10 Pro Tips To Fly With Your Guitar!
For a guitarist, their guitar is the most precious thing in the world.
They use it to woo thousands of people at a gig and for jamming along with their band mates and friends.
No wonder, when you ask a guitarist how they are going to carry their guitar on the flight for their next big concert, they become nervous.
Most people tend to cross their fingers and just hope for the best when it comes to safely storing their guitar on the airplane
However, with a bit of planning it is possible to make sure that you can get your guitar safely through the flight.
We have compiled a list of travel hacks that will help you fly stress-free the next time you bring a guitar along with you on your flight!
1.CHECK THE AIRLINE INSTRUMENT POLICY
You can save yourself a lot of anxiety if you check with the airline before booking your ticket.
Most of the airlines in India are generally friendly to musicians and allow guitars as ‘Carry-On’ baggage which can be kept in the overhead bin.
In case you are flying on a small commuter aircraft, be prepared that your airline will check-in your guitar as there is less cabin room as compared to larger aircrafts.
2.INVEST IN A GUITAR CASE
Based on your airline’s policy, decide whether you are going to carry your guitar with you or get it checked-in on the flight.
If you are bringing the guitar on your flight, carry a soft well-cushioned case so that it is portable and well protected in the overhead bin.
If you are getting your guitar checked-in, invest in a hard case. Sturdy cases will last you a long time and your guitar will make it out alive from the wilderness of the airport luggage bay.
3.LOOSEN THE STRINGS
Prepare your guitar for travel!
Temperature and pressure changes in-flight can put enough strain on your instrument. This can cause the guitar’s neck to break, unless your strings are loose.
Also, while putting the guitar in the case, make sure it rests tightly so that there’s no room for bumps and damages.
4.STUFF YOUR GUITAR CASE
Guitars are fragile. But a lot of people don’t know this.
It’s a good idea to give your guitar some extra padding and support by stuffing t-shirts, socks, towels or bubble wrap in your guitar case.
This will minimise the movement of your guitar within the case and provide a cushion to your guitar during take-off and landing.
5.CONSIDER BUYING A TRAVEL GUITAR
If you are going on a vacation and are looking for a convenient travelling option, buy a travel guitar.
They are much smaller and some guitars even fold in half which can fit into specially designed backpacks.
However, if you are a professional musician you will need to carry a proper guitar to perform since these guitars are not gig friendly.
6.PUT ‘FRAGILE’ STICKERS ON THE CASE
Ensure that there are plenty of ‘Fragile’ stickers on the case
There are high chances your guitar will get pushed around by the baggage handling crew. So make sure you cover it with bright red fragile stickers so that they take it easy.
Also, attach a label with your personal contact details to your guitar case.
7.PHOTOGRAPH EVERYTHING
There have been incidents in the past where airlines have returned broken or damaged guitars to their customers.
In the (very) unfortunate circumstance that your instrument does get damaged, make sure you have lots of photos of it in its pre-flight state.
It will help prove your case if airlines deny damaging your instrument.
8. BOARD THE AIRPLANE FIRST
The nicest flight attendants in the world can’t help, if there isn’t any room on the airplane for your guitar.
There’s one fool-proof way to fix this though. BOARD FIRST!
If you are the first one to board the airplane you will get an empty overhead bin to store it and won’t have to worry about space later.
9.CHOOSE YOUR SEAT WISELY
Book your seat in the front or rear of the airplane.
You won’t have to walk through the whole cabin with your guitar and you can directly go and grab your seat.
Also, there are closets in the front and rear of the airplane, so you can ask the flight crew to place it in the closet. This will make it easier for you to keep a check on it.
10.CONSIDER SHIPPING YOUR GUITAR
Shipping is not always ideal because it’s expensive.
But it’s safe and convenient when flying with a guitar is not an option.
You won’t have to carry it around on the airplane and worry about it getting damaged. In addition, you get the added security of insurance.
If you want to know whether you can carry your guitar on the flight, look no further. Simply download the AirWhizz app and get information about airline policies on your phone.
Have a great gig and Fly Stress-Free!
