Johnsonfromwisconsin Posted June 11, 2016 Posted June 11, 2016 airlines are notorious for breaking guitars in cargo. What is the best way for me to bring an H150 from FL to DTW on a direct flight? Usually a smaller plane. Delta told me I could bring it on subject to space availability in the passenger department. However, if none, then I would have to hand this thing over to cargo and to me, it is a total crap shoot. I'd rather rent a guitar in MI than damage this instrument. What have any of y'all done (successfully without damage, that is).
Johnsonfromwisconsin Posted June 11, 2016 Author Posted June 11, 2016 compartment (aka cabin), not department.... dipshit
Steiner Posted June 11, 2016 Posted June 11, 2016 compartment (aka cabin), not department.... dipshit Fargin spill Czech... I've been able to stash in the forward cabin closet every time but 1. All it took was once to spider the lacquer on my guitar. I see it as battle scars...
AP515 Posted June 11, 2016 Posted June 11, 2016 If it's a small plane the chances of getting it on board aren't good. On bigger aircraft I've had no problem. I don't think I'd chance an H150. I bought a beater guitar (and a plug amp) to take when I travel.
golferwave Posted June 12, 2016 Posted June 12, 2016 Ship it via UPS or FedEx to one of the HOC Hombres in the area.
Millennium Maestro Posted June 12, 2016 Posted June 12, 2016 I fly Delta. I carry my guitar (which is already prepped for flight) down the ramp where I politely ask the attendant if they are OK with storing my guitar in their closet. A 150 will fit in the overhead... Last resort will be to allow the crew hand load it in the hold and return it to the exit point of the plane upon arrival.Hope that helpsl.
big bob Posted June 13, 2016 Posted June 13, 2016 I've flown with a 140 in the overhead bin. No problems! Board early and be "really polite".
Jim W Posted June 13, 2016 Posted June 13, 2016 Lefty and I have traveled with a few guitars, and it's a crapshoot. Unless you are willing to buy an ATA approved case, and check the instrument......I was told the only way to guarantee carry on is to purchase a ticket for the instrument; and I've done so twice, once for an L5, and once for a L4.I've been able to carry on a LP junior, a LP Custom, a LP goldtop, a Gretsch Country Club (on separate trips)I've had to gate check a SJ-200, due to the size of the aircraft.I suggest getting there plenty early, and being polite with the gate agent. They are the first "gate" in the trip. I often ask if it would be possible to be seated in the last row, as those are often empty (I think they are last to be sold and are sort of held for traveling air crews). I have had the row to myself, and the whole overhead bin above it.The next "gate" is the attendant in the door of the plane. Be polite, as there's no arguing with them; it's their world. Tell them you know from experience the case fits in an overhead bin if they ask. If you get to a bin and it does not fit, ask if there's a coat closet, or if you can stash it behind the last row of seats (this is a gamble, as it bending the rules to have "unsecured" luggage in the cabin).If you get to this point, and it goes wrong, then it's getting gate checked. I prepare for this as follows:1/2 step tuned down. I buy lots of cheap white washcloths, and I pack them in the case to immobilize the guitar. I pack them under and on top of the headstock, around the perimeter of the body, all around the neck. A nylon strap with d rings threaded thru the handle and around the outside of the case in case the latches pop.
Gitfiddler Posted June 13, 2016 Posted June 13, 2016 Lefty and I have traveled with a few guitars, and it's a crapshoot. Unless you are willing to buy an ATA approved case, and check the instrument...... I was told the only way to guarantee carry on is to purchase a ticket for the instrument; and I've done so twice, once for an L5, and once for a L4. I've been able to carry on a LP junior, a LP Custom, a LP goldtop, a Gretsch Country Club (on separate trips) I've had to gate check a SJ-200, due to the size of the aircraft. I suggest getting there plenty early, and being polite with the gate agent. They are the first "gate" in the trip. I often ask if it would be possible to be seated in the last row, as those are often empty (I think they are last to be sold and are sort of held for traveling air crews). I have had the row to myself, and the whole overhead bin above it. The next "gate" is the attendant in the door of the plane. Be polite, as there's no arguing with them; it's their world. Tell them you know from experience the case fits in an overhead bin if they ask. If you get to a bin and it does not fit, ask if there's a coat closet, or if you can stash it behind the last row of seats (this is a gamble, as it bending the rules to have "unsecured" luggage in the cabin). If you get to this point, and it goes wrong, then it's getting gate checked. I prepare for this as follows: 1/2 step tuned down. I buy lots of cheap white washcloths, and I pack them in the case to immobilize the guitar. I pack them under and on top of the headstock, around the perimeter of the body, all around the neck. A nylon strap with d rings threaded thru the handle and around the outside of the case in case the latches pop. Excellent advice. I've followed this protocol a few times when carrying gits on planes. The most memorable was when I bought a used 150 Ultra in Phoenix while on a business trip. (Must stay out of GC!!). From the time I entered the airport, checked in, schlepped through security and until getting onto the plane, strangers would ask me what kind of guitar I had...and what is a Heritage? The pilot was a player and asked about it as I entered the plane. It was like I was carrying a cute (very heavy) puppy or something.
ElNumero Posted June 13, 2016 Posted June 13, 2016 Excellent advice. I've followed this protocol a few times when carrying gits on planes. The most memorable was when I bought a used 150 Ultra in Phoenix while on a business trip. (Must stay out of GC!!). From the time I entered the airport, checked in, schlepped through security and until getting onto the plane, strangers would ask me what kind of guitar I had...and what is a Heritage? The pilot was a player and asked about it as I entered the plane. It was like I was carrying a cute (very heavy) puppy or something. Most pilots are players. Look at the flight attendants they are surrounded by day in and day out!
Genericmusic Posted June 13, 2016 Posted June 13, 2016 Can you tell them it's a seeing-eye guitar? Get a little blue jacket for it and call it a service guitar.
big bob Posted June 13, 2016 Posted June 13, 2016 Don't get pushed around. Know your rights! They must let you take it on as your carry on! Check it out https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/us-department-transportation-issues-final-rule-regarding-air-travel-musical
High Flying Bird Posted June 14, 2016 Posted June 14, 2016 Don't get pushed around. Know your rights! They must let you take it on as your carry on! Don't forget to tell them you pay their salaries.
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