Help...Another guitar thread

[DAnbert]

I need some help. I am leaving Sunday morning on a United flight from PDX to Tampa Florida with a change of aircraft in Chicago. I am going for a 5 week training for a new job. I am figuring this as a good opportunity to get better with my guitar.
The Problem: I only have a soft case for the guitar with no money to buy a hard case for it. This is an acoustic guitar. What are your ideas for getting it safely to and from Tampa? The only thing I can think of is gate checking it, but is that really a safe way of doing it?
I am not sure if this can go in the general threads or not though it is a question directly related to carrying something on an aircraft. If it can and will be seen more, I would like it put there.

Thanks
Danbert

[Pietrantonio]

Just watch the end of "the wedding singer"...

Nah...I honestly have no idea. If it could be a carry on, I would do that. Have you seen how ramp agents gently organize and place luggage in the compartments of an aircraft

You can probably kiss that guitar good-bye.

[SteveC]

Originally Posted by DAnbert

I am not sure if this can go in the general threads or not though it is a question directly related to carrying something on an aircraft. If it can and will be seen more, I would like it put there.

We'll give it a try here. As long as it stays on track...

[DAnbert]

Originally Posted by SteveC

We'll give it a try here. As long as it stays on track...

Thanks Steve. I am ok with it being here as long I receive either helpful advice or a redounding "don't do it man"
I will be travelling on an A319, A320, 757-200, & MD-90.
Do these craft have a closet l could put it in?

[SeanD]

I wouldn't check an acoustic guitar. It's 50/50 whether or not you will see it in one piece again. If you have a local music shop that sells used equipment they usually have standard hard cases for $20 or so. To me thats a good investment and better than losing the guitar all together. If you dont do the hard case then invest in some bubble wrap and pack the soft case.

[troopernflight]

A few years ago I was told on the phone that they would let me put my guitar in the coat rack closet. When it came time to check-in, the FA told me it needed to be checked at the gate. It was in a soft case and luckily made it to my destination unhurt (must have been an amatuer musician that handled it). I would invest in the hard case.

[DAnbert]

I was thinking that "gate checking" it where you take it to the plane with you then they put the little tag on it and they put it under then give it back before you leave the gate would be a relatively "safe" method considering they know you see them handling it and you expect to see it at the end of the flight and not just after all is said and done and it has gone through several processes of checking, loading unloading, transferring, loading unloading and then throwing it on the carousel.
I know there is still a huge risk and a hard case is a big investment, but honestly with my financial situation of being off work for 7 weeks and going through a move, and Christmas, that money for a case is not a luxury I have. I may just opt for not taking the guitar and knowing it is safe at home.
Thanks for your help though.

[MQAAord]

If it's at all possible, try to find a hard case for it. Call a guitar shop, try Craigslist, something.

I would not recommend gate checking a soft-side case. There may be closet space available, but there may not be. It's not something you can really count on being available to you, as bags can only be 1 layer deep on the floor (stacking not allowed) and they fill up QUICK. Sometimes the only place crews have to put their bags is the closet floor, or the closet may be the wheelchair stowage location and a pax wheelchair surpasses any other luggage for "rights" to that stowage location.

Since you're going to be going somewhere for an extended time, can you ship it to your location? Send it UPS or FedEx the day before you leave, it'll arrive a day or two after you get there. Pack it up real good with bubble wrap in a box. Your chances of it being damaged are diminished if it travels cargo well-packed like that. Don't know where you'd get a box that big, but there are places that specialize in odd-shaped boxes......

If it was me, and I really wanted it there, I'd ship it. Sad to say, but I'd totally send it UPS or FedEx.

[DAnbert]

That is a good idea, I may be able to swing that since it doesn't weigh much and it wouldn't cost a lot to ship it. Then Again, I am just thinking of not taking it. Less head ache all around. It isn't a need, just a want.
Thank you

[SkyCougar]

Originally Posted by DAnbert

That is a good idea, I may be able to swing that since it doesn't weigh much and it wouldn't cost a lot to ship it. Then Again, I am just thinking of not taking it. Less head ache all around. It isn't a need, just a want.
Thank you

I'd take it, someway. Playing music is great for taking you mentally somewhere else. If you're going away to train for another job, it might be good to get lost in plucking those strings.

[skydog]

You need to direct these questions to the folks at United reservations and/or customer service. They should be able to answer your questions. In the absence of that, if it's a nice guitar, either buy a hardcase for it, or leave it at home. You need to be concentrating on your training anyway.

[Jason]

Originally Posted by skydog

You need to direct these questions to the folks at United reservations and/or customer service. They should be able to answer your questions. In the absence of that, if it's a nice guitar, either buy a hardcase for it, or leave it at home. You need to be concentrating on your training anyway.

But that's the problem....they are trained to give scripted answers which may or may not coincide with what actually happens on the aircraft.

Ship it, buy a hard case (probably less than shipping) and hope for the best, or don't take it -- those are really the only choices.

[EDUC8-or]

If you have a guitar you care about and will be traveling with it you should get a Gator case. They make the best travel cases and put their money where their mouths are with an excellent guarantee. Their cases will still fit in the overhead, but there's always the chance the gate agent or FA will not allow you to bring it on board with you.