Any of you flown... on an airplane, with a guitar lately???

[Fmmahoganyrush]

I'm retreating to the Carribean in January and I want to bring my guitar, as usual. The one I usually take is an electric/acoustic Takamine 12 string, and I usually take it as carry-on and put it in the compartment where the businessmen-type hang their suits just when you board the plane. In the wake of 9-11-01, I know that the airlines have cracked down on carry-on, among other things, and I can just see this thing creating a national emergency due to the electronics in the guitar coming through on the x-ray machine . Should I just go to a pawn shop and pick up a $100 Yamaha acoustic and bring that. I CAN'T travel on vacation without my guitar. HELP!!!! Tom

 

[Track Rat]

It's been a different story everytime I've flown with my Martin. I've carried it on everytime I've flown with it but a few times is was like pulling teeth. Once they made me buy a ticket for it because I refused to put a $4000 guitar in with the baggage to let the morons toss it around.

 

[Buck62]

I'm visiting Seattle right now, and I brought my Yamaha FG-335 acoustic with me. This is the third time I've flown with this guitar and I haven't (knock on wood) had any problems yet.
I always make sure to have them put those "FRAGILE" stickers on the (hardshell) case, and I lock the case and put duct-tape over each latch. I also put a bit of extra padding inside the case.
As you know, the FG-335 is a dreadnaught, so it's way too big for a "carry-on".
I also put 3 pieces of duct-tape across the top of the case and write "This Side Up" with a big black marker. On the bottom, I put two pieces of duct-tape and write "Turn Over".
Okay, I know they could probably care less, but it's just there as a subliminal message.
I haven't heard of any guitar horror stories, so I believe that the baggage-handlers may actually have a "clue" that they are dealing with a delicate item.

Another suggestion is to get one of those mini "traveller" guitars for the trip... but you'll probably hate the tinny, cheesy sound you get from one of those things. Most of them play like crap, too.

Buck

 

[Gidge]

Buck,

youve been extremely lucky......find a baggage handle that understands "Fragile" and "This Side Up" and youve found 1 in a million.....

 

[Lopp]

I've always carried mine on in a gig bag, but not since 9-11. You may want to consider a SKB hardshell case. The airlines will not make you sign a damage waiver when you use these cases. Thus, they will take care of you if your axe is damaged. Also, the cases are pretty damn rugged.

Lopp