Plane Travel with My Flamenco Guitar

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GaryNLA

Posts: 15
Joined: Jan. 2 2015

Plane Travel with My Flamenco Guitar

I generally do not take guitars when I travel on business, but I have an upcoming trip planned that will include some downtime, so I'm thinking of bringing my beloved Michael Thames along. I have a good case for it, but would NEVER check it as luggage. Any advice re getting the airline to allow me to carry it on?

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2006 Michael Thames Flamenco Spruce/Cypress
2014 Santa Cruz 1929-00 - All Mahogany
2001 Goodall Parlor RP-14 - Sitka/EIR
2007 Lowden S35 - Cedar/Walnut
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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 14 2015 16:51:49

Paul Magnussen

Posts: 1805
Joined: Nov. 8 2010
From: London (living in the Bay Area)

RE: Plane Travel with My Flamenco Guitar (in reply to GaryNLA)

Following fiascos such as that which prompted United Breaks Guitars, the regulations have recently been changed. Here’s some info:

http://flyingwithguitars.com/2013/08/faa-music-instruments/

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 14 2015 17:12:34

Leñador

Posts: 5237
Joined: Jun. 8 2012
From: Los Angeles

RE: Plane Travel with My Flamenco Guitar (in reply to GaryNLA)

Go to the airline website and print out the part that says you can bring your guitar as carry on. Iberia airlines gave me a bit of a hard time about it going from Sevilla to Madrid and I pulled it up on my phone and they finally said okay. After that I've always printed it out and carried it with me.

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\m/

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 14 2015 18:46:01

tele

Posts: 1464
Joined: Aug. 17 2012

RE: Plane Travel with My Flamenco Guitar (in reply to GaryNLA)

unless the overhead lockers are too small, there's never been problems with bringing guitar on a plane, don't even mention it at check-in

Small guitar case vs hiscox for example is also a good thing. Economy companies such as norwegian or ryanair make you buy own seat for your axe.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 14 2015 19:38:53

Dudnote

Posts: 1805
Joined: Nov. 13 2007

RE: Plane Travel with My Flamenco Guitar (in reply to tele)

What the hell to cello or double bass players do?? You can't buy an extra ticket every time you fly.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 14 2015 21:51:24

tele

Posts: 1464
Joined: Aug. 17 2012

RE: Plane Travel with My Flamenco Guitar (in reply to Dudnote)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Dudnote

What the hell to cello or double bass players do?? You can't buy an extra ticket every time you fly.

usually they are check in luggage. Also why wouldn't they just bring electric bass with them?

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 14 2015 22:23:47

Dudnote

Posts: 1805
Joined: Nov. 13 2007

RE: Plane Travel with My Flamenco Guitar (in reply to tele)

Well in YoyoMa's case that wasn't his instrument of chose at 4 years of age.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 14 2015 22:28:54

estebanana

Posts: 9352
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: Plane Travel with My Flamenco Guitar (in reply to GaryNLA)

The FAA just delivered a set of rules ( more like older airline policy) which reinforces the customers right to carry on an instrument if it is the same size as regular check in baggage or a guitar case that fits in the over head luggage or in some niche where the flight attendant can secure it.

The new FAA ruling does not allow an airline to discriminate against musical instruments being carried on in the cabin if they fit in the over head. However the ruling does stress that the customer is subject to another part of the rule: There must be available space at the time the customer boards.

It means you need to be ahead of time and check in at the gate and ask politely if you can board in the first round of passengers. The rule is contingent on a first come first serve basis. They can still deny the instrument, but only if the space for it is not available.

I would recommend not taking additional large carry-on bags beside the guitar. Get there early. But essentially this new ruling means airlines cannot turn away your violin because it is an instrument, this kind of discrimination has been happening. They also can't turn away the guitar if it fits in the over head bin.

My suggestion to air travel with guitars is to select your cheaper guitar for travel and put it in a light nylon and foam case, get to the boarding counter early and smile.

If you think you will have trouble print out this PDF file and keep in your pocket with the correct lines highlighted in yellow marker. It's kind of pretentious and Naderish to pull out the rules on a fight attendant at check-in, but if it comes to that you should be as polite as possible. But reading the ruling and having a copy in your travel documents can save your guitar should someone try to intimidate you.

Here is the US Department of Transportation official document:

http://www.dot.gov/airconsumer/final-rule-musical-instruments

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https://www.stephenfaulkguitars.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 15 2015 0:23:19

estebanana

Posts: 9352
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: Plane Travel with My Flamenco Guitar (in reply to GaryNLA)

An excerpt from the document:

***DATES: Effective Date: This rule is
effective March 6, 2015.***

Transport of Small Instruments as
Carry-On Baggage:

This rule requires that carriers must
allow a passenger to carry into the cabin
and stow a small musical instrument,
such a violin or a guitar, in a suitable
baggage compartment, such as the
overhead bin or under the seats in
accordance with FAA safety regulations.
The FAA regulations require each
carrier holding a Part 121 or Part 135
operating certificate to ensure that carryon
baggage is carried on board in
accordance with an FAA-approved
carry-on baggage program. See 14 CFR
121.285, 121.589, and 135.87. Further,
in Advisory Circular (AC) 121–29B,
FAA provides 11 categories of
information that a carrier’s carry-on
baggage program must address,
including a description of procedures a
carrier will follow for stowage of
‘‘unusual or fragile items’’ (See AC 121–
29B Section 4(e)(3)). Although

________________________________________

More:

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Office of the Secretary
14 CFR Part 251
[Docket No. DOT–OST–2014–0231]
RIN 2105–AE37
Carriage of Musical Instruments
AGENCY: Office of the Secretary (OST),
Department of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: The Department of
Transportation is issuing a final rule to
implement section 403 of the FAA
Modernization and Reform Act of 2012
regarding the carriage of musical
instruments as carry-on baggage or
checked baggage on commercial
passenger flights operated by air
carriers. This rule responds to
difficulties musicians have encountered
when transporting their instruments
during air travel.

DATES: Effective Date: This rule is
effective March 6, 2015.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Clereece Kroha or Blane A. Workie,
Office of the Assistant General Counsel
for Aviation Enforcement and
Proceedings, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Ave.
SE., Washington, DC 20590, 202–366–
9342 (phone), 202–366–7152 (fax),
clereece.kroha@dot.gov or
blane.workie@dot.gov (email).

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https://www.stephenfaulkguitars.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 15 2015 0:40:25

Guest

[Deleted] (in reply to GaryNLA)

[Deleted by Admins]

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 15 2015 3:17:08

estebanana

Posts: 9352
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: Plane Travel with My Flamenco Guitar (in reply to Guest)

quote:

Why are all the newer foro members unable to do a simple search of the archives before posting a question that has been asked a few hundred times already??

The search button is that little gizmo on the top right hand of the screen for those who are new to internet forums.

Sure thing, Dude, you're welcome for the update on FAA rulings.

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https://www.stephenfaulkguitars.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 15 2015 11:46:16

GaryNLA

Posts: 15
Joined: Jan. 2 2015

RE: Plane Travel with My Flamenco Guitar (in reply to GaryNLA)

Thank you for all the information - much appreciated and very helpful.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 15 2015 14:14:22

Paul Magnussen

Posts: 1805
Joined: Nov. 8 2010
From: London (living in the Bay Area)

RE: Plane Travel with My Flamenco Guitar (in reply to estebanana)

In the Comments on the link I posted, there’s one from a pilot, who says if you get trouble from a stroppy flight attendant, ask for the Captain: he can overrule.

All the comments are worth a read.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 15 2015 16:04:13

machopicasso

Posts: 973
Joined: Nov. 27 2010

RE: Plane Travel with My Flamenco Guitar (in reply to GaryNLA)

quote:

I have a good case for it, but would NEVER check it as luggage. Any advice re getting the airline to allow me to carry it on?

I recently flew with my best guitar (four different flights). It has a relatively indestructible Hiscox case. It was the holidays, so the flights were full, and there was not enough space in the overhead compartments even for the regular luggage. All four times I simply dropped it off with the valet before I boarded and picked it up immediately when I got off of the plane. I flew twice on US Airways and twice on United. Didn't have any problems.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 16 2015 11:07:33

revendel

Posts: 97
Joined: Dec. 27 2013

RE: Plane Travel with My Flamenco Guitar (in reply to machopicasso)

Nice thread, about to take my guitar on travel from UK to Switzerland, then to India. Hope they don't give me problems with sending it as luggage and that the guitar dosent compress to dust in the ABS case.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 17 2015 13:25:33

tele

Posts: 1464
Joined: Aug. 17 2012

RE: Plane Travel with My Flamenco Guitar (in reply to revendel)

Remember the good ol "this guitar costs 4000 euros" if someone get's bitchy about it and wants to put it as check in baggage. I have also heard of the captain or co pilot taking the guitar into the cockpit when there was no space, also the jacket compartment is one place to put your guitar! Personally I prefer the low profile cases, not hiscox because they fit in almost any plane.

By the way, if you're going to india with your guitar, make sure you got some good insurance for it! There's lots of thieves, I have been there.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 17 2015 13:30:46

revendel

Posts: 97
Joined: Dec. 27 2013

RE: Plane Travel with My Flamenco Guitar (in reply to tele)

WAIT A SECOND. I shouldnt give it in as check in baggage? I have a 6KG limit on cabin baggage so I was planning to give the guitar for check in, I have 23KG limit there.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 17 2015 17:03:10

Escribano

Posts: 6415
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: England, living in Italy

RE: Plane Travel with My Flamenco Guitar (in reply to revendel)

Explain at the desk or send the airline an email (the reply will say something along the lines of if there is enough overhead bin space etc.) Take the email with you and get to the front of the line if seating is unassigned. The bins are usually big enough. If not, take it to a flight attendant and they will put in business or some other space. Don't check it in unless you want to gamble.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 17 2015 18:16:24

estebanana

Posts: 9352
Joined: Oct. 16 2009

RE: Plane Travel with My Flamenco Guitar (in reply to GaryNLA)

The key is to get to the check in gate early. And also check with your carrier well ahead of time when you buy your ticket to see if you can get an early boarding pass. These days it might cost a few extra bucks, but to ensure you get on first round of boarding or can pre-board with your guitar probably worth it.

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https://www.stephenfaulkguitars.com

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 18 2015 2:16:47

revendel

Posts: 97
Joined: Dec. 27 2013

RE: Plane Travel with My Flamenco Guitar (in reply to GaryNLA)

Going to have to rework my luggage. I was expecting to check it in, I was going to get a wood case, hearing the good shock resistance but i got an ABS one for durability. I thought it could survive the cargo bay trip. Almost killed my flamenco, whew, close one.

Also, did you guys have to take any last minute resorts because the airline wouldnt take it? like DHL or something?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 18 2015 10:52:14

tele

Posts: 1464
Joined: Aug. 17 2012

RE: Plane Travel with My Flamenco Guitar (in reply to GaryNLA)

Has anyone been flying on norwegian with a guitar as carry-on?

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 18 2015 17:11:53

revendel

Posts: 97
Joined: Dec. 27 2013

RE: Plane Travel with My Flamenco Guitar (in reply to GaryNLA)

Urgent question, I am not allowed to take my guitar in the cabin so I have lined and wrapped it with packing material that should hold up with 'fragile, handle with care' tape. Do I need to wind down/ remove the strings for travel?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 29 2015 12:52:12

xirdneH_imiJ

Posts: 1891
Joined: Dec. 2 2006
From: Budapest, now in Southampton

RE: Plane Travel with My Flamenco Guitar (in reply to revendel)

absolutely, wind down the strings, so there's less tension on the neck - an impact will make it worse for the guitar if there's already tension there...

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 29 2015 12:57:08

tele

Posts: 1464
Joined: Aug. 17 2012

RE: Plane Travel with My Flamenco Guitar (in reply to revendel)

quote:

ORIGINAL: revendel

Urgent question, I am not allowed to take my guitar in the cabin so I have lined and wrapped it with packing material that should hold up with 'fragile, handle with care' tape. Do I need to wind down/ remove the strings for travel?

what airline are you flying, where and why won't they allow you to take it with you?

I also wonder if it's cold in the check-in luggage part of the airplane, could do some damage to the guitar

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 29 2015 17:36:43

revendel

Posts: 97
Joined: Dec. 27 2013

RE: Plane Travel with My Flamenco Guitar (in reply to GaryNLA)

I am flying with Belavia, an old, state funded airline in shambles to Minsk, Belarus, then to Switzerland with their local airline and then Air India. Belavia says no guitar. Cant do anything. I fly 10:30 GMT on Friday. FINGERS CROSSED.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 29 2015 17:40:50