Posted by Chuck on December 08, 1999 at 13:30:12:
In Reply to: Need Advice on Flying w/ my tuba!!! posted by Todd on December 06, 1999 at 23:03:43:
Consider shipping via Amtrak. It's not expensive and they tend to take better care of things. Alabama to NY should be about $30-40 and take less than 3 days. Drop the horn off and pick it up at the station--don't let one of the local delivery firms handle it.
FWIW, Amtrak rates have a special exemption for musical instruments--they will charge by the actual weight and not by the "volumetric" weight which would otherwise apply.
Regardless, it might not be a bad idea to cut a circle of 3/8" plywood to the diameter of your bell and slip it in the case as a protector.