traveling SWA with your guitar

[keat_taylor]

preferrably anyone who's done the houston to tulsa trek. I have an acoustic guitar that was recently given to me and a hardshell (not High Impact) case.

my cousin had a terrible experience with the handling of his bass case.

any thoughts? I'd like to gate check my git-fiddle but there's no guarantee they'll be ok with it.

my other option is to search out a box big enough and ship it... I dont wanna do that.

k

 

[goldtopchas]

A few times I've seen an acoustic case stored at the front of the plane, near the entrance. But haven't seen it lately. Maybe they have changed policy or something. You might call ahead and ask. Tell them it's a very expensive instrument and can't be subjected to the temperature extreme/unpressurized luggage compartment. Make sure you have prior arrangements though ,or you'll end up at the gate with some dickhead saying you can't take it on.
....I have "gate checked" a stroller before. They tag it at the baggage counter and take it from you just before you step on the plane. They load it on from there. That might save it from getting slammed around by a 3 toothed baggage handler who might just "lose" it on the way to the tarmac. ...(insert theme from "Dueling banjos" here.) "Look honey,....scored me a geetar today!"

 

[Nightfire]

"Gate delivery" or "gate check" is the best way to go. You guitar gets stored up front in the belly with a bunch of toddler strollers and you take it with you right up to boarding the plane, then leave it outside the door.
After your flight your guitar will be standing right outside the plane door, usually safe and sound
Im just coming home from a one year travelling excursion in europe and this is always how Ive done it with no harm to the guitar.


Mike