Since stuff happens, flight delays, lost luggage etc, how early is ideal to get to an audition?

Question:
When do you typically arrive before an audition?

Choices:
a, Day before
b. Same day and run from the airport
c. 2 days prior for long trips
d. >3 days
e. 1 week I am independantly wealthy

 

I've heard some good horror stories about percussionists showing up but not their drums, mallets, equipment etc. It's always fun to stand by the conveyer belt at the airport wondering if you're going to get your stuff for the audition.

Arrival time depends on the location. If you are going to a high altitute place and live in a "normal"altitute place - I recommend at least 24 hours so you can get a good practice in to get used to it.
If you are going overseas - at least 48hours, but once I did perform overseas less than 12 hours after my arrival.....I went for a run as soon as I unpacked...it really helped with the jet lag.
In general, the day before is best, but sometimes your schedule may not permit that.

I prefer to show up the day before, though for one audition where I was given a scheduled prelim time in the afternoon, I flew in the morning of, and flew back the same day.

Any earlier than the day before means extra days without being on my instrument, but I guess that's only a concern for percussionists.

If I fly, my sticks never get checked, and I always make sure the clothes I wear on the plane are suitable for the audition in case the rest of my luggage doesn't make it.

I heard a recent horror story about a lost instrument that was checked with baggage. Doesn't help if you arrive and your instrument doesn't!!
I sincerely hope that doesn't happen very often. What a waste! I can't imagine how upset he was!!

In an orchestra I worked before, a woman who wanted to audition, arrived the day before - and her instrument was stolen from just next to her in a restaurant that evening. She contacted the orchestra, and she was helped by another orchestra musician who lent her his own instrument. She did the audition, went to the finals, did not win the job, but got a one-year contract a season later based on that audition.