Air Travel
If traveling by air, you will fly into the Knoxville Airport (TYS).
The Kamp is about 5 miles from the airport and we can pick you up if
your flight arrives between noon and 4:30 PM on your check in day.
Kamp shuttles begin at noon about every 20 minutes and will pick you up outside of the baggage area at the curb.
Look for the Maryville College Van
Returning to the airport should be just as easy. We start running
shuttles back to the airport at 8:00 AM on check out day. This will get
you to a 9:30 flight. Earlier departures require a taxi and we will help
you make the arrangements during Kamp. You must sign up for the shuttle
when you check in, or outside the Kamp Store.
Flying With Your Instrument
Steve flies four to six planes every week and has found the best for
him is to check his guitar in his Calton Case. This is nearly
indestructible but important measures have been taken to insure its
safety. Many, many guitars come to Kamp in factory hard shell cases. Use
a roll of bubble wrap under the peg head which pushes the peg head
slightly off it's cradle. This will help the weak area of the neck where
it rests in the cradle of the case. Make sure the guitar does not slide
inside the case. You can use T-Shirts stuffed around the instrument to
snug it in the case.
If you are traveling with anything smaller than a guitar, simply
bring it on the plane. Try to be one of the first people on the plane,
either by Medallion status or tell them you need a little extra time.
The later you wait to board the less chance you have to put your
instrument overhead. Then you will "Gate Check" it. This is when you
have your instrument at the gate and there is no room and you have to
hand it to a worker to hand carry it down the steps and hand place it in
baggage. When you get off the plane, your instrument is brought to you
at the door of the plane. Steve has done this hundreds of times, still
with no damage issues.
One last item for peace of mind. Call Heritage Insurance. They insure
Steve's instruments and are the best folks to work with. Pennies on the
dollar and zero deductable. Just in case something happens, you will be
covered. Steve has not had a damage claim in 20 years and travels on
many flights and you will no doubt have great success getting your
instrument to Kamp either on board or gate checked.
Click this link for the latest TSA ruling on getting your instruments through x-ray.