How to fly with a guitar

      
My wife and I freelance as actors and singers around the country. I frequently fly with my one year old DCPA5 Martin guitar. Nothing is more cringe worthy or more frustrating than being forced to gate check such a delicate, sentimental item that I relay on for my livelihood. Along the way I’ve picked up a few tips on how to safely fly with an instrument. 

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Loosen the strings

       This is flying with an instrument 101. Always loosen the strings before boarding the plane. This takes the pressure off the neck. Pressurization in the cabin can do funny things to a guitar neck.

Take the gate check ticket

       I’ve learned that it doesn’t matter how much you argue with the gate attendants about gate checking you guitar, they don’t care... they don’t. Simply take the gate check ticket they hand you and say ‘thank you’. Put the ticket in your pocket and take the guitar on the plane anyway. 

        If there is overhead space available or if the flight attendant lets you put it in the closet then you are all set. 

board the plane early

        The earlier you're able to get onto the plane, the more room there will be in the overhead compartments. Ask about upgrading your 'zone number'. This is how they determine when passengers will board the plane. Zone 2 will give you the best bet without paying for first class seating. 

Smile. make it light

Broken latch my case suffered in Philly.

      Do as I say, not as I do.
 It will be tempting to argue with the gate folks when they don’t let you take your instrument on the plane. Don’t. Don’t rant about how expensive it is, how much you rely on it and don’t fight with them. My favorite line is, “I would love to explore all possible options before gate checking.” I say this with a smile, jokes and laughter. The gate workers only want things to go smoothly, if you can make that happen then they are more apt to give you what you want. 

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pack underwear 

       Make sure the instrument is secured in place inside the case. Underwear and t-shirts do a great job at this. 

never check to final destination

        If you HAVE to gate check- NEVER gate check to the final destination. This is as good as checking the instrument at the ticket counter. Chances are you will see your guitar get run over by a luggage truck.

Once it’s on the plane and packed...

        They can't ask you to take it off. 

*Helpful hint*

If you HAVE to gate check: Ask about putting it in the “front compartment”. There are two compartments under the plane. I was told once by a very helpful attendant that they would put my guitar under the front compartment where they typically store animals. This means that the compartment is temperature controlled and pressurized. It’s the temperature difference that can warp your neck. To keep up to speed on laws, check our this website dedicated to the topic.