have a guitar amp that's inspection-ready, but you're not willing to check it. I assume they should accommodate....

just my 2 cents. Take it for what it's worth, since I last time I got on a plane it was 10 years ago and I had a carryon with over a gallon of rum in it.
 
Re: Has anyone carried an amp on an airplane recently??

Airline amp on an airline. Film it and offer the footage for their next promo ad
Or just drive
 
Re: Has anyone carried an amp on an airplane recently??

Don't know how it's like in the States, but I wouldn't bring it unless I could carry it on board. I had to pay extra for my bass as it's a musical instrument. Yet driving towards the plane I could clearly see my case labeled "please handle with care" being tossed in the cargo hold. Had the neck unscrewed though, so no harm done fortunately. So no amps, set necks or neck thru in the hold for me.
 
Re: Has anyone carried an amp on an airplane recently??

Yeah, I would have it packed up and FedEx'ed or shipped.

TSA might...um..."over-react".

Bill
 
Re: Has anyone carried an amp on an airplane recently??

Boogie Bill said:
TSA might...um..."over-react".
Click to expand...

That's exactly what I don't want to have happen. I can pack it securely enough for FedEx, but my biggest fear is seeing the TSA tearing it apart because it "looked suspicious". I'll probably just send it 2nd Day the day before we leave.
 
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