Oh, I don't know that. I thought you were talking about a new Samuel. L. Jackson movie.

Will depend on the airline. Southwest lets you check two bags free. $25 per bag is pretty standard. Call and check to avoid a nasty surprise.

Creighton

I think it depends on whether they sit it first class or coach, and let's not forget the Kosher meal!!!

As mentioned, check with your carrier to see what additional bags cost. Fortunately, none of these cases will be over 50# but you may have an oversize issue with the kick drum. Again, check with your carrier. Of course, if you are shipping hardware, you probably will be overweight.

Keep in mind that airline baggage handlers are not particularly kind to gear. Even gear in ATA style cases gets damaged. It's not to so much that they are intentionally hard on gear, but instead have to move countless bags, boxes and other containers quickly and in cramped spaces all day long. It is not unusual for items to be dropped 2' - 4'.

If you can avoid checking a drum kit, I absolutely would. I don't know your reasons for flying the gear, but if a backline rig will work for you, that is what I would do. Assuming that you are going to return the kit the same way, you could probably buy an MIJ kit for what it will cost to fly the gear.

If you do opt to fly the gear, I would go out of your way to improve whatever padding you might have in your cases. Plan on cases being dropped, punctured, and generally abused and then, hopefully be pleasantly surprised.

Good luck!

Been workin for a major carrior for 25 years and,um,"damn." Everything immaginable happens.Bags and cargo get transported in open trailers and fall off during transport or as the bag is placed on the unloading conveyor,it slides off from 6-8 feet high and hits the tarmac.Just last week as a major thunderstorm was approaching,there sat a dozen GI duffle bags on an open trailer exposed to mother nature.Most major airports have a cargo office on site to ship oversized items.

It's a last minute week long recording session in London. No time to ship.

Ended up borrowing some nice Sonors from a friend of a friend there.

Thanks guys.

Local rental or borrow was a far better solution. If you can't ship as freight with real ATA road cases and/or palettizing, then forget it. It is not worth the headache an potential for loss.