Flying With Your Guitar - What to do
Вставка
- Опубліковано 6 жов 2024
- Baxter and Jonathan talk about how to fly with your guitar and what to do when the airline says nope you have to check it! Let us know in the comments your good or bad Guitar Airplane stories.
![[UA] NAVI проти G2 Esports | Blast Premier Fall Final](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QWlIm4FGESQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I’m a pilot for a US based airline. I travel with my guitar to practice on overnights often. One thing that’s out of what normally done is ask the pilots if they could store it. We don’t handle customer issues often but more often than not we are open to helping.
We have room and I’ve helped numerous people store their instrument because I certainly understand the stress of having it with me.
Great topic guys.
Wait what?? We can ask the stewardess if the Pilot can help us store our instrument? I can imagine the flight attended giving the passenger a big ration of crap for that request,.but its worth a try,.LoL
hey dude, reckon i could put my mums 'medicine' in your guitar case or soundhole please. $ 20000 for doing my sick mother a solid. DM me for details.
-Cesar the Gibson dude lol
@@terryshrkupdates ?
I flew from the US to China last year (during the pandemic) on UA and carried on my PRS SE in a hardshell case, no problem in the SF to Shanghai leg, they stored in the flight attendants' closet. But in checking through Shanghai Pudong Airport security on the next leg of the flight, when it went through Xray, the guards opened up the case, pulled out the guitar, and tried to confiscate the whammy bar, which was in a separate compartment. The guards passed it around, they hadn't seen this before, and I guess they thought it was a weapon. I had to insert the whammy bar into the guitar, strum a few chords to show them its function. All this time, the line to go through security was backing up, giving me the largest (but hostile) audience I've ever had!
😂😂😂LMAO
Wow! That’s actually a badass little story.
That's the way that's the way that's the I wanna rock n roll❤
When I fly with my guitar, I keep it in a soft case on my back, that way I have both arms free to flap harder. It's much harder to get airborne when only flapping one arm.
#science
I'm a guitar player, and work on the ramp for an airline. If a passenger has to "gate check" their guitar when I'm around, I try to treat it like it's my own. I generally ask what's in the case, because I'm curious.....it also lets the passenger know that I'm going to baby it.
But if you're checking the guitar from the beginning, ALWAYS a hard case.
Does it matter which hard case? I’ve been told people use TSA locks, but I don’t think it’s necessary to get an extra lock when the hatches work just fine
Thank you👍.
Took my pawnshop Tele and a sweet little Brian Cox tweed champ on a long trip to Boston. Wanted to play an open mic. Flying up from Jacksonville, FL was no problem. I checked the hard case and Tele and carried on the amp. On the way back...I was going through secuity and placed the amp on the xray machine conveyor belt. Started to get some strange looks form the guys maning the xray machine. They started moving the amp back and forth and called over a couple more TSA agents. My wife gave me the stink eye, "...I warned you that amp would cause problems" she said to me out loud. After about three excruciating minutes, the TSA agent running the machine ask, "mind if we take the back off?" "Sure, no problem. It's just a bunch of tubes, capacitors, resitors and wire...it's a guitar amp." The four TSA agents started to laugh..."yell, we all play guitar and wanted to take a look at the wire dressing...that's one sweet amp." They took the back off the champ and a couple of them started to ask about it, where I got it, how it played, and even took pictures of the exposed chassis. Needless to say we don't take gear on trips anymore.
I fly from Northern Ireland to mainland UK a couple of times per month with my two Les Pauls. The best investment I made was my ENKI double guitar case and it has never failed me! However, they are expensive. I also loosen the strings off a couple of turns for luck which takes off a little of the tension.
Good topic. I toured extensively from 2008-2014, which required me to bring my bass guitar on planes. Initially, I brought my Fender Jazz in a hard case, and checked it. Two things changed my mind about doing that: 1) My bandmate had the neck broken on his Les Paul , which was checked in a hard case; 2) I saw the baggage handlers out the window of the plane (where I was seated) tossing around the case with my Fender Jazz in it, and it bounced up and down on the conveyor belt.. As a result, I got a short scale bass in a soft case for use on the road, and ALWAYS carried it on. At first, they didn't give me any problem over putting it in the overhead compartment. Later on, around 2012-14, I got more resistance from the airline people, and had to negotiate, which didnt always succeed. And this was almost exclusively on Southwest Airlines. My advice: 1) Carry on, at all costs; 2) Be ready to negotiate; 3) Be polite, but firm.
Not sure how. Southwest in noted as being instrument friendly. You'd be one of a handful of nonexistent cases then... never heard or experienced, personally, this ever with them. If anything, you get the quote wjen you say "I'm a musician, is there an overhead" they say "We're Southwest Airlines, we always accommodate musicians." That's the line, they are trained to say, and then follow. I'd have called their corporate, you either agitated or made some social fauxpa and got resistance from a personally miffed individual, likely. Again, to my knowledge, they've never done this.
I flew with a guitar once, the guitar survived with no issues in one of the newer Fender plastic cases. The problem is that on each leg of the flight it would end up in the luggage office where I would have to explain that it wasn't an undeclared firearm.
We all know, machine guns go in violin cases
TSA locks will help you avoid this situation
@@EpictheEpicest No, it didn't help. Trips to the luggage office and same question in both PHX and DEN.
@@jvanb231 I am sorry then, you have experienced people who cannot do their job correctly xD
I've just unscrewed the neck of my '97 Squier Vista Supersonic, and I'm watching this video while I pack both bubble wrapped parts of the guitar into the bottom of a sports bag as I prepare to catch a flight across Europe. I'll reassemble it when I get home - it'll be fine!
Was flying from US to Europe with my firebird in its huge hardcase and United staff was really amazing. They spent bunch of time organizing my entire flight, calling connection flights and letting them know I will bring my guitar. My case was put into closet where flight attendants keep their uniforms and my guitar safely arrived to the destination.
Thing is, airport was basically empty where I checked in so they had time to organize all this.
A Strat will fit in a large suitcase if you remove the neck. Did so recently and felt safe with it packed between clothes. Reattachment and setup took only 10 minutes. Just don't forget to pack the Leatherman multi tool!
Also recently carried on a Strat in a gig bag on a long haul United flight. No issues. Crew was in fact very helpful in finding me overhead space. One crew member told me if anyone tries to put a bag on it, refer them to him. United Airlines - great crew on that flight!
I recently flew with a strat in the soft Fender padded gig bag, and it fit right in on top of the carry ons
I've never had a good experience with United, with or without instrument. Southwest, they let you keep the guitar between your legs.
Or in a large rucksack. I've done this with both a MiM Strat and a Squier Jazzmaster. Same thing: put plenty of clothes around the guitar. Was fine in the hold.
I do exactly this with a Squier when traveling. I stayed cheap because I wasn't sure if it would hold up taking the neck off so many times.
choosing the bolt on neck guitar for fly dates is one of the best ways to be safe about it. even in a gig bag its unlikely to be fatally damaged if they force you to gate check.
When I flew with a guitar I used this service called Gate Check sometimes people call it Sky Check. Basically you bring it with you when you walk on the plane and they put it in a closet and when you are walking off the plane they give it back.
Gate check is lovely when it works, but you don't know that it won't wind up in the same cargo space (as some commercial plane configurations do not have ANY closet space). I use a rollator at times, and that can also go in the closet on some flights, but about half the time winds up checked, which is a PITA.
I’ve travelled from the US to Europe after guitar safari trips. Each time with usually two guitars. I’ve had issues and been very lucky. Here’s my tips.
Never let the gate check in see the guitars. Get someone to watch them while you check in luggage. While you check in have a small side bag as well as your carry on so that you get an extra tag for Approved Cabin Bag - then stuff your side bag into your main bag and put the tag on your guitar case/gig bag. That way security and gate may think your guitar was approved at check in. When you do walk on try to be one of the first and hide the guitar as best you can so that if they do see it you’re already through. Then they won’t want to delay the rest of the passengers by arguing with you.
I was really lucky one time. I was past the gate and in the tunnel waiting to get on the plane. This guy ahead of me admires the old cases (gretsch 1953 duo jet and 68 335) and I tell him about being nervous to find a spot for them in the bins. He says “listen I’m in 1st class just give those to me” and he then walks on and in the way that 1st class people expect to be treated just hands them tot he attendant and says “can you put these in the 1st class coat storage”. What an angel!
I also had an incident back in 2006 when I was traveling with National resonator - flying from Syracuse to Atlanta. The check in were insisting I pay for an extra seat or check it. I persuaded them I would do neither. Then I get on the plane - a big one - and literally the last 20 rows were empty. I had the entire last half of the plane to myself.
I have a flight in a few days and was planning to bring my acoustic guitar but wasn’t exactly sure if it counts as a personal item or if I’d have to pay a fee for it. I’ve also heard stories of guitars breaking, especially coming from a family full of guitarists!! I hope things go well and nothing bad happens to it, it’s basically my equivalent of a child.
From Southwest Airlines website:**Musical instruments transported as checked baggage count toward the limit of two free bags, subject to weight and size limitations. One small musical instrument (including guitars) may be transported as a carryon item, subject to overhead or under the seat availability at time of boarding. Any carryon musical instruments will count toward the carryon baggage limit of one piece of carryon baggage and one smaller personal item.
Most classical guitarists I know buys a ticket if they MUST make the trip.
Even if you have the documentation, you’ll often run into problems.
International flights basically require an extra ticket because they are a nightmare to deal with.
I'm legally blind and travel with a carbon fiber acoustic. I've not had a problem but the folks at the airport in Montana know me and once you're on that 1st leg, the rest is ok if I stay on the same carrier. Thanks guys.
I believe John 5 buys a plane ticket for his main telecaster, so there is always that.
I used to do that but the airline has the right to take the seat for a traveler, I was so pissed but it is in the fine print.
I take my crappiest guitar put it in a good case and immobilize it with towels and just check it. So far so good
Just traveled on two different airlines with my new Taylor. No issues at all. Flight attendants were awesome.
My wife and I flew back to Colorado, from San Diego one time. Whe had been gifted a dulcimer with it's hard case, and we checked it at the gate. No problems at all!
Have never, and probably will never fly with a guitar. Still found this video to be entertaining and worth watching.
I think in any biz that handles cargo, whether it's UPS, FedEx, or an airline, the tendency is to see everything as a 'unit.' A suitcase, a cardoard box, a guitar -- they're all units. And that is just the way it is.
I’ve had superb experiences flying including a situation where the pilots held it and where the air crew made a special effort to where I was treated like a terrorist for having a guitar in a soft case as carryon. I will say that it’s gotten a lot more difficult and that the staff have less latitude to make customer friendly decisions. Some pinhead in a cubicle writes a rule and if there’s any chance a staff member could get jammed up for a violation they won’t do anything. Understand that but airlines need to learn that customers matter
Exactly, they act way too much like their industry was built on privilege. It wasn't, it was used as the tool it is, nothing more. Now everything can ban you from flying.
I flew with my 67 Strat in it's original case from Columbia to Denver, changing planes in Atlanta. Case was not locked nor secure in any way other than the latches. It also went back the same way. I was very fortunate that it made it unscathed. This was when I was in my early 20s and not nearly as wise!! (young and dumb) I would never, ever do that again!
What about the humidity?? The air in an airplane’s cabin is extremely dry. After landing in a different environment, should you let the guitar acclimate for a day before you play? Especially a guitar that has exposed wood.
The best way to relic a guitar is to send it on a flight !!!!
From China. Then it has enough time to really get the angst I feel to be the look it wears. Lol
gotta fly a fender custom shop over 8000 miles this december, great video timing!! thank you!!
Steve Howe (Yes) will purchase a ticket for himself and his 1964 Gibson ES-175.
Legend has it, Mr. Gibson occupies that seat.
I have a couple bona fide flight cases and a bad ass molded case for the acoustic. Loosen the strings and check it. Did the "relying on the kindness of staff" deal on on leg about a year and a half ago. Never again. That was a giant hassle for me and an imposition on the flight crew. They've got enough on their plate these days without additionally dealing with a guitar you were too precious to check.
That’s literally what I’m going through right now. I have to go back to my country and I have so many questions. Long story short I will be carrying two guitars (god damn it!), I bought a first class ticket (first of my life) and hope for the best.
How did it go?
I had an airlines destroy a std Fender black plastic Tsa lock case. (Guitar is fine). Airline bought me a new case. I fly with SKB 3i cases only. I haven’t had an issue checking it, knock on wood. A national touring band I opened for used them too. Two tips: don’t put anything besides a guitar in your case. They may lose it at security, like a strap (not me but happened to a friend). And if you are using a universal case, stuff rolled up t-shirts along side the body so your guitar is not just held by the neck in the case.
I am planning on traveling from LA to Kansas in 3 weeks. I have a 1967 Fender P-Bass, for which I will purchase a hard case from Fender and I plan on loosening the strings and wrapping it all in bubble wrap inside the case. This bass is literally priceless to me as it was purchased by my dad many years ago. I am going on a non-stop flight with Delta airlines. My plan is to check the case and pay whatever fee's they ask and purchase insurance if that is available. I've never ever travelled with an instrument before. Is this a good plan? open to suggestions.
Delta ladies put my acoustic coffin case in their coat closet with zero issues once when I flew to ATX. I just flirted a little.
I did that on a leg. Too much trouble, probably never again.
You must be a badass you
In my experience, guitar cases are similar to any other suitcase full of valuables: the stronger looking the case, the more they will test it's limits. When airlines weren't constantly OVERBOOKED by the airlines, used to be able to get them to put it in the closet with the strollers and stuff.
It is what it is. If you can, buy a cheap guitar to keep at your parents house, for your extended family, etc.
I've also had the OVERBOOKING problem of having my guitar get on a different flight than I was on and it was lost for 2 days. It was a Tacoma DR-38, and those in the know, it's a killer acoustic but the company is dead and their guitars are irreplicable now.
Got my guitar back and my crestfallen face did get me a first class upgrade from the gate agent though.
I recently was fortunate enough to have a gig at a resort in St. Lucia. After trying to figure out what to do for months I finally decided to check it in a flight case with a solid gig bag inside as did our bass player and big horns and we were lucky to get them all intact with no problem other than they unload them and put them in the oversize baggage area, not on the carousels but pretty effortless. Plus I took a MiM Strat so my least valuable guitar! The stress of worrying whether I'd have room in an overhead and then checking an axe only in a gig bag wasn't worth the aggravation.
I’ve travelled with bolt on neck guitars all over the world by taking off the neck and putting the body in my suitcase.
I travel with my guitar in a flight case with the guitar inside the case in a gig bag. When I get to the hotel I ditch the flight case and just use the gig bag from then until I have to fly out again
Never had to fly with one yet but this is good to know
Great topic! I have been dealing with family issues and flying back and forth between major cities on United frequently. I take my guitar because it helps with the stress in down moments. I always make sure I am first in line and on the earliest boarding group possible (even if I have to pay for it). One flight recently (a Boeing 267) the overheads were too small for my guitar and the flight attendant offered to put it in their closet which was great. I carry a classical guitar so I always keep it in a hard case but the smallest one I could find. But I agree with all of the sentiments in the video; showing up with confidence, knowing you have the right to get on with it, and keeping a friendly attitude really helps as a whole!
6:56 So glad you mentioned this! For viewers, there's an entire Wikipedia article for "United Breaks Guitars", which has 20m views on YT. It is a brilliant example that revenge is a dish best served cold (and in song).
Baxter's story of the school trip had me laughing!
I have enough friends in the places I fly(I’m not good enough, or interested in touring), that I just borrow guitars. United just literally this weekend, completely destroyed a hard suitcase I have, on a flight to Denver. The entire top was cracked in two, and the pull handle was smashed into the suitcase. I barely trust them to get me somewhere, never mind my guitars. Betcha wifey let’s me drive next time
I agree about Nashville, they get it. I saw a guy travel through there with a Martin in it's stock case and they were great with it. Rhett Shull has a pretty good video on flying with a guitar, which he's done since the pandemic. He gets into a lot including how to make nice with the gate folks and what to look for in a case.
Here's an idea for a story you guys are very qualified to discuss. Who is building the best quality electric guitar now? G+L:? Fender Custom Shop? Gibson Custom Shop? Duesenberg? Heritage? I have some vintage stuff I may be selling (values are crazy high now) and I'd like to replace with something very good.
I’ve had good luck traveling with my travel guitar (Ibanez P Gilbert Mikro in gig bag) on Southwest. Pro tip: Pay for Southwest’s Early Bird Check In to board as early as possible. Once onboard keep heading back until you find empty bin and get your axe in it, even if it takes up the whole bin. Southwest is musical instrument friendly. Other passengers will give you dirty looks for using up a bin, but if you get there first it’s yours. You just need to get on as early as possible. Board too late and you’re SOL, so order Early Bird when booking or ASAP after.
Delta put my ‘65 Epi Casino in the first class coat closet, but I was flying first class, so they were happy to accommodate.
So true!
Yeah but like they said in the video, you can put the guitar on top and it’s probably better since it won’t have a bunch of room should the plane hit turbulence.
Since I’m a wealthy blues welder and fly a lot, I always have the ability to get first class. Or take red eye flights.
I thought this was going to be a video about Flying V’s 😂
Any experiences flying internationally with a Strat in a gig bag? ATL to Incheon to Bangkok. Using Korean Air, but this will be my first time with guitar.
Flew to Hawaii with my GS Mini in September 2021. No worries.
Hey, Guys…long time watcher, first time commenter. Just wondering if you have any opinions on flying with Enki and similar guitar cases. Thanks and cheers from New Orleans.
JAL offer a flight case for guitars but it's $200 maybe more but it's a good deal if flying with something expensive
Get a soft case (or a nice bag), be kind, pay to book a good place to seat and go to the line as soon as possible.
There was a Christian worship artist and his name is Corey Ashburne he had his Martin totally destroyed it was in a hard case and apparently it fell off and got ran over something like that but he made a big thing on it and they wanted it up just send him a new guitar I wonder if you’re famous versus just a regular guy how the airlines treat the repair for the replacement
4:09 guitars don't have to be checked and can go into overhead AS LONG AS there is space in the overheads. That's also in the DOT rule. So get on EARLY.
Delta let me get on with the earlies once-I was flying with my Jerry Jones Longhorn 4 string. Not sure that would happen nowadays.
I've heard a ton of people say that headless guitars help them with traveling but I can't see such a small length adjustment mattering much.
⚓️ Thanks Casino 😎
AS per the question below - what about the boutique builders, Nacho, etc.. etc..???
Great vid gentlemen! Thanks for the info!
I watched expecting tips on how to pack your guitar. It was only mentioned in the last few seconds of the video and there was no info presented.
There’s always been a market for this, Someone needs to open up a Musicians Airlines service that caters to taking good care of passengers and their gear. It could be called Highliners…LOL…
Joe Bonamassa is a firm believer in buying a second ticket for your guitar.
Joe Bonnamosa is stupid rich, too. Go ahead, spend 300 bucks to buy a ticket if ya can, that's the best way. However, I find this makes flights wayore bothersome because the people can't help but ask about the axe. You can't take it out, but they ask about it. It's annoying because they have little or no idea what the guitars are, nor do they care, but 20 people later, and you're not as even tempered.
This is only KIND OF helpful...if you have an ELECTRIC with a snug, sturdy gig bag. When I travel, i.e., fly, for occasional out of town gigs, it's with an ACOUSTIC guitar, who's gig bag is pretty bloody impossible to put in the overhead compartment on several types of planes. And you don't mention what to do if you're told that you have to check in your guitar the moment you step on the plane. You can't argue, but you can't say no... ESPECIALLY if it can't fit in the overhead...so you're kinda screwed. So, thank you, but this ain't quite what I need.
why didn't you call your Blues Lawyer to argue for your guitar case?
Best advice . . . XMEN First class. they'll even let you bring a bass (guitar). I've seen first class peeps get away with: double sets of golf clubs, double carry ons, and backpack. They go the extra (high) mile to accommodate you. No questions asked, even if you're a mutant and look like one. j/k about mile high accommodation
Great tips . . . + on calling ahead . . . + on being people / friendly person and come bearing gifts / gift cards. It's difficult for the gf and me (we're both introverts) but her best friend (incidentally mine) are total people persons way out extroverts and they can sell snow to an Eskimo so they get us onboard in with our gear in hand.
Also if you are going to a major city, just bring a travel guitar, parlor, or baby acoustic, to practice . . . and rent your electrics and amps if you are gigging, especially if your main axe is pretty common (like LP, strat, tele).
Pack it in a combat / heavy duty case like gAtoR or SKB I series and pack it like you're going to mail ship it. Never baggage it, always bring it with you for hand check in.
Use TSA locks and don't pack accessories with it. Strings, removable whammy bars, harmonicas, friend with harmonica holder etc . . . usually trigger the Xray and security guard notice, and the security will unpack your guitar (and also undo the packing) and may not optimally handle your guitar or when repacking, pack it the way you did.
I've had TSA remove string pack and say it could be used as a weapon. Then I recalled mobsters using piano wire . . . garrote, so I let 'em have it, and chalked up to a learning thing.
Also no drugs / medicines inside or in electronics cavities. My friend used to work for TSA as security, and they always catch enterprising individuals. Johnny Cash was caught in the pre XrAy, bomb / drug sniffing dog, and 911 era, so what makes you think you can get away? Also TSA security: will confiscate anything related (plus criminal charges), including that guitar.
Guitar choice makes (like teles / strats vs gibsons) or bring your bar gig guitar (like the epiphone or MIM fenders, prs SE's) instead of your best one (custom shop, boutique etc). If fixed whammy, leave it at home.
Ditch the carry on. Bring a backpack, guitar case and NO CARRY ON. The steward(ess) will often hand check and ticket your guitar (as its easier to tetris the carry on) instead of the carry one.
Pay extra for TSA pre and for first call (if not first class), you can get in early, and get your pick of overhead compartmentage but if the flight's packed the steward(ess) will tetris, or even ask you to fill out hand check in tag and put it in handchecking.
Airline brands are key. Some fly more friendlier skies . . . Ex Surfers like Hawaiian and Alaska are surfboard friendly for baggage, and I've always brought me axe on board.
Another one is get two seats theory (theory was even though you paid, because if no one's there, the steward(ess) may tetris someone in there, especially if someone wants that seat next to you or airline is packed and quarter of the flight is needy individuals (real or imagined) requiring seat tetris (yes they will call up to get the seats swapped out by coworkers inside the airport).. Or check the night before boarding, see if the seat occupancy, in rare cases a quarter of seats are aren't used, so you can pay extra to get the seats in the emergency exit row (the long leg room) , and sweet talking the stewardess will let you keep guitar under the seat.
If not early bird or first class . . . follow behind a family with a bunch of kids or better in between two families with sets of kids, usually the children(s) will distract steward(ess) enough for you to sneak in (and also hold your guitar low).
I have never fallen asleep and pooped myself as an adult.
Well then, you're ahead of the game!
Before COVID I would ship my guitar, I had a terrible experience on an airline for a gig once. But now shipping does not seem to be as good of an idea due to heavy traffic.
2 six shooters and tap shoes. I've found my new look!
i flew a couple fly dates on tour with my 65 rocket, but it sat in my lap. they tried to check it once or twice but i wasnt havin it. that was pre covid tho. i havent tried yet
I fly with my guitar in a soft gig bag. If anyone gives me shit about putting it overhead, I unbolt the neck, fold the gig bag and hold it with me underneath the seat, stick my other suitcase in the overhead, problem solved.
I don’t think you can bring screw drivers in your carryon
Two words: Calton Case
I was terrified enough to fly with a guitar that I took a mandolin with me to Ireland in 1990. That turned out to be the right call as we often walked town to town and I was very glad not to have that extra weight and bulk. Sometimes, taking a smaller instrument (e.g., the great-sized Taylor GS Mini I got from y'all) may be the right choice, too. But as a frequent traveler who often traveled 100k miles a year pre-pandemic, yeah, it'd be nice to have a full-sized instrument at times, too. One other thing: be aware that some countries (e.g., New Zealand) have super strict weight limits (7kg or ~15 lbs) and most electric guitars will not meet them.
I’ve taken a mandolin on business trips myself. I just bought a GS-mini right before the pandemic shut everything down, and I definitely wouldn’t have an issue traveling with it either.
Flight cases are there for a reason. The hint is in the name. Gig bags are just packing material.
The biggest issue is the gig bags I keep seeing people say they chose to travel distance with. Lol, how dumb, the rules for TSA travel cases and instruments, been there for a while now. Southwest, they let you keep it with you the whole flight, now the trick is to stay out of areas they don't fly to.
I am flying from Newark to SF on Tuesday, 4 days away. I want to bring my Gibson J200. I have a nice Gator travel Case... can I be nice and get it stowed by United in the cabin? Years ago, flying from SF back east I opened my case in front of a security check in NY. The neck was broken.. I showed value of over $2000. They paid me a week later. I repaired the neck myself... So not so bad. Sold that guitar later. I have nice guitars. I want to bring one on this 3 week trip. I was going to ship it via UPS. "$495.71" !!! WHAT? I can buy a nice/decent acoustic in SF when I get there, ship it home for free when I head back.. So, what do I do? I am going to call United and beg that it is stowed in the cabin closet. Let's see what happens.....
It just came to Me Flying with Guitars is Like Running with Knives
id definitely be hesitant. but then again ive never done it
Y'all are the best!
Here is a piece of advice that I learned from a few friends who had a hit song and who were flying to Japan to play some sold out arena shows: the cops over there vacuum out your guitar case, and send the dust/residue to a drug lab for testing.
Wouldn't the temperature change be really detrimental to a guitar? I suppose we could all be like Marty Stuart and book an extra seat like he does for Clarence.
Might be cheaper to just buy a new guitar whenever you travel!
@@honkytonkinson9787 As cheap as my stuff is, that is correct!
Not at all. By the time you open it, it'll be normalized to room temperature.
@@richsackett3423 this question turned on my science brain, though your comment about allowing the guitar to normalize, or acclimate, after landing probably has already answered this question…
Say you live in hot and humid Florida and you fly to Canada in early November, so still pretty warm and moist down south but definitely winter up north. Would the extreme cold and lack of humidity cause moisture in the wood of the guitar to vaporize quickly and cause a deleterious effect? Will certain woods be less effected by this, like maple vs swamp ash?
@@honkytonkinson9787 I mean, guitars have finish on them. They aren’t sponges.
All I can think is DON’T, unless you can buy it a seat next to you.
Which guitar maker do you think includes cases (with the guitar) that can actually survive the Baggage hold?
Skb and Gator Flight Cases maybe $170 to $200 each, but the guitar is perfectly secured. Worth every penny.
I don't believe any original hard shell case provided by the manufacturer can live up to the specifications of the previous mentioned brands. I do a lot of shipping, I'm a retailer and a dealer for a couple small brands. Like an honestly say outside of the more expensive Enki cases, that SKB and Gator Flight Cases are hands down the best available. Those Enki's are the absolute GOLD STANDARD though.
An OEM case? It will get you to the gig and back. It might survive a mild car accident, God forbid. But there's not one I can think of that can stand up to the rigors and straight out abuse of a disgruntled baggage handler.
so if you do have to check your guitar how should you pack it, i've been tempted to pack it like i would if i were to ship it just because the risk to a expensive guitar is so high
I'll never need to fly with my guitar since I'm no gigging musician. But if I were to buy one whilst overseas, I'll get the shop to pack it like how it was shipped, all boxed up with tons of stuffing, check it in, make damn sure they know its fragile and leave the rest to providence...🙏🤞😓
I had a G&L guitar bite the big one via FedEx earlier this year. It was packed by a great guitar store and carried by an expert in shipping, but…stuff happens and it managed to get stabbed through two layers of boxing. :( So even that is no guarantee. It just works most of the time.
1966.. Gibson Byrdland...ARMY...going overseas... the flight attendant found a space. Ya'mean, that doesn't happen anymore?
United broke my butterscotch Tele. His name was Brandon. Cheer for him.
Squirrel! You guys are easily distracted 😆
Can I bring a martin backpacker on a plane im flying british airways to england and would like to bring the backpacker with me
Think about flying business class with your guitar! Wider seats, more legroom, priority boarding, plus more carry-ons. If you choose economy then I’d look into buying an individual ticket or two for your axe.
I would buy a 2nd ticket for my guitar right beside me
Just buy the guitar a seat it's cheaper than a new guitar and it's the ONLY way you can be sure it'll be safe.
I play bass and live in Hawaii. I think ill just buy a $100 (Glarry, Donner ,Indio...) bass online and have it shipped to my Mom's before I visit her next time.
Don’t even think about taking it on board 🙃
Maybe use a flight case?
I came here to find out what I need to do when flying with an electric guitar. I wanted to hear what I need to do, not be force to sit for a history lesson.
My acoustic case got thrown so hard a bottleneck slide in the case broke
Best tip and tactic:
Buy a ticket for your guitar.
Are there any problems with air pressure on a vintage guitars. In the storage hold or in the plane seating area itself. 1944 Gibson southern jumbo in a lifton same era hard case? Thanks
Some airlines will also let you book an extra seat for your guitar if need be. If that option is available and you can afford it, always take it - because it will save a lot of hassle all around just to be able to say "It's okay, I booked a seat for this guitar". Plus, if your guitar does fit in the overhead bins or one of the "courtesy solutions" (the flight attendant coat closet, etc) is offered after all, now you have the seat next to you free.