#1
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Flights from london: Airlines allowing acoustic guitars in a plane's cabin
Are there any air companies operating in The UK allowing to carry acoustic guitars in a bag into the plane's cabin ?
In particular, in the cases with small-body acoustics OOO/OM ? these guitars are smaller and weigh almost nothing - 5-6 pounds with bag. Thank you for your time and sharing experience, your comments and stories are very valuable. |
#2
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I think your best bet would be to call whichever airlines you choose and check with them. The weight isn't an issue, but increased security is.
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Faith Mars FRMG Faith Neptune FKN Epiphone Masterbilt Texan |
#3
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I travel a lot with guitars (hard cases, not soft cases) and I’m sorry to say that even individual airlines will vary from flight to flight. Decisions are focused on available space in overheads or in other lockers (e.g. coat lockers), which is complicated by the size of the plane and the passenger loading on individual flights – i.e. small planes and full planes are less likely to be receptive than others.
I even get mixed responses to gate checking; occasionally I think I will get it only to be told that the case needs to go in as oversized baggage. So like AndrewG said, call the airline. Try to ask about a specific flight, so you do not get a response that is simply their overall policy (which I reckon can generally be summed up as “we’ll do our best, subject to space”). Good luck! Col |
#4
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I think one of the most graceful moves I ever saw at the airport was when a baggage train was going past the gate were I was waiting to board and a bag fell off the baggage train.
The Train made a big circle and with out stopping the driver grabbed the bag and just threw it straight up what seemed like about 50 feet and it landed in about the 3rd or 4th baggage cart behind the tow tractor. What gracefulness, what timing, what form, what a sack of kindling it would have been if it was an acoustic guitar in a gig bag. Last edited by Seagull S6; 01-30-2018 at 04:42 AM. |
#5
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Golden rule in negotiating, never ask a question if there is any chance of getting the wrong answer. So, have hand baggage only, check in online and go straight to the gate. Say nothing unless spoken to and get on the plane as early as possible. I’ve flown literally hundreds of time with guitars and that’s my modus operandi.
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Chris Stern Guitars by: Bown Wingert Kinscherff Sobell Circa Olson Ryan Fay Kopp McNally Santa Cruz McAlister Beneteau Fairbanks Franklin Collings Tippin Martin Lowden Northworthy Pre-War GC Taylor Fender Höfner 44 in total (no wife) Around 30 other instruments Anyone know a good psychiatrist? www.chrisstern.com |
#6
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Faith Mars FRMG Faith Neptune FKN Epiphone Masterbilt Texan |
#7
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I have no idea what British airlines do about guitars, but, generally, whether a guitar can be brought into the cabin is at the discretion of the flight crew.
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Phil Playing guitar badly since 1964. Some Taylor guitars. Three Kala ukuleles (one on tour with the Box Tops). A 1937 A-style mandolin. |
#8
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I fly several times/yr between London and San Francisco, always on United Airlines.
Sometimes I can get my dread-filled Hiscox Pro II case in the cabin, but many times I can't. However, I can always check it at the gate and then have it return with regular baggage. My advice: Get a Hiscox Pro II case for your guitar and gate check it. |
#9
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I’m travelling from Vancouver to Brussels with a stopover in Montreal. I’m bring my $6000 Martin custom shop acoustic. I’ve never done the gate check thing before and wonder if someone can explain how the process will work step by step? Thanks |
#10
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Nothing to it, Dave!
1). Get a case worthy of air travel in the event you are forced to check your guitar with regular baggage. For me, a Hiscox Pro II case has worked perfectly 2) Empty EVERYTHING out of the guitar case except your guitar. EVERYTHING! If your guitar has a pickup that uses a battery, REMOVE THE BATTERY (looks like an explosive device under the X-ray machine) 3) Go through security to your gate. Ask the gate attendants if you can take your guitar onboard. If they say “no”, ask to have it gatechecked. They will tag it, give you the claim check, and then it will be hand carried down the steps and placed in the cargo hold. Much better than riding the regular baggage belt! 4) You will meet your guitar at your destination. BE SURE to check the regular baggage turnstile AND the outsized baggage delivery port. 5) Detune your guitar a couple of steps. 6) Place soft clothing around the headstock and anywhere else the guitar is loose, but leave a little “give”. 7j If your guitar incorporates Brazilian rosewood, I strongly recommend you do NOT take it. For more on this check out discussions about CITES. 8) pack your guitar accessories in a clear plastic bag and label it “guitar stuff”. Put this in your carryon or regular checked luggage. 9) Consider insuring your guitar. It’s cheap to do and gives you extra peace of mind. I use USAA Insurance Co. (open only to current or former members of the US Military). Google other companies if you don’t qualify for USAA. Have a fun trip! Last edited by 6L6; 01-30-2018 at 11:51 PM. |
#11
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Thanks for the reply. Just to clarify, when I get to Montreal my normal baggage will be checked through to the next flight. What happens with the guitar?is it checked through as well or do I have to pick it up and gate check it again in Montreal? |
#12
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It was a cheap guitar so I took my chances. Nevertheless, point is, nobody from the airline ground team or crew cared. Last edited by ntha; 01-31-2018 at 05:25 AM. |
#13
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My experience is that you will need to pick it up after each flight. This also gives you the chance to ask for it to go on-board with you on the next flight, which in your case could be a bigger plane and/or a different carrier with a better attitude. Couple of additions to 6L6’s excellent list: • Always get a tag when it is gate checked. I have had airline staff in a hurry that have not offered it, but I politely insisted and got one without drama. If anything happens to your guitar, a lack of a tag would make a claim really hard. • Each time you gate check it is good to ask where it will be made available at the end of the journey – it may be given to you if you wait on the flight bridge, or it may go into the main baggage area. • Insurance – yes! Especially at the value you mention, which may go well above the limit on any more general travel cover you have (worth checking). Heritage and Andersons both get good reviews on the AGF. I am with Andersons and I find them great to deal with, although I have not made a claim yet. Col |
#14
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My guess is that the average customs employee wouldn't know the difference between Brazilian rosewood and Formica. |
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