oudistcamp
Oud Junkie
Posts: 144
Registered: 5-27-2009
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checked-in oud to Asia and back: success story
Just wanted to let folks know that I had great success checking in an oud from California to Singapore (19 hr flight), then Singapore to Hong Kong
(3.5 hr flight), then HK back to California (11.5 hr flight).
The checked-in oud was considered as a regular piece of luggage.
The trip was completed in 3 weeks.
The oud and case are in perfect condition - inspite of the 2 week exposure of 90 degree heat and 90% humidity in Singapore. I flew Singapore
Airlines.
The photos attached show the case, the cardboard box the case went in, and the clothing used to fill excess space in case.
The cardboard box was just slightly larger than the case, enough for a layer of large bubble wrap between the case and box.
Then the whole box was taped and tied with rope so the handlers have a way to grab onto the box with the ropes.
The oud and case are from Nazih Ghadban and I used a cardboard box of Faruk's.
Of course, remember to loosen the strings.....
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MatthewW
Oud Junkie
Posts: 1031
Registered: 11-5-2006
Location: right here
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Hi oudistcamp- I assume you mean that the oud and case went into the hold of the airline, not into the cabin? 
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oudistcamp
Oud Junkie
Posts: 144
Registered: 5-27-2009
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Yes. Checked the oud into the hold like a regular piece of luggage.
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paulO
Oud Junkie
Posts: 531
Registered: 9-8-2004
Location: California
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Thanks for the info OC ! I found that keeping the oud stabilized inside the case is crucial -- I didn't one time when I shipped one to England -- a
stave got cracked when the package bounced.....and the oud bumped the side of the case where the case's handle attached ; But the oud was still OK, nothing major.
Regards..Paul
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fernandraynaud
Oud Junkie
Posts: 1865
Registered: 7-25-2009
Location: San Francisco, California
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I've always managed to get it into the cabin. A sukar case barely adds to the size of the oud itself and is thin enough to inspire pity from the
attendants when they try to send it to the hold. It fits into the overhead compartment.
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oudistcamp
Oud Junkie
Posts: 144
Registered: 5-27-2009
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Unfortunately, many international airlines are phasing out the Boeing 747s, if they have not already done so.
I find the replacement aircrafts are more compact, with only some overhead compartments large enough for the oud.
They are usually located at the sides, and perhaps only alternate compartments.
No need to 'inspire pity'  , nor suffer the uncertainty of the oud
being allowed as carry-on, or having to buy another ticket.
If the total dimension of the packed oud adds up, just check it in as luggage......
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fernandraynaud
Oud Junkie
Posts: 1865
Registered: 7-25-2009
Location: San Francisco, California
Member Is Offline
Mood: m'Oudy
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"No need?" Maybe for you! I'm looking at one piece luggage allowed. And i don't own a $500 reinforced case. They got us on ALL sides. If i cant get it
in the overheads, i can't take it. If the trip is for non-musical reasons, paying the additional luggage fees on all the connecting flights is just
too outrageous. But in a Sukar case, or a gig-bag, an oud is smaller and easier to fit than a guitar. I've managed so far even on some small aircraft.
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