tl;dr: I’ve never flown with my S4 and Mono bag. Has anyone had issues?
I’m heading to DC in a few weeks to play for a friends wedding reception. Typically the only gear I fly with is my laptop bag, Audio 6, and a couple of pieces of control wax/vinyl, obviously no issues there (save for one time when I’m certain a TSA agent thought my needles were some sort of weapon).
This time, though, it’s just going to be easier to bring a controller than try to have the family make arrangements for gear at the venue (full PA/sound already there), especially being 1000 miles away.
As I’m going to be cutting my flights extremely close, I’m trying to ferret out as many potential issues as I can before heading down just in case it would be better to ship my gear.
And for the record, according to AirTran’s carry on policy, the S4 + Mono bag should be within limits.
Any shared experiences/advice/etc. would be well appreciated.
just taking a guess, but bet the issue with your needles would lie in that telling someone you have needles in your bag usually illicits concern when doing a bag check. your gear isnt all that new to most people working the airport, plenty of various musicians got to fly frequently so youre going to see them and their tools of the trade.., the only issue would lie in thier ability to see with the xray whats above or below the object (just the same as a laptop). good equipment have solid chassis and that shit is hard to see thru. easy peasy man.
I fly with my gear all the time. Normally have my turntables checked, then for carry on I have my mixer in one bag with my Maschine, X1, and F1 in another bag. It’s a pain in security as you have to take everything out of the bags for the x-ray check, but other then that I’ve never had a problem with TSA and my gear going through security… Though I have had issues with them opening my turntable cases I checked and fucking with my gear (broken arm off one of my needles, of course it shouldn’t have been in there in the first place anyway.).
Recommend you stay away from using the flight case for your controllers and having it checked in. My case has been absolutely abused, its pretty evident its been thrown on the tarmac due to the heavy deep scratches and destroyed foam from cushioning the blows. After about 20 trips back in forth between airport terminals my S4 kicked the bucket.
A good trick though if you insist on moving expensive and fragile gear on airplanes is to check a gun (if you have one) in the case. Stops them from tossing it around and opening your cases and possibly swiping your stuff.
That’s the first time I’ve actually read a decent argument for personal gun ownership.
But really, checking in luggage containing any DJ equipment should be a no no. They always toss your shit around; the more expensive or well protected it looks, I’ve found, the more likely they are to abuse it. Flight cases are just begging for it.
lots of djs fly regularly, so i’m sure you won’t have any problems