taking my guitar?

**neilo** · 22-01-2009, 04:50 PM

whats the best way to get my guitar to oz safely! not having a container! hand luggage????

thanks

**The Ozcans** · 22-01-2009, 06:35 PM

Hi Neilo
Don't check it in, we've seen them chucking keyboards in the hold!!!!
I guess hardcase and smile nicely to take it on with you!!
Good luck.

Sue x

**sandgrounders** · 22-01-2009, 06:49 PM

When I was a Pro musician, my guitars had to go via a different check in desk for fragile stuff. (didn't stop baggage handlers at the other end chucking them around though).

These days if you want the guitar to go with you in the cabin they'll more than likely make you buy a seat for it! lol

Phil

**The Ozcans** · 22-01-2009, 06:56 PM

That's pricey!!!
Better be a good guitar then!!!!!

Nowadays with security, best to phone the airlines. There's an idea that if it's in a hardcase they'll make you check it, but in a soft case on your shoulder you maybe could take it with you?
If you find out let us know, Neilo.
Cheers.

Sue x

**sandgrounders** · 22-01-2009, 07:00 PM

In defence of baggage guys...

In over 12 tours, no airline has ever actually broken any of my guitars...

Phil

**neilo** · 23-01-2009, 11:29 AM

thanks all-has anyone just carried their guitar on as hand luggage? our 17 year old is leaving everything else behind and has asked to take this one thing-would like to say yes but dont want it thrown around and broken-that would be worse than leaving it !! or to pay a lot for a not very expensive guitar to go to oz!

**The Ozcans** · 23-01-2009, 11:34 AM

Hi Neilo
We did but 9 years ago. In a soft case.
Security is different now.
From the lists I've seen from airlines about what is considered hand luggage,they obviously don't mention guitars. But it doesn't mean it's not possible.

Sue x

**sandgrounders** · 23-01-2009, 11:46 AM

Give the airlines a call and ask?

**Bulldozersanddirt** · 23-01-2009, 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by neilo

whats the best way to get my guitar to oz safely! not having a container! hand luggage????

thanks

Is it an acoustic or electric? My Strat came in the container, but I used to carry it all over the world when I worked as a travelling engineer. I taped the strings at the nut (top of the neck) and at the bridge end, loosened the tension on them all, removed the 4 screws that held the neck, wrapped the whole lot in bubble wrap or similar and taped the neck across the back of the body. I then carried it hand luggage, but it also survived wrapped in good cardboard on Aeroflot and Chinese CAAC (which is more than I can say for my oscilloscope...). It would also fit diagonally in my Delsey Club. My OH says that if this is your major problem, then you are well sorted or on some strong medication...! Hope all goes well.