![airline guitar neck airline guitar neck](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/1JQAAOSwyoJe4kx4/s-l300.jpg)
A gig bag provides solid protection against scratching and normal trauma. A hard-shell case looks imposing and unforgiving, so even if it does not actually take up more space than a gig bag, it will give the impression that it does, causing unwanted eyes to turn.Īlthough you should not use a gig bag when checking your guitar, it is suitable for carry-on purposes. The slightest give can be the difference between a storage bin locking shut or not, so the more flexible case will give your carry-on plans the best chance of success.įurthermore, a gig bag is less likely to catch the attention of scrupulous flight crews. While the soft, pliable casing of a gig bag does not offer the protection of traditional hard-shell cases, it is the better choice when bringing your guitar into the cabin. Nearly every airline offers seat selection to drive revenue, so this should definitely be an option for you if a boarding group selection is not. Most planes board from back to front, so the chances of being in an early boarding group are greater if you are seated in the rear. If your airline does not offer a boarding zone upgrade, select a seat in the back of the plane. However, if you are in one of the late boarding groups and are trying to find a way to fit your guitar into a bin that is firmly packed with roller boards, you will certainly be met with the familiar tap on the shoulder and, “I’m sorry. Once your guitar is in the bin, you won’t have to worry about getting it to fit among other passengers’ belongings since it will be the first there. Make a beeline straight for your seat and snugly situate your guitar into the back of the compartment. Those passengers in boarding group 1 are the first to get on the plane, meaning that the overhead storage space should still be empty when you board.
#AIRLINE GUITAR NECK UPGRADE#
Some airlines will allow you to upgrade your ticket by selecting a boarding zone. It may require some additional expense in terms of ground transportation to make this happen, but it is a great strategy if you want to avoid checking or buying a ticket for your guitar.
![airline guitar neck airline guitar neck](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/s8oAAOSwOT9gwnpH/s-l300.jpg)
On the other hand, large national airplanes typically have many cubic feet of overhead storage compartments into which your guitar should slide with ease.One look at your guitar will confirm with most agents that you will have to check it or buy a separate ticket. Regional airports will likely use small, “puddle jumper” airplanes that do not have much overhead storage space.Choosing the right airports is a great place to start. The process of getting your guitar into the cabin starts before you even get to the airport, as you need to plan for any unforeseen eventuality that may arise during boarding.
#AIRLINE GUITAR NECK FULL#
However, for those musicians not as emotionally attached to their guitar and who do not want to pay a full ticket price for a piece of oversized luggage, there is still some hope that you may be able to get your guitar into the cabin. Also, some low-fare flights may feature ticket rates scarcely higher than the cost of a checked bag, making the decision not to check the guitar even easier. Instruments too large to be stored as a regular carry-on can enter the cabin but must have their own separate ticket.Īlternative Ways To Bring Your Guitar On A Planeįor those who view their guitar as an extension of themselves, purchasing an additional ticket to transport their beloved stringed instrument may be a no-brainer.The instrument or the case does not contain any items not allowed in the cabin.The instrument is stowed in the overhead bins per the airline's requirements.The instrument, including the case, should not be over 165 pounds-or the airline’s specific weight restrictions for carry-ons.The instrument is in a case to avoid injury among other passengers.According to the law-specifically Subchapter 1 of Chapter 417 for the transport of musical instruments, the Department of Transportation and the TSA, you are allowed to bring your guitar on-board, provided it meets these requirements: If this is the case for your guitar, don’t give up yet you may be in luck. While this works well for small instruments and those that can be broken down before storage, many full-size guitars will be too big to meet the general requirements of a standard carry-on.