The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

No, that only covers part of it. You still have to deal with TSA, and that is highly variable. If you are going to use a standard carry-on type bag, you need to do extra work to make sure that you can still open the thing fully and expose the machine so the TSA can see what it is.

I don’t know how you travel, and whether or not you’re also going to be packing something like a backpack, for your personal items while on the flight. I’m also assuming that you’re going to check a bag for your clothes etc. Put on your backpack and carry the box with your arms. It’s not hard.

Do not wrap the thing in bubble wrap. Create rolled up taped bales of bubble wrap that you can then stuff around it. Just think in terms of speed and ease of access while you’re in the high-pressure environment of the x-ray and TSA inspection zone. The more stress you create for yourself and them, the more difficult the entire experience will be.

If you use a roll around type carry-on, you will then also need to secure the mechanism and the carriage and all the other components so that you don’t damage it when you try to roll it around. That’s why I use a cardboard box because it’s “this end up” and no flopping around or tilting that might damage the finish or the mechanism or both.

One more suggestion - take the handle off the lid. If you leave the handle on the lid, they will almost certainly try to lift the whole phonograph by the handle, and that frequently had disastrous results.

When you get to TSA request a hand search. They are obliged to accommodate such requests. Bring lots of documentation that explains about it -- photocopies from books or even original catalogs.

I did that when I had an original tinfoil phonograph in my carry-on. I knew that a big block of cast iron would set off all sorts of alarms in the x-ray so before I even reached that point I requested a hand search. A team of three agents (two armed) walked me a long way to a locked private room inside a larger locked room. They took it seriously. But once I opened it, explained about it, and showed them a magazine article with photos they were entranced. It ended up being fun for all.

Remember that these people do the same tasks over and over all day long. They actually enjoy a break like this. In my case three people had what amounted to a paid 20-minute break, with entertainment. It was a win-win.

I took a Standard Model "D" and Horn on the plane with me from NY to Florida in 2012... It barely fit in the overhead bin. I had put it in a standard 8 ½" x 11" Empty Paper box. It barely fit in there too. By the time I got off the plane, My arms were killing me... TSA was all over and finally let me through after they inspected it.. They were cool about it.

All I can say is Have fun!...but you should be OK... Make sure to eat your WHEATIES on the morning of the flight..lol....

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Tony K.

52089 wrote:One more suggestion - take the handle off the lid. If you leave the handle on the lid, they will almost certainly try to lift the whole phonograph by the handle, and that frequently had disastrous results.

Good idea I never thought of that. I checked three carry on bags and I found one that it fits in snuggly . It is a solid plastic bag so it will have some protection. I have one wrap of bubble wrap around it and the rest stuffed with rolled bubble wrap. I am traveling with my daughter and her three year old. She will need my help so that is why I am leaning towards the wheeled carry on. I will have a large suitcase a back pack and the carry on. The large suitcase get checked but when I land it will get labor intensive. I have to rent a car there for a 60 mile drive. The handling of the luggage is my concern along with my lousy back. I will check out home depot tomorrow for a box then make up my mind . Thanks for the input I always get a pat down due to two knee replacements so maybe a private screening will not be too bad. Tom

I have taken various machines on the airplane before. TSA seemed never cared about what the things were. They simply rub the surface checking for explosive. It is cleared once that is done. So just make sure your packing can easily reveal the machine by itself.

"They simply rub the surface checking for explosive."

Yeah, You never know what's hiding in those Spring Barrels....!!!!.....LOL!!!!!

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Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

I hope the prior owner did not use this on a shooting range. I was not close to my reloading equipment so I am safe there. I forgot about the swipes. I have personally had that done to me four or five times. I guess I look suspicious. If that tested positive I would be in deep do do. Tom

Yeah, You have to watch out for those Graphite and Vaseline sniffers at the TSA gate.......

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Tony K.

Edison Collector/Restorer

I put the home in a padded carry on and the horn in a back pack. They went thru the TSA OK. They did not even flinch or stop them. I told one of the agents at the start what they were. They must be prepared for these odd ball items. Arrived in Illinois OK, set it p, and it played very well. om