Ah - from the title I thought this thread was going to be about something else...




That's the single best piece of advice. Different airlines sometimes have different policies, as regards carry-ons and such. And sometimes special arrangements can be made in advance - provided you've talked to them. Though sometimes not, so all the advice on packaging is good too. SBD's bungee idea is new on me and sounds smart.



Supposing the airline did allow an instrument carry-on it would be unlikely to be more than one guitar per person. But perhaps each family member could carry one guitar?

Good luck - C

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Not to be a smart A#$ but. Have you ever considered Driving your car? It's cheaper/less expensive and a lot safer in my book. Not to mention More fun. Texas to LA is a nice drive this time of year. It would give you a time to relax and think. Just an idea. Good luck and have a blast.
----Danny,

Since Guitar Center is footing the bill, it is the cheapest route to go, and the way I'd go too!

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2000 American Deluxe Stratocaster
2011 Gibson Les Paul Trad Pro 50's
2007 Epi Les Paul Custom
90's ESP Eclipse
JH-1B Jimi Hendrix Crybaby
Analogman KOT
Korg Pitchblack
Boss NS-2 PH-2
Blues Deluxe Reissue
1999 & 2007 Marshall TSL 100 w/1960BV cab

TGS,

Since you are destined to be a Star one day you may want to consider this type of case if plan on flying. A little expensive, but well worth the money.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessor ... light-case

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RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head

That's the real deal

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A-man

That's a good price for a new road case. Funny, it doesn't say it's made for a Strat, though that's what the picture shows.

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'10 American Deluxe HSS Sunset Metallic
'10 JA-90 Thinline Telecaster
'15 Music Man JP-15 Blueberry Burst
'07 Les Paul Standard Faded LCPG #82
'14 Carvin ST300
'12 Carvin CS424S
'66 Guild Starfire IV w/Bigsby
'14 Warmouth Partscaster Daphne Blue

I'd much prefer driving over flying for many reasons (cost is one). I didn't think Guitar Center was giving me a choice, but they are. They would compensate me for car travel expenses up to what an average plane ticket would cost ($350 maybe?). The only issue is that it takes two full days of driving (22 hours) to get from here to L.A. And I have to be there at a certain time, which would mean my Dad needs to get a lot of time off of work (which may or may not happen). And I'd have to foot the bill for the hotel the two nights we'd be on the road.

Either way, the deadline for making a decision is tomorrow (and I just found out about it yesterday).

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I used to fly between Charlotte and Nashville alot. Most musicians were allowed to carry one guitar as a carry on as long as it was in a gig bag and would fit in an overhead. that was on regular commercial jets. The smaller puddle jumpers went under the cabin; even your regular carry on luggage.

This may seem like a stupid question, but remember I've never been on a plane before... How big are overhead compartments usually?

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TGS it depends on the airplane, but most of the oveheads will be 48" long by 12" high. Should be enough to fit your Strat into. However best case would be just to carry it in your seat with you. I sat near a fella going to Nashville with his PRS in a gig bag and he held on to that thing the whole time. If the flight attendant knows you're coming he or she may put it in one of the forward cabin compartments if there's room amongst all their stuff. Call ahead and don't be afraid to let them know who you are and why you're flying to LA. You may get some preferential treatment. If you don't have a direct flight and have to connect to another plane see if the flight attendants will communicate your needs to the crew on the other plane. They all know each other.
PS: Let them know you've never flown before they will look out for you. I am so excited for you. I will be watching. Take lots of pics.

I finally got the flight schedule and everything. And the airline is... United. Of course, the one that breaks guitars.

Actually, I've talked to some of my musician friends about it and they say not to worry too much. I'll try to carry them on if I can, but if not I'll check them at the gate. And while I've been worrying about United breaking my guitars, I really should have been more worried about UPS breaking my guitar amps. The amps that I won showed up today. One is fine, but the other (the more expensive of the pair) was damaged so badly I couldn't even plug in to test it.

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Good news , bad news What happens with that amp now ? Will UPS cover for it - or is that an insurance thing ? Sorry to hear that. Hope it's not going to slow down your plans..........
I guess United have had enough problems with guitars - so I guess there is absolute nothing to fear

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A-man

If you like your guitars, get an ATA rated case. Anything less is gambling with damage.

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Sent from my K&E slide rule.

HEY IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE JUST GET A NEW AXE IN L.A. ; PLAY HER ,WILL WIN IT.THEN GO TO Ventura,play at the beach,hello

Don't assume that you can take a guitar onto a plane and put it into a seat next to you. You can do this if you pay for the seat, but airlines are not as customer service oriented as they were a generation ago and will not give you anything gratis.

Overhead bins are first come, first served and you'll have to share them with everyone within visual range. No one wants to pay for checked bags and they all expect to use overhead bins. You should be prepared to place your guitar in the cargo hold. Go online and print out all the relevant airline and FAA regs regarding your gear and be prepared to show the agents the printed proof.

Airlines are one of the most unfriendly businesses out there and they will deny a passenger a flight if everything isn't to the airline's expectations.

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Sent from my K&E slide rule.