If you have a guitar and you want to travel, how do you manage that? You can easily carry a guitar into almost any airport. But once you get off the plane and into the car, what do you do then? Do you get it out of the case and try to strap it to the dashboard? Or do you leave it in the suitcase and forget about it until the next time you go to the airport?
You can easily put a guitar into the overhead compartment on most flights. And if you are traveling with a guitar, you really have no choice but to make sure that it is in its case and in your luggage.
In this article, I’m going to tell you how to travel with a guitar.
So if you want to start traveling with your guitar now, then read on…
Can I Take My Guitar on the Plane?
You can usually bring guitar on plane as carry-on luggage, but you should always check with your airline to be sure of its carry-on regulations. Airlines generally allow small instruments to be brought on board as carry-on luggage if they can fit in the overhead bins. If your guitar is too large for the overhead bin, you may be able to take it as a checked bag, or you may need to purchase an additional seat for it.
You will probably want to bring your guitar on board with you because there’s always a risk of damage when checking bags. According to one survey, more than a quarter of all airline passengers have had their checked baggage damaged or lost at some point, and it takes an average of 16 hours for people who have had their checked baggage damaged or lost to receive their bags back.
The British Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has strict rules about how loud any musical instruments can be played during takeoff and landing. You should check with your airline before bringing a guitar onboard.
Should I Bring My Guitar on Vacation?
If you’re worried about whether or not your guitar will fit into your luggage, there’s no need to worry. Even if you plan to travel with only one piece of luggage, it’s perfectly fine to bring your guitar along with you.
There are a few reasons why you should bring your guitar with you. First of all, if you have a ticket for a flight on a day when your airline doesn’t offer in-flight guitar playing, you’ll want to make sure you can still perform as planned. Secondly, it’s important to remember that your guitar is an extension of yourself. So if you’re traveling somewhere new, there’s a good chance that you’ll want to practice playing your instrument, especially if you don’t have access to a guitar at home.
So, should you bring your guitar with you? Absolutely! Just be sure to do a little homework first and figure out which airlines offer the best in-flight guitar performance. You’ll also want to make sure your guitar fits in your luggage. There are some smaller guitars that will fit in a carry-on bag, but larger acoustic guitars can’t fit in most carry-on bags.
The best option is to take your guitar with you. If you don’t want to carry it in the cabin, you can always rent a guitar case from a local music shop. It may be slightly more expensive than taking your guitar with you, but it’s definitely worth it. Plus, you’ll be able to practice whenever you want, without having to worry about whether or not you have space in your suitcase.
How to Carry Guitar in Domestic Flight?
There is no rule that says a guitar cannot be taken as a carry on item. However, if it exceeds its maximum weight capacity, it will be subject to screening.
The most suitable choice is carry-on baggage, and the guitar can be put inside your hand luggage. If you put the guitar on the seat in front of you, you have to pay the extra fee.
If you put the guitar in the overhead locker, it will be difficult to open the door to get in and out of the aircraft. A guitar case is too big to be carried into the aircraft cabin. You can buy a smaller guitar case from an airport shop and store the guitar in it.
How to Carry a Guitar on an International Flight?
If you are planning to bring your guitar on an international flight, there will likely be additional screening and security measures that you need to take into account. This means that you may have to pass through a metal detector or go through security at an airport checkpoint. You may also be asked to open your guitar case to inspect it. If this happens, you should expect to be given additional time or possibly have your guitar confiscated.
The safest option would be to leave the guitar at home. If you must carry it, make sure that you put it in a soft-sided bag that is durable and easy to carry. Try to find a case that can hold up to the normal wear and tear of travel. Also, avoid carrying your guitar on your lap. If you are concerned about damage, try to pack it in the luggage rather than under the seat.
How to Travel With a Guitar Without a Case?
You can travel with a guitar without a case if you want to. The reason why people use cases is because they want to protect their guitars from the elements. If you don’t mind your guitar getting damaged, then you can travel with it without a case.
There are many different ways that you can travel with a guitar without a case. You can simply strap it on your back and walk around the airport, or you could use a backpack that has a compartment for your guitar.
There are also some travel bags that will fit your guitar inside of so that it doesn’t get damaged while being carried around.
If you’re traveling by car, you can throw your guitar in the backseat or trunk of your car with relative ease. But if you’re going to be taking a guitar on a plane, especially if it’s an international flight, there are some things that you need to know before you go.
6 Tips for Flying Safely with a Guitar
So you’re ready to take your guitar on a plane. Here are some tips for flying safely with your guitar:
- Don’t travel with an expensive guitar unless you really have to. If you are flying overseas, or somewhere where it’s hard to get a replacement instrument, then it makes sense. Otherwise, consider just renting one.
- Fly direct. The fewer transfers, the better.
- Get a hard case. A hard case is your first line of defense against damage. Make sure it’s in good condition and that all the latches are working properly.
- Take photos of the guitar before you put it in the case, especially if it has any imperfections like dings or scratches. That way, if there’s any damage when you arrive at your destination, you’ll have proof of what the damage was before the flight started.
- Wrap the headstock in bubble wrap or foam padding so it doesn’t get broken off by luggage handlers or other passengers.
- Use a TSA-approved lock on the case so nobody can tamper with your instrument.
The Last Word
Keeping your guitar safe while traveling isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it after all the hard work you’ve put into perfecting your skills. To keep your sanity, make peace with the fact that some things can be damaged, and when you travel with a guitar, there will be an inevitability of minor repairs even if you do everything right. Also, be aware that not every airline or method of travel is the same, so find out how to travel with a guitar ahead of time to avoid a stressful situation at the airport.
