Help: flying w/guitar after 9/11

Subject: flying w/guitar after 9/11
From: BK
Date: 09 Oct 01 - 11:00 PM

Prior to 9/11/01, I had travelled on commercial flights for more than 20 years - countless times - virtually always w/a (mostly dreadnaught) guitar in HSC, & as much as practical, I had it pretty much down pat... (even a Jumbo HSC can fit in near any overhead on modern airliners. Been Der', Done Dat, many times.) BUT NOW?

Has any mudcatter tried to take their axe on a commercial flight w/them since 9/11? I've gotten a few comments from non-musicians which are contradictory. I've also been told that they (airlines) are GRATEFUL AS HELL FOR THE BUSINESS, suggesting they MIGHT be accomodating/understanding.. I also know that it's easier to ask for forgiveness than get permission.. which is part of what virtually always worked for me in the past..

Any advice?? Recent experience??

Cheers, BK

Subject: RE: Help: flying w/guitar after 9/11
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Oct 01 - 11:18 PM

BK, I'd like to encourage you to continue this discussion HERE, where someone else posed the same question shortly after the attacks. It would probably be best to keep all the information in one place.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Help: flying w/guitar after 9/11
From: Bert
Date: 09 Oct 01 - 11:21 PM

I think if I were to have to fly now, I would take my cheap Yamaha with me and take it without a case. There's something about a naked guitar that evokes sympathy from airlines staff. And if challenged I would say that I was doing it so that they could see that it was safe.

Subject: RE: Help: flying w/guitar after 9/11
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 10 Oct 01 - 04:20 AM

I was told my kazoo could go in the cabin, but unless I had my mouth taped up I'd have to go in the hold with the luggage.
RtS

Subject: RE: Help: flying w/guitar after 9/11
From: GUEST,passing stranger
Date: 10 Oct 01 - 04:42 AM

"Fly this airplane into that building, or I'll play "Stairway to Heaven"!"

You can see where they're coming from - NOT!

Subject: RE: Help: flying w/guitar after 9/11
From: fiddlegal
Date: 10 Oct 01 - 07:43 AM

I believe this will be on an individual basis with each airline. Last week, a musician flew Northwest Airlines, with his guitar (in a Calton Case) on board. If the airline says you must check your guitar, ask them if you may gate-check it. Be sure you are using a Calton or Mark Leaf case, or one of the very heavy duty (plywood) cases. Lock your case. I would also remove my Intellitouch Tuner and tortoise picks. DO NOT fly with your instrument in a gig bag.

Subject: RE: Help: flying w/guitar after 9/11
From: JedMarum
Date: 10 Oct 01 - 10:01 AM

I fly with my instruments pretty regularly, and always check them. There are some guitars that you might be able to get on board, but I doubt you could count on it, especially these days with the added security (last week coming from Boston to Dallas they decided my harmonicas and guitarcapos etc were too weapon-like, so they sent me back from the security check point to check them in ... yes through that long check-in line all over again).

I normally check in two valuable instruments; my Larrivee Jumbo and my Long Neck Vega; neither would ever pass for on-board carry ons. They have always emerged safely, in tact and on-time; BUT I don't kid myself! I know that it is quite possible they won't someday, so I am always sure that I have them insured for their immediate replacement value. While I love these instruments, if they were lost I would simply replace them with similar models. It is the model I am attached to, NOT the instrument. If you have personal attachements to the instrument; don't check it. Things go wrong with checked baggage from time-to-time, and if you're not willing to take the chance, find another solution!

By the way, most airlines have a pretty good insurance value for checked bags. American offers $2500 total for each passenger for NO extra charge. You can also add insurance for a very reasonable amount - up to $5000 total per person.

Subject: RE: Help: flying w/guitar after 9/11
From: Orac
Date: 10 Oct 01 - 10:48 AM

There must be a place here for some accordion or banjo jokes.