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I'm finally getting round to thinking about what I need to pack for Wed when I leave for LA... I thought I'd put my list here in case it reminds someone of something they haven't thought of.CDs... Mainly in envelopes or slim cases (for light weight) but a few in full size jewel cases for "special" situations.Lyric sheets... For classes where lyrics are discussed/reviewed.Lead sheets... Only needed if I do a small open mic thing with friends.Business cardsDots... To stick on my badge or in case others needCell phone numbers of rally friends and contactsPrinted rally materials (Take on the plane ride too)Pens... seems like a simple thingRubberbands!! ... Sometimes you hand in a CD with a lyric sheet attached by rubberband for a class or drop-boxBlank CDs... Just in case you need to dup another. I'll have my laptop like many and there are computers at the business center.Blank CD labels... You never knowExtra pre-printed CD labelsExtra CD envelopes, cases, inserts, etc-- whatever you would need if you created an additional CD. (Don't go overboard)CD marking pen... Just in case you need to quickly make and label a CDGuitar, capo, and tuner (for me, anyway)NotesReservation confirmations-- airline and hotel. Do you have to check in with the airline 24 hours prior?Don't forget that every CD and lyric sheet should have your full contact info. Include that both on CD labels and CD cases/envelopes. They CAN get separated.No need to way overdo it on the CD thing. Giving out too many CDs can be wasteful. Making contacts for follow up is better in many cases. Casey

don't forget a clean pair of socks no, that's a great list. I have most of that prepared, too. But I haven't been able to find my dots

Oct 31, 2009, 8:48am, hummingbird wrote:don't forget a clean pair of socks no, that's a great list. I have most of that prepared, too. But I haven't been able to find my dots I can spot you a dot...

Thanks for the list! This is indispensable for a first timer like me...On the 'guitar' thing... is it necessary? I'd love to hear your thoughts in this... I am flying from Toronto, ON Canada and would have to check my 'back up' guitar in luggage check... I have travelled with my guitar before but that has been for gigs... when it is NOT an option!IS this necssary or more for impromptu jam sessions?Love to hear some advice on this!Cheers... Peeler

Nov 1, 2009, 4:11pm, peeler wrote:Thanks for the list! This is indispensable for a first timer like me...On the 'guitar' thing... is it necessary? I'd love to hear your thoughts in this... I am flying from Toronto, ON Canada and would have to check my 'back up' guitar in luggage check... I have travelled with my guitar before but that has been for gigs... when it is NOT an option!IS this necssary or more for impromptu jam sessions?Love to hear some advice on this!Cheers... Peeler up to you. Guitars are provided for the open mics, but not for anything else.

Nov 1, 2009, 4:11pm, peeler wrote:Thanks for the list! This is indispensable for a first timer like me...On the 'guitar' thing... is it necessary? I'd love to hear your thoughts in this... I am flying from Toronto, ON Canada and would have to check my 'back up' guitar in luggage check... I have traveled with my guitar before but that has been for gigs... when it is NOT an option!IS this necessary or more for impromptu jam sessions?Love to hear some advice on this!Cheers... Peeler Yea, the guitar would be for jamming... Not at all a requirement. It is a definite pain for air travel. The past 2 years I took mine, checking it as luggage. But it was scary. I usually wrap some duct tape around the case when I check it-- don't want to see the case accidentally opened and my guitar coming down the baggage carousel in splinters... Now that most airlines charge for checked bags, I'm not sure what I'll do... Casey

Hey, should I bring some dots? I haven't been on the boards for awhile, but can I wear one to be sure that I meet the rest of you guys?Charlie

Just want to add something about air travel with a guitar. Whenever I fly with my guitar, I never check it at the curb or ticket counter. I always bring it directly to the gate, then go to the counter at the gate and ask if I can stow it on board. 90% of the time, they find room for it, in an overhead compartment if they're big enough, or sometimes in one of the coat closets on the plane. If they CAN'T find room for it, they'll "gate check it", which means they tag it right there, and either leave it at the door of the walkway onto the plane, where a baggage handler will grab it, or they hand carry it out that door...either way it's placed directly in the underbelly luggage area. To pick it up at LAX, there's a special baggage claim place where items like guitars, skis, child seats etc. are picked up, and that's where you go to retrieve it....airline personnel will direct you to that pickup area.With this method, I've never had a problem with my guitar being damaged or lost. It either fits on the plane, or they special handle it when it's gate checked. Maybe I've just been lucky, but it's worked out well for me. I've flown United, Frontier, Southwest, Delta and American, and it's worked out well on all of 'em.Good luck!

Nov 1, 2009, 6:58pm, bombaycharlie1 wrote:Hey, should I bring some dots? I haven't been on the boards for awhile, but can I wear one to be sure that I meet the rest of you guys?Charlieyep!

Oct 31, 2009, 6:26pm, hurowitz wrote:Oct 31, 2009, 8:48am, hummingbird wrote:don't forget a clean pair of socks no, that's a great list. I have most of that prepared, too. But I haven't been able to find my dots I can spot you a dot... I might need a dot too. Not sure if I have any left... but I'll look!