Has anyone recently travelled with an acoustic guitar? I need to bring mine back with me next trip to Calgary for some minor repairs. It's worth abour $1000, so I would not want to check it.
Airlines can accommodate unusual and oversize baggage, but a) it may cost you extra, and b) it doesn't guarantee that it'll be treated nicely. Basically, it would be loaded with the golf clubs, skis, strollers, car seats, etc. I don't think that there's any way to get it into the cabin with you though.
I've travelled with an acoustic and did check it but only because I have a solid, lockable case for it. Had no problems. Unless its a small guitar, you probably can't take it on the plane.
I will be in the same situation in a week or so. I was hoping I could take it with me as a carry on. It does have a hard shell but I am not overly comfortable with it being checked in with the rest of over-sized luggage... I better check with WestJet.
I was checking around the interwebz and apparently there is a bill passed through congress that the FAA must accommodate guitars that fit in overhead bins. The key to the bill is that once the guitar is in the bin, it's in and cannot be removed. However the FAA was supposed to implement this to the airlines by Feb 2014 and they have not.
Problem with me is I have a semi hard case and will not be able to purchase a hard travel case here in Costa Rica. American seems to be the safest bet.
Damn, was about to chime in but you're traveling with an acoustic. I travel with my LP in a soft gig bag and just put it in the overhead bin with my jacket. But unless you're traveling with a hollowbody Gretsch or something, an electric is usually a lot easier to travel with.
Just spoke to WestJet. Regulations about traveling with musical instruments can be found under "Luggage" tab on their web-site. I assume they are similar for most NA airlines.
In general, regular-size musical instruments can be accepted on the plane as carry-on at the discretion of the check-in personnel and cabin crew provided they do fit in the overhead bin or another appropriate compartment in the plane. Alternative is to check the guitar at the gate, but the concern for me is a very cold temperature in the plane luggage compartment that can result in damage to an expensive instrument (plus the risk of mishandling by luggage guys). WestJet girl told me that crew is usually very understanding and accommodating in these circumstances and if it's possible to store it in the cabin, they will.
I was able to bring an acoustic on an overseas flight (British Airways) as an additional hand luggage, free of charge. The policy for most larger airlines seems to be that it's okay assuming there is room in the overhead. Your best bet is to be at the gate early to get in contact with the flight crew, who are hopefully happy to help make room.
In a hard case it will be fine. I was a ground handler for AC a few years ago, and a few times I would pick up a guitar that was in a soft case with a broken neck. If it makes you more comfortable, you can try and take it on board but it's probably too big. Ask them if they can check it at the gate, and then it goes in last along with strollers and stuff like that, you might be able to pick it up at the gate too.
Travel with a Guitar
