International one-way airline travel -- Protector or reissue?

[dnabbet2]

Hi all

I always fly with a guitar.

if the guitar is the only item i take onboard - 99% of the times there are no issues.

if they give me issues its usually an extra $50-70 bucks for the guitar,
but you can always add a MUSICAL INSTRUMENT when checking in online,
and less.

hope this helps!

I've been flying Turkish Airlines a lot because of my particular routes, and they're generally very good: like a lot of airlines they do have "special" baggage arrangements for sporting goods ... but not for musical instruments.

And to get the guitar into the cabin, you have to get it through check-in as well as past the crew handling boarding.

Check-in staff have been very helpful. They do understand a musical instrument is as important as a snowboard -- or baby-stroller, come to that -- and it's been suggested I call my Les Paul a golf bag. But musicians need to nag airlines for inclusion.

 

[AlsoNstev]

I always take the guitar with me when traveling by plane, and I have no problems.

 

[TomJohnson]

Just read your post and thought I would weigh in. If you are really worried about traveling with your guitars in tow, especially the cases, it might be worth the splurge to fly business class. They always have better baggage policies, which can come in very useful when carrying delicate items such as guitars. Plus, you can save a lot on airfare when you book through specific travel agents; check out these good deals at https://travelbusinessclass.com/best-deals/region/africa

 

[surfreak]

Some real world examples, as I am a very frequent traveler:

- buying an extra ticket for your guitar does work, but you must arrange it with an airline rep, rather than attempt to book it online, and it is only allowed in economy class. All the airlines I have flown with won’t allow it in biz class.

- if you check it in, the Gator flight case with TSA locks shown above is the only safe alternative. Don’t check in a Gibson historic case, or even one of the new protector cases.

- don’t gamble and bring your guitar as carry-on, even if in a gig bag. Airlines rules change, their internal protocols change, everything is standardized and automated. You will no longer get a flight attendant who winks and says “don’t tell anyone”. You will get a “computer says no”, and off it goes to the guitar-tossing champs down by the conveyor belt.

 

[NickiC]

Last Southwest flight had 2-3 separate, carry on instruments passengers, all gig bags.

 

[Xpensive Wino]

Last Southwest flight had 2-3 separate, carry on instruments passengers, all gig bags.

That works in the States to some extent, and when hauling multiple guitars, buying an additional seat is cheap as chips. They don't do any flying outside the USA/Caribbean, though.

International Flights | Southwest Airlines

Find Southwest international flights to Mexico, the Caribbean and other tropical locations. See where we fly and book your international flight with us today!

www.southwest.com

 

[NickiC]

That works in the States to some extent, and when hauling multiple guitars, buying an additional seat is cheap as chips. They don't do any flying outside the USA/Caribbean, though.

International Flights | Southwest Airlines

Find Southwest international flights to Mexico, the Caribbean and other tropical locations. See where we fly and book your international flight with us today!

www.southwest.com

International, right.
Then I would spare no expense and go road/flight case. Encore, Mental Case, Red Dirt.