What's the best way to fly commercially with a guitar?

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I've heard horror stories about guitars being damaged on commercial airline flights. Is there a safe way to fly with a guitar?

guitar maintenance

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asked 4 hours ago

skinny peacock

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• 
  
  
  

  
  2
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  What kind of case do you have? Acoustic or electric guitar?
  – b3ko
  3 hours ago
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Some airlines have a special service designed for transport of instrument (I used this last year and this wasn't very costly). In this case the guitar (or other instrument) is locked in a special case on a plane. You may try to check whether your airline has something similar.
  – Mat
  31 mins ago
  
  

  
  
  
  

add a comment | 

up vote
1
down vote

favorite

I've heard horror stories about guitars being damaged on commercial airline flights. Is there a safe way to fly with a guitar?

guitar maintenance

share|improve this question

asked 4 hours ago

skinny peacock

1,5372319

• 
  
  
  

  
  2
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  What kind of case do you have? Acoustic or electric guitar?
  – b3ko
  3 hours ago
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Some airlines have a special service designed for transport of instrument (I used this last year and this wasn't very costly). In this case the guitar (or other instrument) is locked in a special case on a plane. You may try to check whether your airline has something similar.
  – Mat
  31 mins ago
  
  

  
  
  
  

add a comment | 

up vote
1
down vote

favorite

up vote
1
down vote

favorite

I've heard horror stories about guitars being damaged on commercial airline flights. Is there a safe way to fly with a guitar?

guitar maintenance

share|improve this question

asked 4 hours ago

skinny peacock

1,5372319

I've heard horror stories about guitars being damaged on commercial airline flights. Is there a safe way to fly with a guitar?

guitar maintenance

guitar maintenance

share|improve this question

asked 4 hours ago

skinny peacock

1,5372319

share|improve this question

asked 4 hours ago

skinny peacock

1,5372319

share|improve this question

share|improve this question

asked 4 hours ago

skinny peacock

1,5372319

asked 4 hours ago

skinny peacock

1,5372319

asked 4 hours ago

skinny peacock

1,5372319

1,5372319

• 
  
  
  

  
  2
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  What kind of case do you have? Acoustic or electric guitar?
  – b3ko
  3 hours ago
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Some airlines have a special service designed for transport of instrument (I used this last year and this wasn't very costly). In this case the guitar (or other instrument) is locked in a special case on a plane. You may try to check whether your airline has something similar.
  – Mat
  31 mins ago
  
  

  
  
  
  

add a comment | 

• 
  
  
  

  
  2
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  What kind of case do you have? Acoustic or electric guitar?
  – b3ko
  3 hours ago
  

  
  
  
  


• 
  
  
  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Some airlines have a special service designed for transport of instrument (I used this last year and this wasn't very costly). In this case the guitar (or other instrument) is locked in a special case on a plane. You may try to check whether your airline has something similar.
  – Mat
  31 mins ago
  
  

  
  
  
  

2

2

What kind of case do you have? Acoustic or electric guitar?
– b3ko
3 hours ago

What kind of case do you have? Acoustic or electric guitar?
– b3ko
3 hours ago

Some airlines have a special service designed for transport of instrument (I used this last year and this wasn't very costly). In this case the guitar (or other instrument) is locked in a special case on a plane. You may try to check whether your airline has something similar.
– Mat
31 mins ago

Some airlines have a special service designed for transport of instrument (I used this last year and this wasn't very costly). In this case the guitar (or other instrument) is locked in a special case on a plane. You may try to check whether your airline has something similar.
– Mat
31 mins ago

add a comment | 

3 Answers
3

active

oldest

votes

up vote
2
down vote

There is no protection on earth that will protect 100% against a baggage handler having a bad day :)

Some things to look at;

1. Buy the guitar a seat. If my guitar was incredibly valuable, this would be the cheapest solution versus purchasing insurance on it, and it would never be out of sight. You'll get two inflight meals, as well... :p


2. Insurance. Make sure that the guitar is fully insured, just in case.


3. Put it in an TSA approved case. These are much harder to break 'accidentally', but the customs people can get into it easily with their special keys (that nobody outside the TSA has access to. No sir, nobody... :p )


4. If the airline will let you, take the guitar to the gate as a carry-on. At the gate, they may ask you to put it in the hold - but if so, it will be one of the last on, first off items, together with wheelchairs, kids pushchairs, etc.; less likelihood of damage.

Reference: One of my guitars (used by my wife, mainly) flies six or seven times a year. Never had any issues with damage.

share|improve this answer

answered 2 hours ago

PeteCon

51228

add a comment | 

up vote
1
down vote

A fully fitted flightcase is a starter. Lockable, but openable with a special key which customs should have. Is it a solid, semi or acoustic guitar?

Try to get a case which is the smallest possible. That way, you may be able to take it into the cabin with you - by far the best way. Last time I flew with an electric solid, it was in a flightcase, and I nearly got onto the plane with it. (I was told it'd be o.k.) Stopped at the last hurdle, and it had to go unto the hold. Return flight, just carried it onto the plane, and the steward helped me puy it into overhead compartment.

But in any case (!) any guitar going even out of the house should be in a proper solid case - if it means anything to the owner.

share|improve this answer

answered 2 hours ago

Tim

91.6k1094231

add a comment | 

up vote
0
down vote

Ask a music store nearby for a cardboard box that will hold your guitar’s hardshell case. Pack it in the box and ship it fedex next day air with declared value. Check with your renters or homeowners insurance about coverage and ask about personal articles floater or valuable items addendum or whatever they want to call it.

Also check this document: https://www.chamber-music.org/pdf/Flying-with-Musical-Instruments.pdf

One of the interesting things in it is the statement that not all airlines will sell you a seat for an instrument, although it says “the DOT has encouraged them to do so”.

share|improve this answer

answered 2 hours ago

Todd Wilcox

32.8k256111

add a comment | 

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3 Answers
3

active

oldest

votes

3 Answers
3

active

oldest

votes

active

oldest

votes

active

oldest

votes

up vote
2
down vote

There is no protection on earth that will protect 100% against a baggage handler having a bad day :)

Some things to look at;

1. Buy the guitar a seat. If my guitar was incredibly valuable, this would be the cheapest solution versus purchasing insurance on it, and it would never be out of sight. You'll get two inflight meals, as well... :p


2. Insurance. Make sure that the guitar is fully insured, just in case.


3. Put it in an TSA approved case. These are much harder to break 'accidentally', but the customs people can get into it easily with their special keys (that nobody outside the TSA has access to. No sir, nobody... :p )


4. If the airline will let you, take the guitar to the gate as a carry-on. At the gate, they may ask you to put it in the hold - but if so, it will be one of the last on, first off items, together with wheelchairs, kids pushchairs, etc.; less likelihood of damage.

Reference: One of my guitars (used by my wife, mainly) flies six or seven times a year. Never had any issues with damage.

share|improve this answer

answered 2 hours ago

PeteCon

51228

add a comment | 

up vote
2
down vote

There is no protection on earth that will protect 100% against a baggage handler having a bad day :)

Some things to look at;

1. Buy the guitar a seat. If my guitar was incredibly valuable, this would be the cheapest solution versus purchasing insurance on it, and it would never be out of sight. You'll get two inflight meals, as well... :p


2. Insurance. Make sure that the guitar is fully insured, just in case.


3. Put it in an TSA approved case. These are much harder to break 'accidentally', but the customs people can get into it easily with their special keys (that nobody outside the TSA has access to. No sir, nobody... :p )


4. If the airline will let you, take the guitar to the gate as a carry-on. At the gate, they may ask you to put it in the hold - but if so, it will be one of the last on, first off items, together with wheelchairs, kids pushchairs, etc.; less likelihood of damage.

Reference: One of my guitars (used by my wife, mainly) flies six or seven times a year. Never had any issues with damage.

share|improve this answer

answered 2 hours ago

PeteCon

51228

add a comment | 

up vote
2
down vote

up vote
2
down vote

There is no protection on earth that will protect 100% against a baggage handler having a bad day :)

Some things to look at;

1. Buy the guitar a seat. If my guitar was incredibly valuable, this would be the cheapest solution versus purchasing insurance on it, and it would never be out of sight. You'll get two inflight meals, as well... :p


2. Insurance. Make sure that the guitar is fully insured, just in case.


3. Put it in an TSA approved case. These are much harder to break 'accidentally', but the customs people can get into it easily with their special keys (that nobody outside the TSA has access to. No sir, nobody... :p )


4. If the airline will let you, take the guitar to the gate as a carry-on. At the gate, they may ask you to put it in the hold - but if so, it will be one of the last on, first off items, together with wheelchairs, kids pushchairs, etc.; less likelihood of damage.

Reference: One of my guitars (used by my wife, mainly) flies six or seven times a year. Never had any issues with damage.

share|improve this answer

answered 2 hours ago

PeteCon

51228

There is no protection on earth that will protect 100% against a baggage handler having a bad day :)

Some things to look at;

1. Buy the guitar a seat. If my guitar was incredibly valuable, this would be the cheapest solution versus purchasing insurance on it, and it would never be out of sight. You'll get two inflight meals, as well... :p


2. Insurance. Make sure that the guitar is fully insured, just in case.


3. Put it in an TSA approved case. These are much harder to break 'accidentally', but the customs people can get into it easily with their special keys (that nobody outside the TSA has access to. No sir, nobody... :p )


4. If the airline will let you, take the guitar to the gate as a carry-on. At the gate, they may ask you to put it in the hold - but if so, it will be one of the last on, first off items, together with wheelchairs, kids pushchairs, etc.; less likelihood of damage.

Reference: One of my guitars (used by my wife, mainly) flies six or seven times a year. Never had any issues with damage.

share|improve this answer

answered 2 hours ago

PeteCon

51228

share|improve this answer

share|improve this answer

answered 2 hours ago

PeteCon

51228

answered 2 hours ago

PeteCon

51228

answered 2 hours ago

PeteCon

51228

51228

add a comment | 

add a comment | 

up vote
1
down vote

A fully fitted flightcase is a starter. Lockable, but openable with a special key which customs should have. Is it a solid, semi or acoustic guitar?

Try to get a case which is the smallest possible. That way, you may be able to take it into the cabin with you - by far the best way. Last time I flew with an electric solid, it was in a flightcase, and I nearly got onto the plane with it. (I was told it'd be o.k.) Stopped at the last hurdle, and it had to go unto the hold. Return flight, just carried it onto the plane, and the steward helped me puy it into overhead compartment.

But in any case (!) any guitar going even out of the house should be in a proper solid case - if it means anything to the owner.

share|improve this answer

answered 2 hours ago

Tim

91.6k1094231

add a comment | 

up vote
1
down vote

A fully fitted flightcase is a starter. Lockable, but openable with a special key which customs should have. Is it a solid, semi or acoustic guitar?

Try to get a case which is the smallest possible. That way, you may be able to take it into the cabin with you - by far the best way. Last time I flew with an electric solid, it was in a flightcase, and I nearly got onto the plane with it. (I was told it'd be o.k.) Stopped at the last hurdle, and it had to go unto the hold. Return flight, just carried it onto the plane, and the steward helped me puy it into overhead compartment.

But in any case (!) any guitar going even out of the house should be in a proper solid case - if it means anything to the owner.

share|improve this answer

answered 2 hours ago

Tim

91.6k1094231

add a comment | 

up vote
1
down vote

up vote
1
down vote

A fully fitted flightcase is a starter. Lockable, but openable with a special key which customs should have. Is it a solid, semi or acoustic guitar?

Try to get a case which is the smallest possible. That way, you may be able to take it into the cabin with you - by far the best way. Last time I flew with an electric solid, it was in a flightcase, and I nearly got onto the plane with it. (I was told it'd be o.k.) Stopped at the last hurdle, and it had to go unto the hold. Return flight, just carried it onto the plane, and the steward helped me puy it into overhead compartment.

But in any case (!) any guitar going even out of the house should be in a proper solid case - if it means anything to the owner.

share|improve this answer

answered 2 hours ago

Tim

91.6k1094231

A fully fitted flightcase is a starter. Lockable, but openable with a special key which customs should have. Is it a solid, semi or acoustic guitar?

Try to get a case which is the smallest possible. That way, you may be able to take it into the cabin with you - by far the best way. Last time I flew with an electric solid, it was in a flightcase, and I nearly got onto the plane with it. (I was told it'd be o.k.) Stopped at the last hurdle, and it had to go unto the hold. Return flight, just carried it onto the plane, and the steward helped me puy it into overhead compartment.

But in any case (!) any guitar going even out of the house should be in a proper solid case - if it means anything to the owner.

share|improve this answer

answered 2 hours ago

Tim

91.6k1094231

share|improve this answer

share|improve this answer

answered 2 hours ago

Tim

91.6k1094231

answered 2 hours ago

Tim

91.6k1094231

answered 2 hours ago

Tim

91.6k1094231

91.6k1094231

add a comment | 

add a comment | 

up vote
0
down vote

Ask a music store nearby for a cardboard box that will hold your guitar’s hardshell case. Pack it in the box and ship it fedex next day air with declared value. Check with your renters or homeowners insurance about coverage and ask about personal articles floater or valuable items addendum or whatever they want to call it.

Also check this document: https://www.chamber-music.org/pdf/Flying-with-Musical-Instruments.pdf

One of the interesting things in it is the statement that not all airlines will sell you a seat for an instrument, although it says “the DOT has encouraged them to do so”.

share|improve this answer

answered 2 hours ago

Todd Wilcox

32.8k256111

add a comment | 

up vote
0
down vote

Ask a music store nearby for a cardboard box that will hold your guitar’s hardshell case. Pack it in the box and ship it fedex next day air with declared value. Check with your renters or homeowners insurance about coverage and ask about personal articles floater or valuable items addendum or whatever they want to call it.

Also check this document: https://www.chamber-music.org/pdf/Flying-with-Musical-Instruments.pdf

One of the interesting things in it is the statement that not all airlines will sell you a seat for an instrument, although it says “the DOT has encouraged them to do so”.

share|improve this answer

answered 2 hours ago

Todd Wilcox

32.8k256111

add a comment | 

up vote
0
down vote

up vote
0
down vote

Ask a music store nearby for a cardboard box that will hold your guitar’s hardshell case. Pack it in the box and ship it fedex next day air with declared value. Check with your renters or homeowners insurance about coverage and ask about personal articles floater or valuable items addendum or whatever they want to call it.

Also check this document: https://www.chamber-music.org/pdf/Flying-with-Musical-Instruments.pdf

One of the interesting things in it is the statement that not all airlines will sell you a seat for an instrument, although it says “the DOT has encouraged them to do so”.

share|improve this answer

answered 2 hours ago

Todd Wilcox

32.8k256111

Ask a music store nearby for a cardboard box that will hold your guitar’s hardshell case. Pack it in the box and ship it fedex next day air with declared value. Check with your renters or homeowners insurance about coverage and ask about personal articles floater or valuable items addendum or whatever they want to call it.

Also check this document: https://www.chamber-music.org/pdf/Flying-with-Musical-Instruments.pdf

One of the interesting things in it is the statement that not all airlines will sell you a seat for an instrument, although it says “the DOT has encouraged them to do so”.

share|improve this answer

answered 2 hours ago

Todd Wilcox

32.8k256111

share|improve this answer

share|improve this answer

answered 2 hours ago

Todd Wilcox

32.8k256111

answered 2 hours ago

Todd Wilcox

32.8k256111

answered 2 hours ago

Todd Wilcox

32.8k256111

32.8k256111

add a comment | 

add a comment | 

 

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