How to fly with an acoustic machine

[speakeasy]

I need to fly an acoustic machine from Michigan to Florida, and I'm wondering about the possibility of packing one in my carry-on. My Columbia external horn machine is too nice and I don't want to take the risk. So I'm looking at purchasing something of the same era to be the travel workhorse. Would love any suggestions. People must ship these, right? Has anyone else flown with one before? My parameters are:

 

• Needs to be as loud as possible, it's going to be featured in an 800 seat hall with orchestra.
• External horn preferred - has anyone ever heard of a collapsible horn? Travel horn is probably too small
• Able to fit in a carry on - how to pack? Can the crank be removed for travel?
• Any other suggestions?

 

Thanks!

[Jerry]

Maybe partner with a Florida collector to either use one of their machines or store one of yours?

[RodPickett]

I’ve done this before, without issue.  I know other collectors who have as well.

 

I agree w Jerry in that I would recommend finding a horn that could be borrowed from a local collector.  Post a WANTED here in the Forum.

 

Regarding the machine:

• Make it one of your two allotted carry-ons
• Secure the carriage, reproducer and crank
• Place in an open-top box, padded on bottom and towels around the side
• Allow ample TSA security-line time but the agents are usually amused and entertained if they ask you for a demo.
• Slide it under the seat.

[speakeasy]

Thank you!

[marcapra]

I never tried to fly with a machine, but I did take some Edison cylinders with me once.  They flagged me for security when they saw those weird cylinders.  What kind of bomb are those?  So I kind of got the third degree.  It's hard trying to explain to 20 and 30 year olds that these are just records.  They've got Edison's portrait on them!  But they finally let me through after explaining what they were and that I had come from the Stanton auction.