#1
|
|||
|
|||
Would this qualify as an airline carryon "personal item"
So I can bring 1 carry on luggage and 1 personal item for free. The personal item can be a backpack. If I stuff my traveler guitar in the laptop sleeve of my backpack and let it stick out a bit just behind but below the top of my head and cover it with a t-shirt, would it still qualify as a "personal item". It doesnt fit the length, but I also read that some airlines let you take an instrument as a personal item if it can fit under the seat or easily stowed above, and this can. Any ideas? See the photos for how big it looks.
Side view: https://photos.app.goo.gl/1mcyQ83m2qjQhBwm2 Back view: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ysQs3MDU02opBoCI3 |
#2
|
||||
|
||||
Personal items are supposed to fit beneath the seat in front of you. Whether it goes there or can be put in the overhead is up to you and the flight staff. You can certainly use it as your carry on and put your backpack (personal item) under the seat in front of you.
|
#3
|
||||
|
||||
I’ve travelled numerous times on planes with my Composite Acoustics Cargo (travel size) guitar and have always been able to stow it in the overhead without problem. Of course, there are no guarantees, but your backpack arrangement looks like it should be accepted.
Btw, what kind of guitar is it?
__________________
Tom '21 Martin D-18 Standard | '02 Taylor 814c | '18 Taylor 214ceDLX | '18 Taylor 150e-12 | '78 Ibanez Dread (First acoustic) | '08 CA Cargo | '02 Fender Strat American '57 RI My original songs |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
I've travelled with a similar set up on dozens of flights over the years without an issue. I also make sure I smile and that I'm as polite and as friendly as possible to all if the airline personnel. Do it and good luck!
|
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
Last edited by tonyo; 11-21-2017 at 03:44 AM. Reason: added more to what I said |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
You hit it on the head "smile" and be courteous. I travel as much as 4 to 6 times a month on planes and have carried my full size classical, my parlor, my OM and even my Dread. I have only had to check my guitar in once or twice. In every case, I have politely requested that they put it in the closet. Usually I will tell them the Value of the instrument and they are very understandable and will accommodate you. This is across different airlines and I am usually not in first class.
|
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
|
#8
|
|||
|
|||
How strictly or loosely the rules are followed it is open for interpretation by each air carrier. In addition, each flight in the same company is different depending on the aircraft size and the particular flight's specifics (full, 2/3 full, etc.). No matter what information you collect in this forum, the decision will be made at the gate by the agent, and latter on by the flight crew while entering the aircraft.
As a general opinion, some domestic U.S. carriers, as well as some international carriers will accept a guitar case as "carry-on" item considering your backpack as a "personal item". My experience with SWA and UA is great so far for domestic flights. Lufthansa also takes great care of my OM while flying overseas every time. Golden Rule: NEVER ARGUE WITH ANY FLIGHT CREW.
__________________
SCGC Custom OM Mars spruce/cocobolo |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
Here's a tip for you, when flying, whether you are trying to bring an instrument on board or not.
Flight attendants are not supposed to take tips (bet you didn't know that), even though they are basically 'wait staff' for part of the flight. Whenever I fly, I buy a few small bags of Lindt Truffles (chocolate), and keep them in my carryon backpack. As I board the plane, there are always 1 or 2 flight attendants greeting you inside the plane, I hand one of them a bag of truffles and say 'this is for you and the rest of the crew to share'. Almost every time they'll ask me where I'm sitting, and I get nothing but good service and smiles during the flight, and sometimes bonus goodies (snacks when no one else gets them, or a tablet to watch movies when they normally charge for it), too. The bags of chocolates cost about $4, so its not much of an added expense compared to the overall cost of the flight.
__________________
Mike My music: https://mikebirchmusic.bandcamp.com 2020 Taylor 324ceBE 2017 Taylor 114ce-N 2012 Taylor 310ce 2011 Fender CD140SCE Ibanez 12 string a/e 73(?) Epiphone 6830E 6 string 72 Fender Telecaster Epiphone Dot Studio Epiphone LP Jr Chinese Strat clone Kala baritone ukulele Seagull 'Merlin' Washburn Mandolin Luna 'tatoo' a/e ukulele antique banjolin Squire J bass Last edited by MikeBmusic; 11-22-2017 at 07:46 AM. |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
Here's the actual federal Rule concerning carry-on instruments:
https://www.transportation.gov/brief...travel-musical Keep in mind that regional jets do not have large overhead bins, and any overhead space is first-come, first-served. It pays to get priority boarding when you book your flight. Also, gate-checking is a less onerous option than checking a guitar and having it go through the entire airport bag handling system. Still, because of the Rule, flying with a guitar is easier now. Have a copy of the above webpage on your phone when flying, but be nice to your crew!
__________________
John Bartus Live From The Florida Keys! www.johnbartus.com [email protected] Two cool Breedloves Five amazing Aura-equipped Martins 2013 Gibson SJ-200 Two jumbo maple Guild 12-strings Guild 8-string baritone 1979 Ovation Custom Balladeer Peter Frampton Epiphone Texan Yamaha 12-string Alvarez classical Paul Reed Smith Custom 24 10-Top Lots of Fender & Variax electrics |
#11
|
|||
|
|||
Thanks for all the tips. Regarding the guitar, its a Traveler Escape Mark III. I like it. Liked the sound of the Taylor GS Mini's, but a bit too big. The Cordoba Mini's are small but I can't adjust to the sound of nylon strings. The Traveler size is nice and small but still has that acoustic steel string sound, low maintenance, plus its pretty quiet un-amped which can be very useful sometimes.
|