Posted by bloke on March 09, 2004 at 13:36:34:
In Reply to: Winter tuba cases posted by Do they fly well? on March 09, 2004 at 12:21:18:
I bought my daughter a Winter case for a screw-bell French horn, and - though I'm very pleased with it - it doesn't impress me as something that I'd check with baggage. That being said, I don't believe it claims to be a "checkable" case.
That being said, I may well be talking through my hat...The tuba cases may be constructed of totally different materials (??).
I would say this: Any case that isn't as tough nor protective as a Johnson (heavy fiberglass) case would be best put in a slightly larger cardboard carton with bubble-wrap between the case and the carton.
Final remark: I toured all over Europe (flying) with a band about 20 years ago with a worn "Wisconsin"-style wood case which held a very delicate tuba...no incidents. I consider myself extremely lucky, and wouldn't recommend it.