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I’m sure this has been asked before. But any tips on flying with flamenco guitar in the hold? Decided not to take a burner guitar with me to Spain next. Might pop get a Hiscox flight case this weekend… thanks!
RE: Flying with guitar in hold… (in reply to ddias)
Make sure you show to the airport with a good extra hour. Here in the USA they had to search my guitar/cases at a special section and I had to wait for a couple big dogs to get done. The guy doing my guitars said musical instruments were the only exception that allowed one to be present and assist physically with the process. I asked if I could remove and replace the guitar in the case. Guy was overloaded and uptite but reasonably accommodating. Talk nice and ask questions about his day or job, make it easy for the inspector too best you can but be pushy when you have to.
I had my guitars in a better quality Crossrock cases but I put the cases in the cardboard boxes they shipped to me in and taped up with bright duct tape.
Bring a roll of duct tape to lay over the latches once the inspection is done so they can not come unlatched.
Stu, how was your airport inspection process?
HR
*** forgot to add this was a non international flight so no customs
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I prefer my flamenco guitar spicy, doesn't have to be fast, should have some meat on the bones, can be raw or well done, as long as it doesn't sound like it's turning green on an elevator floor.
RE: Flying with guitar in hold… (in reply to ddias)
Another thing you can do is loosen the strings and pack some bunched up socks under the headstock to absorb vibrations. Loosely bunched but snug. Socks can also be put along the sides of the guitar if it doesn't fit snug in the case. It shouldn't be able to rattle around loose in there.
But it's best that the guitar fits snug in the case without any side packing. I had the unfortunate experience of watching a customs agent pull my guitar and then put it back in the case on top of the socks and try to force it shut when it wouldn't close. He was about to give it a full body weight press when I let loose with a yelp and told him to stop. I guess I looked sufficiently mortified that he let me repack the case myself.
Posts: 2006
Joined: Jul. 12 2004
From: San Francisco
RE: Flying with guitar in hold… (in reply to ddias)
I just boarded an 11 hour flight and not only did they let me bring the guitar on board, I got to board with the folks who had little kids. Got overhead space right by my seat. I was prepared to check the guitar..
Yep! I’m in Seville now and I’m wide awake at 4:30am. I found out when I arrived in Lisbon that a dear friend who was a dancer passed away. It’s been a few decades since I saw her. We met while she was taking classes, me playing for the class. She was a huge supporter of the local flamenco community. Going back to sleep……I hope.
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makes me feel stressed just reading that! I can hear cracking cypress! 
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