Guitar in the plane, some experiences

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Doitsujin

Posts: 5078
Joined: Apr. 10 2005

Guitar in the plane, some experiences

Hello again.

I already got to Sevilla in past and took my guitar with me. And back to my country I took 2 guitars in carry on baggage.
Today I visited the airport and they told me, maybe I have to buy an extra seat for the guitar.. But its really much too expensive at the moment..and the plane is complete full.. So should I to play the stupid musician without asking trying to get the guitar with me in the plane? Or what can I do? The guitar would break in the real baggage. And when it doesnt break it will get stolen.Im sure.. Its so sad.

Are here some people with that experience? How did you get the guitar in the plane when you fly alone and they that its not possible? I cant hide my guitar somewhere in the airport for a week...

Please give me some comments, also if you cant stand me. I think its interesting for all people here in the forum, not just for me.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 11 2006 18:56:02

Escribano

Posts: 6417
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: England, living in Italy

RE: Guitar in the plane, some experi... (in reply to Doitsujin)

quote:

How did you get the guitar in the plane when you fly alone and they that its not possible?

You can search this forum for similar experiences. You should be able to either carry it on with you or check it in as fragile in a Hiscock flight-case with few problems, how could you buy another seat for it if the flight is full anyway? I have checked mine in or carried it on, many times to Spain.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 11 2006 19:05:12

Ron.M

Posts: 7051
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Scotland

RE: Guitar in the plane, some experi... (in reply to Doitsujin)

Doit,
Maybe I've got a tin ear or something, but I've gone on dozens of flights just putting the guitar I had at the time in the hold.
Same with buses...just chucked it in with all the baggage.
I always had a good hard case, and nothing happened to them.
Nada.
No change of tone or warping due to temp changes...nothing.
That's why I said maybe I've got a tin ear..

Honestly amigo..nothing bad has happened to me.
Maybe I've just been lucky?

cheers

Ron

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 11 2006 19:43:08

Doitsujin

Posts: 5078
Joined: Apr. 10 2005

RE: Guitar in the plane, some experi... (in reply to Doitsujin)

Yes I have such a hiscox case. But I would prefer the very low weight case for my back in Sevilla. The hiscox-box is a heavy stone. I think I will try to get in without asking as early as possible. If they tell me that its not possible, I will put it in the hiscox-box and give it in the normal baggage. I hope it doesnt get stolen..

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 11 2006 19:49:44

Ron.M

Posts: 7051
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Scotland

RE: Guitar in the plane, some experi... (in reply to Doitsujin)

quote:

also if you cant stand me.

Wow! Doit....Is it really 636 posts and a "fellow" rating?
I remember not that long ago when you posted about 3 posts and decided to give this Forum up...

cheers

Ron

PS (Your "biological" posts totally baffle me....how come you know so much about that stuff? Are you a biologist or geneticist or something?)

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 11 2006 19:52:27

Doitsujin

Posts: 5078
Joined: Apr. 10 2005

RE: Guitar in the plane, some experi... (in reply to Doitsujin)

I try dont anymore post so much off topic from now on, but you asked,.. I´ll give you a small answere.
I have so much posts, coz I write too much crap..

You know it.. If you would count my serious productive posts I will get not more than 50 I think..

Yes I changed my opinion about this forum 180 degrees. At first I only scanned it for useable falsetas and thought only some computernerds are writing here. But now I know many very nice and excellent guitarrists here. And some havee very fundamental knowledge about flamenco history and guitar construction. Here I can find all. Its a paradise for every flamencofan.

And yes Im biologist. ok..I didnt finished it, Im in the last year. Next year in winter Im complete biologist in the areas of cancer research,biochemistry,microbiology,molecularbiology,enzymtechnology,bioinformatics and a lot more cancer stuff.. And my second life is to roam around in every flamenco dance shool I can find.

Ok lets get back to the guitar in the plane theme. I would be very interested in more experiences. Maybe some bad ones. too?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 11 2006 20:17:15

dyst0pian

Posts: 43
Joined: Jun. 7 2005
From: Quebec, Canada

RE: Guitar in the plane, some experi... (in reply to Doitsujin)

I had a pretty cheap guitar when i travelled, carried it my entire trip to spain (about 3 months ) strapped to my backpack, on the bus, on a boat and on an airplane. Havent had a single bad experience yet. Even in Morroco were people are pretty poor, noyone tried to steal my guitar. On the airplane, one thing you can do is carry your guitar in your hands from the airport to the actual plane, saving it from the people who take the baggages to the plane, cause sometimes they can be a bit harsh. Anyways, i think your probably overreacting about someone stealing your guitar, although i can totally understand your attachement to it .
my 2 cents.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 11 2006 20:37:18

Ron.M

Posts: 7051
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Scotland

RE: Guitar in the plane, some experi... (in reply to Doitsujin)

quote:

Maybe some bad ones. too?

Yeah Doit,
Sometimes planes are unloaded using a fork-lift truck.
One guy I knew had the driver put the forks right through the guitar case.

Pay folk little and expect little...

cheers

Ron

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 11 2006 21:14:52

John O.

Posts: 1723
Joined: Dec. 16 2005
From: Seeheim-Jugenheim, Germany

RE: Guitar in the plane, some experi... (in reply to Doitsujin)

Usually I can take mine on the plane with me if I don't have a grumpy person at the check-in. I never take my expensive guitar on long trips anyways, though. Anyways, if you read the small print on your ticket it should say whether they must pay for loss or damage (if you check it in as fragile) up to a certain amount. If you have a receipt for the guitar in that case it's not a problem (although they don't pay for sentimental value).

Fragile things they always carry by hand and put in a safe spot, I've had it done many times. Still wouldn't do it with my expensive guitar, though. You never know...

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 12 2006 9:28:46

Doitsujin

Posts: 5078
Joined: Apr. 10 2005

RE: Guitar in the plane, some experi... (in reply to Doitsujin)

Yes thanks. Thats a good idea. Fragile!
I think I will do the latenight check in one day before takeoff. And the day of the takeoff I will try to carry my guitar with me, without asking.(Coz I had it earlyer in the hand beggage too and think there is no problem) If they stop me doing that, I will check it in as fragile. I hope it works.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 12 2006 11:39:21

Escribano

Posts: 6417
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: England, living in Italy

RE: Guitar in the plane, some experi... (in reply to Doitsujin)

quote:

I will try to carry my guitar with me, without asking

Phone the airline and ask, usually it helps to have a note on their system before you check-in, that you will be carrying an expensive, fragile musical instrument. It worked for me to Jerez.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 12 2006 13:36:02

carlos soto

Posts: 126
Joined: Oct. 22 2005

RE: Guitar in the plane, some experi... (in reply to Doitsujin)

hey man, I don't trust the fragile deal. I have a friend that bought a golf club in europe and we took the plane back in italy and he sent the club by a special window of fragile things, long story short when he got the club back it was bent in 90 degrees by the half...
Just go with the guitar as hand baggage, you're a musician and the guitar is your tool to work...(well not necesarely but you can say something like that

)

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 12 2006 14:35:45

Doitsujin

Posts: 5078
Joined: Apr. 10 2005

RE: Guitar in the plane, some experi... (in reply to Doitsujin)

Oh MY GOD!!! 90 degrees?? What the.???!!! I take it as handbaggage!

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 12 2006 14:42:15

gerundino63

Posts: 1746
Joined: Jul. 11 2003
From: The Netherlands

RE: Guitar in the plane, some experi... (in reply to Doitsujin)

Just an Idear, have not figure this out, but is it perhaps saver to send the guitar by DHL or by post or something?
The guitar will be insured.
Perhaps ask Anders about it, he sends his guitars over the world.

I have flew a few times with the guitar, and had the same worries.
I just checked in, and took it a handluggage.

Peter

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 12 2006 22:00:58

Ricardo

Posts: 14875
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: Guitar in the plane, some experi... (in reply to Doitsujin)

Carry it on, say nothing. If it does not fit over head, then ask the stewardess, NICELY, if there is room in the closet. If there is no closet or she says first class only, they will GATE CHECK it. Like the baby strollers, etc, they take your guitar, toss it onto the little conveyor belt, and it rides with all the rest. When you land, they will hand it to you as you get off the plane. Never heard of a guitar lost or broken that way. (Knock on wood). I did lose a baby stroller and even the Pilot went in there and could not find it. They mailed it to me though, having left it on the runway of the airport we left from. Could only imagine if it was my guitar!

NEVER check the guitar into baggage, always carry it onto the plane or check at the door/gate. Don't ask about it before boarding because they may make you gate check before learning that there is actually room on board. Use the cheapest guitar you can that is useable for your needs/gig, etc. Leave your best guitar at home. If you have only your best, consider buying a cheap guitar in spain. If your only option is to take your best guitar and you end up gate checking, saying a little prayer never hurts.

Ricardo

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 13 2006 6:06:45

Doitsujin

Posts: 5078
Joined: Apr. 10 2005

RE: Guitar in the plane, some experi... (in reply to Doitsujin)

Thanks all for these good comments!
Yes I will try as Ricardo told me. Yesterday a friend told me, I have to get a special strap from the check in on my guitar, otherwise they dont let me in. Maybe this is new since sept11? But I will try and hope that very nice not overworked persons are working there when I come along. Im shure all will become good.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 13 2006 8:12:41

gerundino63

Posts: 1746
Joined: Jul. 11 2003
From: The Netherlands

RE: Guitar in the plane, some experi... (in reply to Doitsujin)

To be sure of things,

Unwind the strings, if it will get into the luggage the temperature is far below 0.
Otherwise the strings might brake the guitar.

second thing, if the guitar is trowed around in the case, , and drops, the neck will brake.
It is kind a whip lash, you can put a towel or something under the headstock to avoid this.

Good luck, leave yor worries at home

!

Peter

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 13 2006 8:48:36

Guest

RE: Guitar in the plane, some experi... (in reply to gerundino63)

I might be wrong, but i heard these days the luggage holds are pressurized like the cabin so its not as much of an issue down there for instruments like it used to be. Ideally you want to take it with you on board but these days most companies make you put guitars in the hold (especially since 911).
Obviousley you will use a hard case, but to protect it from some impact(like falling and banging around) a lot of guitarists will wrap the whole case with bubblewrap(wrapping it round several times). I did this when they wouldnt let me take it on board. Also they said instruments are usually put on top of the rest of the luggage in racks so you shouldnt have to worry about a heavy load resting on top of your guitar for hours. You might want to consider instrument insurance if its really making you worry, i was worried but it worked out o.k with the bubblewrap and i watched them load it from inside of the terminal, these guys where o.k but i have heard they can be pretty rough with the luggage.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 13 2006 22:20:18

itoprover

Posts: 346
Joined: Jan. 3 2006

RE: Guitar in the plane, some experi... (in reply to Doitsujin)

On Lufthansa, Air Canada and Aeroflot (my experience) flights they let you put your guitar in the closet near the exit. It is easier to convince people at the check-in that you need to take the guitar with you as a handbaggage if you have not "heavy-looking" case like Gator light cases.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 14 2006 7:27:07

Doitsujin

Posts: 5078
Joined: Apr. 10 2005

RE: Guitar in the plane, some experi... (in reply to Doitsujin)

Yes the toiletroom. I heared about that. I fly with air berlin, and heared they are usually nice and let guitarrists take the guitar with them.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 14 2006 10:29:44

itoprover

Posts: 346
Joined: Jan. 3 2006

RE: Guitar in the plane, some experi... (in reply to Doitsujin)

Doitsujin, is it some kind of sarcasm? What's wrong with my post? I am not talking about toiletroom it is actually a small suite closet.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 14 2006 18:41:19

Escribano

Posts: 6417
Joined: Jul. 6 2003
From: England, living in Italy

RE: Guitar in the plane, some experi... (in reply to itoprover)

quote:

Doitsujin, is it some kind of sarcasm?

Just language. You meant the place where they hang jackets, right?

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Foro Flamenco founder and Admin

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 14 2006 19:45:32

Ron.M

Posts: 7051
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Scotland

RE: Guitar in the plane, some experi... (in reply to itoprover)

Are flights as easy going as that now?
Last time I flew, I set off an alarm and was surrounded by security guards who made me empty my pockets while body searching me.
The culprit was the silver foil off a packet of chewing gum in my pocket.
It's a nervous world...I personally prefer to stay at home.

cheers

Ron

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 14 2006 20:21:15

itoprover

Posts: 346
Joined: Jan. 3 2006

RE: Guitar in the plane, some experi... (in reply to Escribano)

That's right. I think this closet is for flight crew clothing only, so you need to ask them nicely if you can use it. I am not sure about small planes but big ones like Airbus 320 and Boeing 767 definately have it.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 14 2006 20:31:09

Doitsujin

Posts: 5078
Joined: Apr. 10 2005

RE: Guitar in the plane, some experi... (in reply to Doitsujin)

Yes, its the lenguage.. Didnt understand right. But now I do. And yes I love my guitars. They are very importnt for me, also the cheaper ones. I dont wanna have unpayed broken guitr after the flight.Thats all.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 14 2006 21:54:36