Dom Franco said:
I have heard of guitarist's doing this, but I have been afraid that they would take it away from me at the gate and make me check it in!
I am also carrying on some other important items; a small digital recorder/mixer, SM58, Cables etc.... I just can't bear being away from my studio, without some way of making recordings on the road.
ummm now lets see.... I could cram an ADAT in my suitcase....and aaa.... I don't really need to change clothes....effects and compressor....
Dom
A couple of points on this one.
First, I have done a lot of traveling with my guitar, I have always carried it one, and I have never had a problem.
First, you must remember that the ONLY person who can make you check it is the lead flight attendant. The gate agent can not do it, the ticket counter person can not. ONLY the lead flight attendant. Don't argue with anyone, just say that you will let them check it at the gate if they need to, and then ignore the rest of what they tell you.
Second, either sit in the back of the plane, in first class, or in an exit row (assuming they let exit row passengers pre-board). Then, get on as early as you possibly can. If the overhead compartments fill up before you get there, you will have to check your guitar. Once it is in the overhead compartment, you are set. Once it is full, close it up, sit back, and relax.
Third, and best of all, the FAA has told the airlines that they MUST allow musicians with instruments which are reasonably sized (and guitars are included) to carry their instruments on as a ADDITIONAL carry on item. They are a bunch of loop holes, and the lead flight attendant still has final say in the matter, but the airlines may NOT ban guitars as carry-ons. Thank the Musicians Union for this one, by the way. I have a copy of the letter from the head of the FAA to the head of the Musicians Union that I carry when I travel with my guitars, just in case, but I have never needed to show it.
Light
"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi
