Lesson 11- Flying with a guitar

This is not really a guitar lesson, but I have received so many e-mails about the subject that I decided to publish my strategies for getting on a plane with a guitar.

For most flights, the boarding is done from back to front. So, my first approach is to get a ticket in the BACK of the plane. This way I know I will get on before too many people (and their luggage) get on the plane. I've noticed that most stewardesses don't care about the luggage size for the first few passengers on the plane, but once you get most of the plane boarded, they begin to scrutinize heavily.

I have tried a few times to get on "with those passengers who need extra time for boarding" but I have had problems with this because they are assuming older people and children will be boarding. When I approach, they wonder why I need more time- and then they see the guitar, and problems of luggage size begin to form in their head. So, I have found that it's better to go in with the crowd at the general boarding time. They are paying less attention to carry-ons at that point. 

When you hand the steward(ess) your boarding pass (and also when checking your other luggage), have the guitar on the opposite side of your body- so it is more difficult for her see. It is never a good idea to ask "is this guitar going to fit?"- because they will assume it doesn't. Look her in the eye and smile when handing her the boarding pass and she will not look at the guitar. If you have a large (and highly visible) case, I recommend getting a smaller hard-shell case with a strap so that it doesn't have to be held by hand. Then you can hang the guitar off of your shoulder - and out of view of people who are in front of you. 

If you have to get on a plane that is half-filled or more, I suggest putting the guitar in the first empty overhead you see - even if it is far from your seat. Your guitar case may get a few dirty looks from the people sitting there, but they will not complain.     

If you are making connections, try to give yourself enough time so that you are not running from the fist plane to the next with your guitar. Tight connections are guaranteed to give you carry-on luggage problems (especially if you are just a little late and they are waiting for you). Again, make sure your ticket for the connection is in the back so you can get on sooner rather than later.

If you cannot get your guitar in with you on the plane, the next best thing to do is ask them to put the guitar with the pets. In that section, there is heating and pressurization and everything is handled with more care than your average luggage. I have had my guitar brought to me by hand to the baggage carousel a few times when I could not get the guitar on the plane.

Finally- it is always better to smile and ask very nicely than to get panicky and bitter in a tough situation. The steward (ess) is not going to help you if you are mean to him or her (this goes for other things in life too). If your guitar doesn't fit,  beg them to put it with the pets section, tell them that the guitar is VERY expensive (I always say it's handmade from Spain- the laymen think that is impressive) and ask them to call the airport of your destination so that the luggage handlers will bring you the guitar by hand - not through the luggage carousel. They always do this for pets- and it should be no problem to do this for your guitar. Always ask nicely and with a smile.

After many years of traveling with a guitar- I think I play the game pretty well. I would be curious to hear any other strategies you might have. Happy trails.....K

And I got this from a reader- also very good advice 

I was just reading your "lesson" on flying with a guitar, and thought I would share some experiences of my own. I have been traveling with a guitar (mostly from college to home and back) for about 4 years. I also have the point of view of the airline industry, as my mother works for a major airline. One tip for what I call the "last ditch effort" to keep your guitar on the plane, is to ask the flight attendant if the guitar can be put in the coat rack at the front of the plane. Some will say no, but most of the time, they are more then happy to put the guitar there (especially if you ask politely) Also, like you said in your message, ALWAYS be polite. My mom says that she is battered by rude passengers all day, and that when someone goes out of their way to be polite, she will go out of her way to help them. Finally, if you are stopped at the door, don't just give up the guitar. Ask (again, politely) if you can try to find space on the plane. In many cases, they will allow you the chance. Hope this helps! :-)-Mark Dobossy