Three round trip flights to the West Coast (all direct flights) and my Price travel case looks like it’s been through a war. Literally I have divots and gouges all over. So far no damage to the guitar, aside from a shifted spider. So the Price case is doing its job. But clearly this case is being tossed around, and the impact forces cannot be good.
My new strategy, which I just employed 2 weeks ago, is to pay for early boarding and CARRY On my Access padded gig bag. Worst case is I get forced to gate check. As a precaution, I bubble wrap the guitar inside, and put stuff in the outside pockets (styrofoam, guitar strap, etc.) to provide a bit more crush protection just in case.
My theory is that with a hard case, the handlers either don’t know or don’t care about the contents. And the abuse is quite evident.
With a padded gig bag, it is very obvious there is a guitar inside. Will it matter to the handlers? Time will tell. I’m hoping to never find out, as so far, my carry-on success rate is perfect.
2 Price case photos and Access Gig Bag photos:
Baggage handlers typically do not care, they don't have to. For maximum security, buy a plane ticket and put it on the seat next to you.
In the old days there was a coat closet in the first class area they could put it in.
We flew overseas via business class and there was one recently.
A maybe!
More expensive than two cheap seats?
quote:
Originally posted by lap dogBaggage handlers typically do not care, they don't have to. For maximum security, buy a plane ticket and put it on the seat next to you.
Sure - but if one flies with a guitar on a semi regular basis that will add up pretty fast. If it is on a regular basis as a professional musician, it will add up really fast.
Yeah sometimes they do have the coat closet and the attendant will offer that option, even if you’re not flying business class. With priority boarding though, there’s not a problem with finding overhead space. You just gotta’ watch for other people overstuffing the bins.
I used to have status on several airlines, but nowadays I need to pay the $25 or whatever for priority boarding. It’s usually cheaper than a bag check anyhow…
I’m not the type to pay full fare for an extra airline seat for my guitar. Although if did that, I could set the guitar on my divorce papers for some extra cushion...lol.
Oh, it's also way easier porting around a padded gig bag than a hard shell travel case. Much lighter, and can strap on back.
It looks like the case did what it was designed to do. A couple of dents on the outside of a hard case is a lot better than the damage that can/will happen when the gig bag falls off the conveyor going up to the cargo area to be tossed around by the loader. Gate checking only means you get to watch the damage happen. I only use gig bags when I know that I will be the only person to handle the guitar.
quote:
Originally posted by Dan MahoneyIt looks like the case did what it was designed to do. A couple of dents on the outside of a hard case is a lot better than the damage that can/will happen when the gig bag falls off the conveyor going up to the cargo area to be tossed around by the loader. Gate checking only means you get to watch the damage happen. I only use gig bags when I know that I will be the only person to handle the guitar.
I agree the Price case has done its job.
I'm not sure my photos do it justice, but there are actually chunks and divots - not just dents. The impacts to the case must have been tremendous.
Here's how I see it: I fly about 4-5 times per year with an instrument. If I continue to take hits like this, it's likely my guitar with be damaged at some point in the case.
On the other hand, I can do the padded gig bag drill, carry it on with priority boarding, and perhaps never be forced into a gate check. (Frankly, I didn't even get a second glance when I boarded last week with my instrument...) Also, while interpretations vary on this, the most recent DOT regulations state as follows:
"This rule requires that carriers must allow a passenger to carry into the cabin and stow a small musical instrument, such a violin or a guitar, in a suitable baggage compartment, such as the overhead bin or under the seats in accordance with FAA safety regulations."
So I guess until/unless I get forced into a gate check, I'm gonna' stick with the carry-on approach.
As a lesser concern, TSA totally trashed the interior of my checked guitar case last time. The compartments were left open and contents (picks and capo) were floating around the interior. Yeah, I know, just pack that stuff in carry-on. But yikes...
Edited by - JC Dobro on 02/19/2025 12:53:45
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