Traveling with a guitar

[WhistlingBadger]

I'll be traveling in November on United for work, and I need to take my guitar. I've never flown with a guitar before. Technically it's too large to carry on, but I'm a little reluctant to check it for reasons that are probably obvious.

Every time I call the airline and tell them I'm traveling with an acoustic guitar, the person brightens up and informs me happily that I am allowed to bring on a musical instrument as my personal item, as long as it fits under the seat in front of me. This does little to bolster my confidence. Have these people ever heard of an actual guitar???

I know we have a lot of musicians on here. Anybody have any experience with this sort of thing? I've done a lot of traveling with instruments, but nothing bigger than a bodhran, which I can carry on. Mostly just looking for some reassurance. (and yes, I have heard the songs about United breaking guitars! ha ha)

 

[Back in the fold]

See those guys working on the ramp ? I did that same job on the cargo side . You are right to worry . Those videos gave me a joyous warm fuzzy in the cockles of my heart .

 

[davros]

Can't rent one at the destination?

 

[WhistlingBadger]

Can't rent one at the destination?

Hm, maybe I could borrow one...

 

[gwand]

Guitar in the cargo hold? Do you like playing Russian Roulette?

 

[davros]

Hm, maybe I could borrow one...

Unless you buy a second seat.

I though most guitar players had so many there was always a "sacrificial" one

 

[GaryE]

It's no problem. Saw it in 3 pieces and put it in a fish box. It will go to Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Frankfurt, Beijing, Topeka and New Orleans, before it gets really lost. Then you can say you had a 3 piece combo on an international tour.

 

[Fishmanic]

Have a UPS store box it up for you using foamed in place filler. Might be expensive though

 

[WhistlingBadger]

Have a UPS store box it up for you using foamed in place filler. Might be expensive though

Well, if I'm going to do that, I might as well just have them ship it there for me, too! ha ha