can i take my guitar as hand-carried item on a plane?

Question

i am booked on etihad airways (middle-east) and i asked the ticketing officer about it but she told me that it is not possible. she told me that i have to include it in my check-in baggage, i'm afraid it might get broken!!

by the way, it's an electric guitar with a foamed case, not a hard case

Answer 1

I don't think you can take it on if it won't fit in the overhead compartment.

Answer 2

Probably not. I know. it sucks. Even right after 9/11 I was carrying mine on all the time. I haven't flown since last summer's alarm over liquids (I woud often carry/drink my own beer on as well) and sundries.

Best thing I can think of is to go by your local music store and ask for guitar shipping boxes they're throwing away and check it through in that because it will prove any damage was due to baggage handling. The airlines do have a limitation on liability (read the microscopic legalese print). If you have homeowner's/renter's insurance loss/theft should be covered--but not for damages,

Good luck.

p/s what kind of guitar is it?

Answer 3

As a ramp agent for U.S. Airways, I can tell you that you're most likely not going to be able to bring a guitar on as carry-on due not so much to security but due to it's restrictive size (it may not fit in the overhead bin).

The next best thing is to gate valet the guitar, as is often done with carseats, wheelchairs, and strollers. Just go up to the counter at the gate and ask if they have that service. The way we do it, gate valets are loaded in the bin last (separated from bags with nothing on top of them) and unloaded first and taken right up the jetway first thing. This is a lot easier on your guitar than checking it as baggage, because baggage can go through a lot of conveyor belts and hands before it comes out at the baggage claim. You'll know it's safe because it's with you most of the time.

If you DO have to check it as baggage, I would highly recommend you invest in a sturdy travel case for it.

Answer 4

The majority of airlines only allow one item of carry on luggage, so you would not be able to take the guitar and another bag. Also, the hand baggage is usually size restricted and the size allowed would not cover a guitar. Your best bet is to check the website of the airline(s) you will be using. The website will give you all the restrictions and costs.

Answer 5

Not unless you think you can hold it all the way to where you are going without poking any other passengers in the head or elsewhere!