Date: Thu, 29 Dec 1994 06:34:10 -1000 From: dgomberg@ednet1.osl.or.gov (David Gomberg) Message-Id: <199412291634.AA04136@ednet1.osl.or.gov> Organization: Harvard University Office of Information Technology Subject: Two Line Kites for Travel Using the overhead bins SOUNDS like a good idea, but keep an eye on your kites up there. Clumsy and careless passengers stuffing in a last minute briefcase can do a lot more damage than the "trained" but unseen handlers who work for the airlines. Most teams that travel carry on their kites and seldom have problems. A "short bag" fits fine in most overheads. The trick is to take several kites and pack the bag tight. One kite is really vulnerable to a slight bump or push. Remember that fable about the bundle of sticks only being broken when separated. Last year, I went overseas seven times, flew over 120,000 and NEVER lost a thing. My bags were delayed twice, which wasn't so bad since the airline then delivered them too me at my hotel or home. And my bags are HEAVY! Following the Jacksonville convention, the security people turned me away because I was carrying on a big green water pistol. I had to go back and check it in. Since time was tight, the boxed toy never made it onboard. There was a message waiting for me in Portland that one bag was delayed. So the next morning, an express car pulled up in front of my house - 100 miles from the airport - with this box. I opened it up right there and gave the guy a squirt. He laughed. After all, he got paid no matter what he was delivering. Have a GREAT trip! -- David Gomberg phone 503-996-3083 Box 113, Neotsu OR 97368 USA fax 503-334-9692 Never try to teach pigs to sing. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Fri, 30 Dec 1994 18:08:01 -1000 From: kelly@cco.caltech.edu (Kelly F.) Message-Id: <3e2lf1$ejo@gap.cco.caltech.edu> Organization: California Institute of Technology, Pasadena Subject: Re: Two Line Kites for Travel In article <199412291634.AA04136@ednet1.osl.or.gov>, David Gomberg wrote: >Last year, I went overseas seven times, flew over 120,000 and >NEVER lost a thing. My bags were delayed twice, which wasn't >so bad since the airline then delivered them too me at my hotel >or home. And my bags are HEAVY! WE WANT TO KNOW THE NAME OF YOUR AIRLINE! :) Kelly kelly@cco.caltech.edu = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sat, 31 Dec 1994 06:52:40 -1000 From: dgomberg@ednet1.osl.or.gov (David Gomberg) Message-Id: <199412311652.AA29959@ednet1.osl.or.gov> Organization: Harvard University Office of Information Technology Subject: Two Line Kites for Travel Kelly F. says, "We want to know the name of your airline!" I travel on United whenever I can. It's convenient because they have a good schedule into my home airport (Portland) and go to both Europe and Asia. You also do much better with frequent flier miles if you concentrate with one carrier. (Ask me about my 100 matching miles bonuses!). But United's baggage performance isn't really better (or worse) than the other airline biggies. You just have to follow a few basic rules. For example, if you MUST change airlines in route, pick up your bags and CARRY them to the next airline. Switching carriers is an EXCELLENT place to lose your bags. Also, don't let your travel agent schedule connection times that are too short. You may appreciate only waiting ten minutes in Chicago, but it takes 15 for your bags to get from one plane to another. Finally, WATCH OUT on "off brand" airlines. Kevin Shannon and Richard Dermer were invited to India last January on a program I had arranged. But they both broke the "transfer it yourself" rule. I guess their bags never made it from American to Air India, and they spent ten days there with no kites, and no clothes. Those of you who know Kevin will enjoy the image of him shopping for tee shirts in Bombay where the average height is about 5 foot 2. -- David Gomberg phone 503-996-3083 Box 113, Neotsu OR 97368 USA fax 503-334-9692 Never try to teach pigs to sing - it wastes your time and annoys the pig. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Date: Sat, 31 Dec 1994 08:48:06 -1000 From: sasaki@das.harvard.edu (Marty Sasaki) Message-Id: <3e493c$h8q@netope.harvard.edu> Organization: Harvard University Office of Information Technology Subject: Two Line Kites for travel Date: Sat, 31 Dec 1994 12:42:29 -0500 (EST) From: Richard Moore Subject: Two Line Kites for travel I dont post often but couldnt resist this on as I too have had travel experiances with my kites. My wife and I fly pairs and so it means at least four kites are going somewhere with us. I am a retired USAir Airline Employeee amd I know there is a limit to what they will allow in the overhad bins. A couple of times they didnt want to let me on unless I sent the kites in the baggage compartment. Needless to say thats not safe. Officially they dont have to let you carry them on board if the size is larger than what would fit under the seat. At some airports the agents dont object and at some they do. So to avoind the hassle I now carry the kites in a "Double Scoped Rifle Case, which will accomadate at leas 4 across and is 52" long and the "egg crate" foam snugs around the kites and allows no movement. The case is hard shell, Airline approved, and frees up our hands for other carry-on stuff. We went to Montreal and Long Beach Wa. this way and it worked great. Hope this is informative Dick Moore Palm Coast FL = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =