Travel Tips From A Touring Musician

My weekly chat over coffee. I talk about what I did this week and what's been on my mind. It's a good way to spend a Saturday morning, I promise. Thumbnail photo by Todd Fox
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[@otisgibbs]

Tip jar for anyone who wants to help support this channel. paypal.me/otisgibbs?locale.x=... www.venmo.com/OtisGibbs Paypal: @otisgibbs Venmo: @OtisGibbs

[@otisgibbs]

If y'all have any travel tips you'd like to share, I'd love to hear them. Especially if they're guitar related. : )

[@riitaalin]

Be very careful with that guitar. I read where Tommy Prine had John's old family guitar damaged by AA This week. I wouldn't part with it if I was you. Buy a seat for it if you must. But the a/crafts should be empty now anyhow. Like you said be nice you will be fine.👍

[@ulfsvensson9710]

Take the neck of a Tele or Strat, and they fit in a valice.

[@garthkolbeck8674]

@@riitaalin

[@rcleveringa65]

Hey Otis, thanks for the rain. Sure miss a rainy fall day. Keep up the coffee talks.

[@kmaher1424]

One musician I once knew asked a bandmate how he had maintained a marriage after years of touring. The answer? When he got back to town, he always called home and said he would be there soon...😎

[@chuckschillingvideos]

Pretty sure it takes a hell of a lot more than that to maintain a marriage.

[@bringyourownbrilliance4353]

I love your content with your trademark sense of humour. Thank you. Best wishes from London, Ontario, Canada.

[@brianbeattympls]

Loved the patter of rain as your soundtrack. Hope you got your hike in. Safe travels on your tour.

[@otisgibbs]

11/04/21 Glasgow, Scotland -Glad Cafe 11/06/21 Gateshead, England -The Little Theatre 11/07/21 Wakefield, England -Red Shed 11/09/21 London, England The -Water Rats 11/10/21 London (Leytonstone), England -Leytonstone Ex-Servicemens Club 11/12/21 Hassox, England -Mid Sussex Music Hall 11/13/21 Brosely, England -The Birchmeadow 11/14/21 Leamington Spa, England -Temperance 11/15/21 Leicester, England -The Musician 11/17/21 ECCLES (Greater Manchester), England - The Veterans Garage 11/18/21 Newport, Wales -Le Pub 11/19/21 Thame, England -The Listening Room 11/20/21 Birmingham, England -The Thimblemill Library 11/21/21 Nottingham, England -The Running Horse 11/22/21 Sheffield, England -Greystones 11/23/21 Milton Keynes, England -The Stables otisgibbs.com/

[@Dartguyjw]

So the moral of the story is: Always stuff clean underwear and socks inside your guitar! Got it!

[@mitchmatthews6713]

Sounds like bacon frying! That's a great morning! Be safe, Otis!

[@paulreed2642]

I hope he has eggs too.

[@stephennepa9737]

Good morning. Drinking my coffee. Hope you have a great weekend Otis.. Safe travels.

[@bjorntannberg1581]

And don't forget. Every time you come to a new city and eat at a restuarant; it's your (or someone in the bands) birthday. There's a good chance they will serve you a free dessert.

[@danielstoddart]

My tips for flying with guitars (mostly cribbed from an article by acoustic guitarist Chris Smither in a guitar magazine, which has now been scrubbed from the internet): 1/ Listen to Otis, "be nice" goes a long way. Always be polite, especially when making a request about your luggage and gear. Never act exasperated. Just be cool. 2/ As far as possible, arrive at the gate early. 3/ As far as possible, book seats in the back of the plane (so you'll be in the group that boards first). This is key to being able to have room to stow your guitar in the overhead bin if you want. 4/ Do not use a hardshell case. If you haven't looked at what's available in a while, gig bags have gone through a revolution. There are now high-quality gig bags (like Mono) that afford a lot more protection than the gig bags of the past. Some of these gig bags provide almost as much protection as a hard case. The reason why is because when flight staff sees you approach the gate with a gigantic hardshell case, just the size makes it that much more likely they will immediately insist on checking your guitar for the luggage hold of the plane (something you definitely want to avoid at all costs). 5/ Most gig bags have a strap. When you approach the gate, make sure you sling your guitar over the shoulder that is furthest away from the agent (i.e. if the agent is on your right side as you enter the gate with your boarding pass ready to go, have your guitar slung over your left shoulder). In this scenario, the agent is less likely to have an issue with you carrying on your guitar. 6/ If they force you to gate check your guitar, don't argue. Let the agent tie the little gate check tag to your gig bag. Don't sweat it. Then, once you've handed over your boarding pass and you're walking down the sky bridge, rip off the tag and stick it in your pocket. The steward/stewardess that greets you at the door of the plane won't know that your guitar was gate checked and if they think that it wasn't for whatever reason, they are that much more likely to let you carry on the guitar. 7/ Otis talked about this above: at the door of the plane, ask politely if they can stow your guitar in the crew closet. If you've followed my directions above, they are 99% likely to agree to do this. 8/ Pack some bubble wrap and a small shortie screwdriver in your gig bag. If you're like me and flying with a Fender Telecaster or other bolt-on neck guitar, in a pinch you can unscrew and remove the neck, wrap it in some bubble wrap, and pack down your gig back so that it can fit in a crowded overhead bin that a full length guitar will not fit. 9/ Thanks for coming to my TED Talk!

[@allenhatfield4149]

Tommy Prine had an incident with American airlines the other day. He was trying to bring one of John's guitars home. They would not allow him to carry it on. It was badly broken when he got it back.

[@daviswall3319]

Man that's terrible. I had a bad experience with American years ago. We were about to board a flight headed home from Tucson when the whole airline was grounded for maintenance issues. It wouldn't have been so bad as American paid for a flight on Continental for us to get home a few hours later but the American staff was just really ugly about it. One lady was just saying to go back home because you're not going anywhere today. Swore I would never fly American again and I haven't.

[@noraspitz]

Amen to being nice! I only packed one extra pair of undies in my carry-on the first time I went to Tanzania. It took my luggage 10 days to catch up to me, which led to me wearing a nun’s clothes sans underwear through the streets of Dar es Salaam. My prudish little heart could barely take it. That also taught me to ask my host where the best place to deliver my luggage would be - my broken Swahili bungled it and my godmother wasn’t allowed in the luggage area.

[@artemisXsidecross]

I always honor labor and it is a good way to start solving a problem. :)

[@otisgibbs]

Hey Nora, it's good to see you here! We need to come visit you at the Red Key soon! : )

[@noraspitz]

@@otisgibbs I’d love it! Im there most Saturday evenings and I’ll join you all any other time.

[@JasonFerguson1283]

Thank you, Otis!

[@seducedbysadsongs]

Looking forward to seeing you in Sheffield ,UK on the 22nd 👍👍

[@ML-rz2hb]

Bad luck makes for great stories. I enjoyed this.

[@texaswebb]

Life skills! I love the Dublin story!

[@ardenevox]

I just love these videos. Thanks for the tips.

[@AskZac]

I am sorry for what you went through. I have some awful memories from a flight from Dublin to the USA. There are good people at the airlines, and there are some really depraved ones.

[@thomasdavis442]

love ya bud !!!!,,,grate show !!!!...Tommy

[@regunter6599]

A friend of mine several years ago was travelling with a Martin HD 28 and he had it insured. He took the strings off, and they would not allow him to lock the case. He checked it into the cargo, when he landed he got to the baggage claim, opened the case and the neck had been broken off. There was no way it was not someone who took it out of the case and broke it.

[@lightparticular84]

Otis, your voice is so soothing that I like listening even to advice I will never need. Except “Be nice”, which is a lifetime keeper! Thanks for doing what you do.

[@marks5226]

Looking forward to seeing you on your travels, when you reach Nottingham 👍

[@otisgibbs]

Be sure to say hello! : )

[@bradhardisty1652]

You covered guitar travel real well. When I did rounds in Nashville, two things I picked up, Takamine pickup systems always sounded good in the PA, so, a $700 Takamine might be a better choice for Live than a lot of nice guitars. (I still don't have one) The other is LR Baggs DI was the one that blew me away.

[@billedwards2657]

Gotta have a cheap guitar for sketchy flights. Especially now with the wood police in Europe

[@bradhardisty1652]

@@billedwards2657 the rosewood police are coming for me.

[@jackshannonmusic7564]

You have a booking 75 miles west of Indy anytime you want!

[@chrisgoochstuff]

Enjoyed that Otis. It would be interested in your stagebox and other touring gear, strings, capo's etc. All the best, Chris UK

[@nealhitchcock3519]

When I was working and traveled frequently by air, I always kept a carry on backpack that held the laptop and some personal items as you described. Nothing is worse than food poisoning puke that misses your sick bag and lands on your shirt without something to change in. I check bags with anything else. Kept everything in the backpack in the same pockets every time (tickets ID, passport, etc) so I wouldn't have to think about "where did I put that?" Especially after a few cocktails! Travel safely and show em how its done, son.

[@johnrosier1686]

These are definitely good tips. Being nice and polite can go along way. Flight changes and delays can really mess up your day and your ability to still be on time to preform.

[@mojo6778]

Otis, you are a special person with a great personality, got you a free flight in 1st class to Europe. Good tips and great stories, glad your D28 hasnt been damaged flying and hope your luck continues. Beautifu setting , enjoy the rain.

[@chriskostecki8777]

Back in 1982 I had the same experience with my bass coming back to Canada form Musician's Institute in California , The attendant was super helpful , If you know how to smile , it goes a long way !!! Chris Canada Just an observation

[@artemisXsidecross]

Best wishes for your new performance tour and safe traveling. Your reported dialogue with the airline provider will keep me home bound. :)

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Artemis! : )

[@mintonmiller]

I have never raised my voice at an employee or evan a manager of a business. They are just people trying to do a difficult job and they do not need my stress. I have had customers in various jobs treat me that way and I have found that a soft tone and a sympathetic reassurance that they are right and we will fix this, goes a long way. But, there always those few who just want to be angry and raise a stink. For those people, no solution, not even free first class tickets is enough. Hats off in respect to you Ottis.

[@TrueRoyalsFan]

You had me laughing out loud Otis. Such good advice on everything and the understanding of people and keeping calm. We are all trying to get along in this journey. Thanks.

[@ayronsmama05]

Holy shit balls batman!! I grabbed my phone realizing I had overslept and then saw this notification. Oh hell, it's Saturday, WHY, cause Otis and his coffee is here to get me goin! Many Blessings to you and Mrs. Amy!

[@TheOldYellers]

Our best advice is when flying out, because you are leaving usually from the west coast in the morning and arriving the following morning which is your technical bed time. So you arrive when you are ready for sleep so we try and sleep for just a few hours when arrive then get up, eat. Relax and then go to bed on the time where you are so the jet lag is manageable and we figured that out after our first tour where we didn’t do that and had terrible insomnia for half the tour. Wholeheartedly agree with BE NICE. it always takes you farther. Also keep a change of clothes and essentials in case with guitar and everything you need to play so you can make it if you get sideways due to the airport. Ha! Same advice as you. I wrote this at start but we ended up in the same place. Have a great tour. Hassle free and great gigs Otis. Be thinking about ya.

[@THUNDERWORX]

LOL... great stuff, and you are laid back to have been through so many unpredictable and stressful situations. I guess it teaches one to prepare for the glitches and appreciate small problems for not being big ones. Great advice. I was reading a diary of a civil war soldier, and he mentioned how people would throw a fit over their food while eating in an establishment and send the food back over some minor fault. He said, he couldn't stand to see someone fuss over their food since he knew what it was like to go for days on end without any food during the war. Your attitude is victorious because kindness and humility always win in the end.

[@flautalee3090]

Good to see you on KZbin, Otis. Raining here in NJ, too. You have a sweet view there.

[@dsthorp]

Otis, I've been able to use the entryway closet for my viola a number of times.

[@jeffisaac8000]

Take your meds in carry on too !

[@billyweeksrealsmallclosetm8484]

Great video. Always a treat. Walking in the rain is nice too. Safe travels and enjoy.

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Billy!

[@alwayscrazy1]

The story made me think of Isbell’s “Flying Over Water” in title if not content; the background makes me think of BR549’s “Me n Opie (Down by the Duck Pond)” - also Drive by Truckers’ “Shut Up and Get on the Plane”! Haha Safe and happy travels to you, Otis! :)

[@catheryndenton1766]

Sage advice. My husband travels with a Steinberger bass.

[@TheGeniuschrist]

I'm drinking coffee inside the South Split. That pond reminds me of home on State Road 142.

[@Kan-o-tex]

You’re a trooper, Otis. I’m pretty relaxed in general but air travel monkey business makes me see red real quick, not so much the hassle as the indifferent, totally unsympathetic response from the boots on the ground people. I feel for them but I’ve experienced such indifference that my patience wears thin. Thank you for setting a better example. I’ve only flown once since the Dark Times started and it didn’t go well; may that not be the case for you. Thanks for the video, and safe travels.

[@jamescrisp7951]

“That not so fresh feeling” is an old blues song isn’t it? I’d swear I heard BB do it at least once.

[@davidsingley9949]

Calton flight cases, all the way!

[@Maydoggie]

Great video, Otis. I have also traveled quite a bit internationally, and I agree with everything you said. I advise fitting everything you can fit into your carry-on and personal item. (I’ve even stuffed socks and underwear as extra padding in my guitar case LOL). At a minimum, I carry all essentials plus two days of clothes and socks and underwear in my carry-on. If I’m going anywhere for 3 days or less, I can take everything I need in my carry-on and backpack. (5 days in summer.) I don’t usually travel with a guitar and I’ve never had to gate check one, but I would be really nervous if I had to depending on which guitar I had with me. Now that most airlines change for checking a bag, I love it when I can get a free gate check for my carry-on and most airlines are happy to do it.

[@julesotis13]

hey uncle otis thanks for talking to us im caffeinaitng with ya brother otis

[@julesotis13]

be nice is right.... ive been delaingwith crazy insurance stuff and car woes from a smash to my back side and run in mid nov incl over two weeks of having a rental just got my car back only aprtially fixed after a near deathly work shift draining....anywyay...in those many weeks 6 people form insurance have called one did leave a VM she left her job a new jsut called and to another who treid to tell me my car was totalled i lost it as i was also rushing to work and even the insurance people admitted vairous levels of confusion exhastion empathy for how long this is taking..... anyway i got a little emoitonal as he said the car was totalled so i aplogized said im gonna calm down while you forget about telling me my car is totalled and tell me the other optiosn....anhyway point being YOU Are correct brother Otis keeping calm is best and ill add if you do lose your clam some even if ur correct about whats irked ya apologizing calming down as best as poissble and apologizing cant hurt any more than being ncie cant hurt in fact these approaches HELP a lot says this person who works with the public still as well.... you do more for the nice people than you dont lol....thanks Otis -SJOCR

[@jonathanhandsmusic]

Good luck in the UK Otis. It’s a hassle traveling for sure, but just be thankful that you can do it. I can’t even play in my town anymore unless I join up with this booking agent, who now controls the entire local music scene.

[@dcmason6600]

Looks like Ruster Park. Right next to my house. Safe travels, Otis!

[@williamperkins7318]

High anxiety just listening to your trip nightmares. When traveling alone, I always get a window seat. I skip flights for this. that extra inch of room and a rounded wall made of plastic to lean my head on. It's my safety blanket.

[@otisgibbs]

I love the window seats for the same reason! : )

[@RandyH400]

Great show Otis thanks! Be safe and stay dry

[@otisgibbs]

Thanks, Randy!

[@riitaalin]

I'm Retired Long ago from 3 Airlines back when Flying was decent. I always recommend to check in Early. My Son comes over all the time from the UK. Last time he took the Cardinal INDY train back forth to Chicago & the DUB non stop then there is flights all over the UK from DUB. It worked real good for him & CHEAP like 400$ R.T.😃. Good Luck!! & check in early

[@otisgibbs]

That's really great advice! I'm laughably early to everything. I'm usually through security and sitting there waiting 90 minutes before my flight is scheduled to leave. I'm hopeless. : )

[@Maydoggie]

One more thing I’ve learned: pack all bedtime items (meds, toothbrush, toothpaste, PJs, etc.) right on top of everything. When you get to the hotel and you’re worn out from traveling, it sucks to have to dig through everything to get ready for bed.

[@williamsmith5541]

I’ve been in the position to either intervene on behalf of people or make their lives miserable….I couldn’t help everyone so I helped the nice ones. You get out of life, what you put in.

[@dockimble8086]

This pandemic has changed the world of travel. No housekeeping unless requested 24 hours prior, no continental breakfasts, no free toiletries, no free parking and an increase in cost. Welcome to this brave new world.

[@drumsleuth]

Thanks Otis i need to be more nice to people thanks for the advice.I do not want to be a price I want to be calm cool and work things out.Best of luck on your tour.

[@oldnrone]

I've been very lucky flying with my guitar over the years....but I'm that guy that they always have stripped down to the shorts.. and have their dogs sniffing at...every fkin time...

[@JKlasen]

Pack light!

[@otisgibbs]

That was supposed to be my #1 tip, but I completely forgot to mention it. : )

[@JKlasen]

The idea of my Martin in a plane terrifies me!

[@julesotis13]

otis default thinking ruh roh what did we do wrong meow lol

[@lanehowell605]

I'm sorry Otis, but OMG(!!) that last part about the underwear and socks and washing them in the sink, JEEEEZ you had me Howling with laughter in my kitchen...!! You are such a Decent Gentle Human Being, and hearing/seeing you describe this (while being Rained on !) Mercy...!! I So Connected with Your Humanity and Our Shared Human Condition, and I just Laughed hysterically...! Thanks, Man...! H Lane Howell

[@otisgibbs]

Thank you, Lane! : )

[@lindellsiler5994]

I've washed underwear/socks in the sink and dirt bike clothes in the shower. Meds/tooth brush/hand wipes in carry on. Being nice is it's own reward but you will be repaid sooner or later. On a Southwest flight I moved seats so a mother and small child could sit together. The look of gratitude on the flight attendent's face much less the mother and child was well worth the trouble.

[@jammininthepast]

I've had below average experiences with airlines big d and big u. Big u Chicago, O'hare experience probably the worst single experience but overall big d takes the cake for world of suck. Thanks Otis.

[@IquanaMaster]

I feel your pain....

[@simonerusso6920]

Wat a legend was jhon prine whish yuo the best otis love and respect

[@kathrynsmith5750]

Also, if you're flying in to Europe and they change your flight less than 7 days before, you can probably get 600€ compensation. Same goes for long delays/cancelled flights. And you can claim retrospectively for about 10 years (or 3, I'm too sleepy to remember :D). Pretty sure this is still the case post-brexit.

[@Bill-cv1xu]

Top of the morn all.

[@julesotis13]

uncle otis u got it right again...i work in hiospitaliity...server.... being nice goes a LOOOONG way on all sides of these interactions... and i alwasy tip unless its not allowed.

[@julesotis13]

Thanks uncle Otis.. I've espoused ur be nice theory and live by it as best I can.. Perhaps cuz u reminded ya just yesterday eve after reherseal I picked up some reb lobster to bring home (king Stanley cats favorite lol) and they didn't bring it to my car so I walked in calmly.. She apologized handed me bag after going to back and I politely asked if I she may be able to spare a bib... Usually they don't give em in to go delivery or pick up orders or at all... I'd already tipped well as usual... She gave us three bibs! So.. Listen to uncle Otis stay calm be nice respect the others and.... Maybe I'll fly first class with a refund or less extreme get free bibs or at least a smile even masked and know you made someone's moment and shift better... I work in a restaurant I'd know... Thanks

[@michaeldunmoyer5383]

When in doubt ... space out

[@AndySalinger33]

Love ya, my brother. ❤️

[@algoreHasNoRythm]

Hope the road treats you well sir✌️

[@rodneysmith8735]

Tiger Airways by Dale Watson, just about says it all. Otis have you noticed the effect you are having on Glasgow accommodation prices, I have just been quoted £900 for a room which usually costs £50-£70.

[@imnotfishing]

Thanks for the tips Otis and have a great trip. What camera are you using ? It looks perfect. 🙏

[@ajscaffandthebandoles]

So the take-away here is don’t travel with you, correct?😄

[@ClintonCaraway]

So 30seconds in and I am hoping to meet Wendell. Edit... no Wendell 😢

[@artflow7805]

Willie for my 9th time. On a budget

[@tacmason]

Brother Otis-Maybe it is time to consider whether the days of the touring Musician might have passed !? you have proved your "Bonefides" with all the real musicians you have "Spot-lit" in your interviews, Maybe it is time to consider "other alternatives" you LIKE-in the current world situation ! some day I hope to meet you !

[@simonerusso6920]

Good luck on yuo travols hahaha

[@richardfinlayson1524]

I bet saving 1600 bucks helped your bottom line, its funny how things go sometimes