-
Flying w/ My Guitar
Back in the 1980s and ’90s, flying with my guitar in a soft case was never an issue. I just brought it onboard with me and let it lean against me or the window if I could not fit it in the overhead (which were a lot more spacious than they are today).
Those were the days your family could kiss you goodbye at the gate.
THESE days, I wonder what the reality check is. I did look up the baggage requirements for Southwest Airlines and it seems that my hard case – 69″ – is too large to bring on board; that it must be checked in baggage and possibly charged an oversized fee.
Really? For an acoustic guitar in a hard case?
What are your experiences these days when flying with a guitar? Tips? Might it be better to rent a guitar once I reach my destination?
-
17 Replies
-
If it is in a hard case on Southwest I have checked it.. But most of the time I take a Martin Backpacker in a soft case and carry it on. It will fit in the overhead compartment. I took my Taylor GS mini in a soft backpack two trips back and it worked but it was a hassle as flights were full on Southwest and I had trouble finding enough room. Once they wanted to gate check it but it was a soft case so I talked them into letting me take it onboard. So I am back to using my backpacker the last two flights. There are lots of horror stories. I would not take an expensive guitar in a soft case.
-
Ha! I had no idea there was such a thing as a travel guitar. Have you heard anything about the Sitka Travel Guitar? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088D7XQYT/ref=sw_img_1?smid=A37EYVQE0EGF19&th=1
-
Yes. Janet Feld, an instructor had that or something similar she used at the Kerrville Folk Festival. She said they traveled well and sounded good enough with which to teach and perform.
-
Sweet! Thank you!
-
-
-
my case I fly with is only 43.5” . Even my biggest case (Calton custom for an MD) is only 48″. Check your measurements. My 43.5 inch case fits in the overhead on 737s but my larger cases to not. When I flew the law was first come first served. If I had my guitar and did not want it checked I would pay for priority boarding giving me first chance at the overheads. If you are asked to move it say no. If it fits and you were there first it is your space to occupy. That was the law. Instruments had a carve-out which treats them differently than baggage.
-
Yes, my measurement was precise per how Southwest measures it: length + width + height. I actually tested that requirement out on another trip with a backpack. They check!
Thank you for the tips!
-
-
I have a Klos carbon fiber travel guitar – https://klosguitars.com/ – the neck easily comes off and you can carry as a backpack which fits in any airline overhead or even pack in a larger suitcase (I usually do this). Very durable due to the carbon fiber construction, I have made many flights without issue.
klosguitars.com
KLOS Guitars designs and manufactures the first durable, affordable, comfortable, great-sounding carbon fiber travel guitar.
-
Far out! Thank you!
-
-
This is a little off the beaten path, but some performers send their
instruments with insurance through a shipping company rather than
trusting the airlines. I haven’t done it, but knew someone who did.-
Good to know if I am going to be somewhere for awhile and I have a guitar that is worth a little more than what I have now. Thank you!
-
-
Over 10 years ago the FAA created a regulation with an exception to the baggage rules you’re reading.
https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/final-rule-musical-instruments
As long as it’s a domestic flight and you board early enough you have the right to bring it on board IF there’s room. If the case won’t fit in the overhead ask if there’s room in the crew closet. I’ve flown numerous times with a full sized guitar and rarely have had an issue. Only a few times … usually connecting flights…I arrived too late and had to “gate check” it. That means they take it from you as you board at the end of the jetway and hand bring it down with strollers and such. At the end of the flight they bring it up to the gateway again for you. Do NOT allow them to simply check it as luggage. It isn’t! Only a couple of times have I had to ask for a supervisor and that usually resolves the issue of an officious gate attendant who insisted the guitar needed to be checked and refused to comply with the FAA regulation which I carry in the guitar case for just such an occasion.
So… in summary… hard case is always best (just in case you need to gate check it), a sturdy and well attached name tag on the outside and a copy of your contact info inside the case, arrive very early (worth it for the peace of mind), board early, carry the regulation, stand your ground but be nice to the folks at the gate and NEVER check it as regular luggage. Some of the gate people have even been players themselves and I’ve had some good discussions with airline personnel about playing guitar. Once or twice I’ve even been called up with the first boarding group (though I wasn’t part of it) because they wanted to make sure my guitar made it on with room before the masses.
Good luck and safe travels!
-
Thank you!
I love it when I have a document that officially counters another’s argument against something I am trying to do. I REALLY appreciate that.
I also appreciate the encouragement to stick to my guns about never checking my guitar in.
I’ve had my share of checking in baggage at the gate too large for a puddle jumper or regional airline so it’s good to know that with your experience, you’ve never worried about having to do that with your guitar.
-
-
I’ve flown a few times with Guitars… And finally found the ideal solution for me…
Yamaha SLG200…! Take it apart, wrap it in some bubble and will fit in your suitcase (a large one) and not take to much room up. Job Done… (And as a Bonus, you can sit on the Balcony in your hotel playing with your Cans on and not annoy the Neighbors…)
uk.yamaha.com
SLG200 Series - Overview - Yamaha - UK and Ireland
Ultra-quiet performance, incredibly natural tone by SRT-Powered pickup system through headphone or line outputs, line-in for jamming and super-compact, collapsible construction make it perfect for practice, travel, recording or stage use.
-
Isn’t THAT somethin’! Thanks!
-
But @Fletch I like to play with naked ears….yah,….I am that guy.
-
You’ve always been that guy @jumpinjeff 🙂
-
Who loves you baby!
-
-
Log in to reply.