A fly date stands on its own: flights out, show, flights back, with local gear instead of a van full of it.
When it happens
- Summer festivals, where the fee justifies the trip
- A showcase or a one-off support slot in another country
- DJs, who fly almost everything because the gear is already at the venue
What changes
The artist carries less, so the promoter or venue supplies backline. The contract names how many flights, in what class, how many hotel nights, and who books and pays for ground transport. Put excess baggage for instruments and cymbals in there too, rather than on somebody's card at the check-in desk.
What to watch
Fly dates cost days as well as money. A Saturday show in Barcelona can take Friday and Sunday with it. Check the fee against those two lost days, and check whether withholding tax in that country takes a slice before the money reaches you.