Janet: Thanks for mentioning that. “213 Demands” without further context is meaningless, so I always ignored it. Makes sense now that you explained it and told me to check it out further. Yet at the same time, I know exactly what “Bananas, Monkeys, Robots Buy Your Own” because I immediately checked that out -I had to, there were bananas, monkeys, and robots involved! (I truly am a geek.) And the fact that I am not the only one in Halifax who has heard of JoCo blows me away, let alone there are already 18 people “demanding” him. So here we go, time to make it happen…

http://www.topix.net/life/2007/06/faa-computer-malfunction-causes-flight-delays-in-ny-elsewhere

So Mr. Co of JoCo nick-name fame, what does it take to get you to come and play somewhere? Do you do smaller cities? I live in Halifax, Nova Scotia on Canada’s beautifull east coast. A city of around 350,000 people. (Toronto is a two hour flight from here, or a 20 hour drive.) What machinations are required for you to attempt a show somewhere?

Thanks.

As this is my posting here despite my long time semi-regular visitng, I would like to give out a much overdue thanks for the great music and entertaining website.

I work at an airport and have some commentary to add for you digestion. Currently I am a passenger service agent, but before that I was a ramp attendant -one of the guys who handles baggage as well as marshalls planes with those orange wands.

We always, and I mean always, placed guitars on top of our carts until the end of the packing then placed them carefully on top. Inside the plan we packed them on top as well. Although I tried to be respectfull of the delicacies of delicate items, it was just easier to do that way. They do not fit well into the packing of bags, and you have to pack in a specific pattern for balance reasons. (As astounding as it is, planes have been wrecked due to poor packing of the luggage into the hold.) Everyone ended up treating most musical instruments very well simply because it was the easiest, laziest way to do their job.

Perhaps things are different for US Airlines, but every single airline I deal with (I am an outsourced agent, the company sends me out to whatever airline will pay for me on any given flight) will refuse a guitar as a carry-on. No matter how much “holly hell” you raise it will not happen. You can argue to the end of time, it will not happen. Also know that flight crews decide these things. We get word about the policies and are asked to screen carry-on luggage. If a member of the flight crew sees something that they do not think is carry-on suitable they can refuse it. We have no choice in the matter and we are the ones who have to argue with you about it. Again, there are probably airlines in the world somewhere that allow it, but people reading the above should know most do not, and there are airports in the world where “fighting it” is just being an asshole, ruining someone’s work day and accomplishing absolutley nothing close to your goal.

I would never hesitate for one second about suggesting someone check-in their guitar where I work (YHZ). That being said, I know that larger airports are different with their handling of bags, and we have sent guys to larger airports to assist with training and those guys come back with some horror stories.

Jim: I was going to defend luggage handlers everywhere after reading your “knucklehead” comment, then I remembered the people I used to work with. Actually I will defend them a little -several of them were very intelligent, and they handle luggage as well as can be done with automated belt systems. And I can think of 3 who would enjoy JoCo’s music.

Those of you traveling with guitars may wish to stick to airports where I can personally vouch for the luggage handling. Seriously check the website of the airline in question for details about carry-ons then call them. Plead your case and get a letter or somesuch in advance for an exception to be made for you. I have seen it done successfully for other airline policies. YMMV.

To make a long story short, I sympathise with you! I also second not checking your guitar! I’ve been known to travel with no carry-on but a purse in order to avoid having my violin or mandolin checked.

I think the question is: “Why aren’t there Ms. Pacman machines everywhere else?”

after baggage throwers destroyed my axe in spain, i only travel on the ground. was my new year’s resolution, “no planes in ’07″.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHPe_hCll6c

How would you calm the other passengers down if there was some kind of in-flight disaster (bad fish, etc.)?

While I may not have the cache in the virtual world that you do, please believe me when I give you the following, REAL world advice on being what we in the industry call a “travelling minstrel” or “troubadour:”

NEVER CHECK YOUR GUITAR!!!

What are you, nuts? You’re lucky you got it back. Guitars fit in overhead luggage bins because God knows not to let those knuckleheads near anything capable of producing beauty – if they try to give you a stink, raise holy hell. The temperature change and pressure change are bad for instruments. They’re not even going to feed you any more, so screw ‘em and their sad little power trip over their tiny fiefdoms – or something like that.

… well, if you do manage to get here and you need a ride in from the airport, just let me know.