Flying with a hard case

[kman118n]

I'm pretty sure this question has been asked a million times on here, but I going to still ask. I have a Jackson Dinky guitar and I'm heading to Asia with it pretty soon. I have this SKB hard case that I got from the guitar's previous owner. It seems to be a modified keyboard case considering how big it is. The previous owner had installed a lot of foam padding in it, and the guitar is noticeably still wherever I bring it. However, it has yet to be on a flight. I'm just here to get a general opinion to whether or not my guitar will survive being in the hold in this particular case.

Note: Since this is an older case, the latches are just typical latches (not the fancy TSA ones). I purchased a luggage strap as extra protection.

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[NegativeEase]

Re: Flying with a hard case

I fly about 40-60 times a year with a guitar.

First observation: That's a regular medium duty SKB case -I have the identical one that I no longer use because it got hit hard and didn't make the cut. it's not an ATA flight rated or Mil Spec with waterproof and equalization rating (MIL-STD-648C-) for a long international flight -you need at least an injection molded I series in the SKB for international flight in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, that case probably will work internationally 7/10 times -bust those are terrible odds for you beautiful black girlfriend.

My suggestion is carry it on in a 50 dollar rugged Access guitar soft case -especially because an international flight to Asia will be at minimum a WIDE BODY Boeing 767-ER, 787 or Airbus 340/ 380 which have a good chance of hosting you in the closet space before you even begin to use my go to plan below . but read below here's what I posted on another earlier thread and I can probably answer any questions you might have:




I don't check my guitars anymore when I can help it because of things like this, and when I do they are in a real ATA rated flight case -not a guitar case -but real ATA cases often get surcharged for weight and size -it's impractical often unless you are hauling a bunch of equipment for lots of gigs somewhere. Below is my carry on strategy that works from experience of carrying on guitars on over 400 flights in the last 10 years and about 50 flights last year which avoids surcharges (as I need my 3 free bags for other stuff like personal luggage, gear/pedalboard bag, merchandise, and small amp in a road case.

Don't rely on using the 1st Class coat closet to store your guitar -newer planes like the 737-900s and newer 767s and 787s DO NOT have the larger size closets where attendants would gladly offer up storage for your guitar in there no matter what class you were flying -like the old days. If you fly on a 757 -you are still good -as you could fit a whole band in the closet. but assume every time you fly that its going in an overhead bin and use this strategy below.

First don't use a soft case that is not reinforced with rugged plastic guards around the head neck, butt, Access makes a great one, my roadrunner ones aren't reinforced enough -also hollow and semi hollows are impractical to carry on without giving up some of this reinforcement needed -I do it all of the time but I understand the extra risk

Second -don't be a dick and take up a whole overhead bin and close it, thereby screwing over 2-3 other passengers with carryons -other than being a decent human, if you and other guitarists do this -it will force airlines to change policies -as I was on a flight from NYC to San Diego last year with 5 people traveling with guitars -had everyone done this -about 15 passengers would have had to gate check their carry ons. Basically, try to help keep the policies for exceptions that Airlines make for traveling with musical instruments larger than regulations from getting nixed.

Third -NEVER EVER put your guitar in an over head bin by itself, shorter or average height people will not see the case in the overhead bin like they do a rollerboard or duffle, and will hurl their hardside up into the bin crushing your guitar without knowing until it's too late.

-instead try my tactics below.

1) . Ask first to put the guitar in the 1st class closet (never hurts to mention that this is for the benefit of other passengers) no matter where you are sitting -you will find that Attendants most often say no on Mondays, Thursday and Fridays where Business men check suit coats more often and Flight Attendants stack their luggage for their weekend holiday. Saturdays and Sunday AM are the easiest days. Weds are hard because of Old People with their walkers and such. In other countries, storing your guitar against the bulkheads behind the back of a seat is permitted -which is awesome

2) If rejected -which is most likely these days on newer planes proceed to the overhead Bins and look for a Bin open with 2 soft sided Duffels or backpacks for planes with wider overhead Bins (like an MD88 or 1 Duffel or backback for a narrow overhead Bin (like a 737-900) -or literally wait until one Bin does gain this before trying to stow yours. Note -Semi Hollow bodies with large headstock will not fit in a narrow overhead bin

3) . Remove the other passengers luggage in the bin (first notify the people you are going to adjust their stuff for a minute) take your soft case and place it in the bin and then replace the other passengers duffels or backpacks in front of the neck portion of your case therby protecting your vulnerable neck and head part from being smashed. So in this way when you open the Bin after landing, you will only see the body portion of your case and then the 1 or 2 other passengers bags adjacent. Next move any coats, bags or small backpacks and stuff them on top of the Body portion of your case -even offer to move these types of items from other Bins to yours -in this way, you have filled the Bin left to right and top to bottom allowing you to ethically close the bin and mitigating the risk of another passenger adding something.

Sure you have to tote a guitar around the airport, but it's a small trade off for the anguish of opening a guitar case that has been smashed by stacking, dropping or being run over on the TARMAC

I do this 30-40 times a year and it works flawlessly -you are protecting your guitar, respecting the other passenger's interests and helping the airline -it's a win for all -and doesn't screw over future guitar travelers too.

Lastly, if you get marooned on a desert island after a crash, you will have your guitar available at arms reach as the plane sinks into the depths

Also, for all you savages -Nobody wants to see you flipflopped/birkenstocked/croc'd up feet mens feet when they travel on a plane

-wear some damn shoes and socks plz.

 

[kman118n]

Re: Flying with a hard case

I fly about 40-60 times a year with a guitar.

First observation: That's a regular medium duty SKB case -I have the identical one that I no longer use because it got hit hard and didn't make the cut. it's not an ATA flight rated or Mil Spec with waterproof and equalization rating (MIL-STD-648C-) for a long international flight -you need at least an injection molded I series in the SKB for international flight in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, that case probably will work internationally 7/10 times -bust those are terrible odds for you beautiful black girlfriend.

My suggestion is carry it on in a 50 dollar rugged Access guitar soft case -especially because an international flight to Asia will be at minimum a WIDE BODY Boeing 767-ER, 787 or Airbus 340/ 380 which have a good chance of hosting you in the closet space before you even begin to use my go to plan below . but read below here's what I posted on another earlier thread and I can probably answer any questions you might have:




I don't check my guitars anymore when I can help it because of things like this, and when I do they are in a real ATA rated flight case -not a guitar case -but real ATA cases often get surcharged for weight and size -it's impractical often unless you are hauling a bunch of equipment for lots of gigs somewhere. Below is my carry on strategy that works from experience of carrying on guitars on over 400 flights in the last 10 years and about 50 flights last year which avoids surcharges (as I need my 3 free bags for other stuff like personal luggage, gear/pedalboard bag, merchandise, and small amp in a road case.

Don't rely on using the 1st Class coat closet to store your guitar -newer planes like the 737-900s and newer 767s and 787s DO NOT have the larger size closets where attendants would gladly offer up storage for your guitar in there no matter what class you were flying -like the old days. If you fly on a 757 -you are still good -as you could fit a whole band in the closet. but assume every time you fly that its going in an overhead bin and use this strategy below.

First don't use a soft case that is not reinforced with rugged plastic guards around the head neck, butt, Access makes a great one, my roadrunner ones aren't reinforced enough -also hollow and semi hollows are impractical to carry on without giving up some of this reinforcement needed -I do it all of the time but I understand the extra risk

Second -don't be a dick and take up a whole overhead bin and close it, thereby screwing over 2-3 other passengers with carryons -other than being a decent human, if you and other guitarists do this -it will force airlines to change policies -as I was on a flight from NYC to San Diego last year with 5 people traveling with guitars -had everyone done this -about 15 passengers would have had to gate check their carry ons. Basically, try to help keep the policies for exceptions that Airlines make for traveling with musical instruments larger than regulations from getting nixed.

Third -NEVER EVER put your guitar in an over head bin by itself, shorter or average height people will not see the case in the overhead bin like they do a rollerboard or duffle, and will hurl their hardside up into the bin crushing your guitar without knowing until it's too late.

-instead try my tactics below.

1) . Ask first to put the guitar in the 1st class closet (never hurts to mention that this is for the benefit of other passengers) no matter where you are sitting -you will find that Attendants most often say no on Mondays, Thursday and Fridays where Business men check suit coats more often and Flight Attendants stack their luggage for their weekend holiday. Saturdays and Sunday AM are the easiest days. Weds are hard because of Old People with their walkers and such. In other countries, storing your guitar against the bulkheads behind the back of a seat is permitted -which is awesome

2) If rejected -which is most likely these days on newer planes proceed to the overhead Bins and look for a Bin open with 2 soft sided Duffels or backpacks for planes with wider overhead Bins (like an MD88 or 1 Duffel or backback for a narrow overhead Bin (like a 737-900) -or literally wait until one Bin does gain this before trying to stow yours. Note -Semi Hollow bodies with large headstock will not fit in a narrow overhead bin

3) . Remove the other passengers luggage in the bin (first notify the people you are going to adjust their stuff for a minute) take your soft case and place it in the bin and then replace the other passengers duffels or backpacks in front of the neck portion of your case therby protecting your vulnerable neck and head part from being smashed. So in this way when you open the Bin after landing, you will only see the body portion of your case and then the 1 or 2 other passengers bags adjacent. Next move any coats, bags or small backpacks and stuff them on top of the Body portion of your case -even offer to move these types of items from other Bins to yours -in this way, you have filled the Bin left to right and top to bottom allowing you to ethically close the bin and mitigating the risk of another passenger adding something.

Sure you have to tote a guitar around the airport, but it's a small trade off for the anguish of opening a guitar case that has been smashed by stacking, dropping or being run over on the TARMAC

I do this 30-40 times a year and it works flawlessly -you are protecting your guitar, respecting the other passenger's interests and helping the airline -it's a win for all -and doesn't screw over future guitar travelers too.

Lastly, if you get marooned on a desert island after a crash, you will have your guitar available at arms reach as the plane sinks into the depths

Also, for all you savages -Nobody wants to see you flipflopped/birkenstocked/croc'd up feet mens feet when they travel on a plane

-wear some damn shoes and socks plz.

Great advice! Just one question. Suppose I'm told at the gate that I can't bring it on board, and that I have to gate-check it. I still haven't understood what gate-checking is but was is your take on a situation like that?

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[NegativeEase]

Re: Flying with a hard case

Great advice! Just one question. Suppose I'm told at the gate that I can't bring it on board, and that I have to gate-check it. I still haven't understood what gate-checking is but was is your take on a situation like that?

Sent from my H3123 using Tapatalk

Great question . -only happened to me once out of maybe 300-400 flights and I said I had a gig that night and couldn't risk it to which they conceded.

First, it is a possible risk of course as Airline have the right to refuse ANYTHING, and here is how to mitigate it.

One -if you don't bring on BOTH a "personal" item AND your guitar soft case -they won't bother you period -passengers constantly try to bring a 2 pieces of luggage as their "personal item" and "Carry on" -this pisses attendants off because personal items are intended to ride under the seat -but they are taking up 2 spots in the overhead -don't be that ******* -show them that you planned ahead -it's all about courtesy -as Lemmy once said "being polite and courteous doesn't cost a thing" -catch flies with honey -don't be rude EVER

Instead takes your IPAD, Laptop, Headphones, book etc and bring them in the cord and accessory pockets on the guitar bag -and put all your guitar accessories (except a pick if you get stuck at an airport) and check them in your luggage. If your Guitar case is your one and only item bringing on the plane they will not stop you. they will think you are a righteous dude.

Also, you want to board as early as possibly in your zone -if you are the last person on the plane it will be much harder -some airlines will let you board earlier for 20-30 bucks.

Lastly, you can call the airline and preset up the expectation you are bringing on a guitar and are concerned. Delta in the past has listed me as a musician with instrument needing to travel (sort of like one of those bull**** emotional support pets) in some kind of note on the ticket before -I'm not sure how it works, because like I said -I've never been refused but once and it only lasted a minute when I explained the importance of the item. Call the airline before you fly, explain your carryon/personal item are one thing and you want to make this easy on them and cannot check it due to value. they will tell you the plane type, the amount of bin space and amount of potential closets -and even how packed the flight is.

What Airline are you flying? if it's the right one -I might have some even better info for you.

This is the case I use the most below -it's an Access bag with rigged plastic around the headstock and butt -they go on sale all the time for sub 100.00 -see the 2 big pockets? thats where may laptop. Ipad, book and headphones, and good drugs go. in the little pocket I bring a battery and charger stuff and my VOX AC30 headphone amp. There are lots of other good bags too -just make sure they have padding, pcokets, and reinforced plastic ends -For your smaller Jackson you can get some really sweet carry cases -when I fly with my 335 or Starfire I have to use a larger gig bag which is harder



Keep the questions coming! Let's get you to Asia in style.

 

[kman118n]

Re: Flying with a hard case

Great question . -only happened to me once out of maybe 300-400 flights and I said I had a gig that night and couldn't risk it to which they conceded.

First, it is a possible risk of course as Airline have the right to refuse ANYTHING, and here is how to mitigate it.

One -if you don't bring on BOTH a "personal" item AND your guitar soft case -they won't bother you period -passengers constantly try to bring a 2 pieces of luggage as their "personal item" and "Carry on" -this pisses attendants off because personal items are intended to ride under the seat -but they are taking up 2 spots in the overhead -don't be that ******* -show them that you planned ahead -it's all about courtesy -as Lemmy once said "being polite and courteous doesn't cost a thing" -catch flies with honey -don't be rude EVER

Instead takes your IPAD, Laptop, Headphones, book etc and bring them in the cord and accessory pockets on the guitar bag -and put all your guitar accessories (except a pick if you get stuck at an airport) and check them in your luggage. If your Guitar case is your one and only item bringing on the plane they will not stop you. they will think you are a righteous dude.

Also, you want to board as early as possibly in your zone -if you are the last person on the plane it will be much harder -some airlines will let you board earlier for 20-30 bucks.

Lastly, you can call the airline and preset up the expectation you are bringing on a guitar and are concerned. Delta in the past has listed me as a musician with instrument needing to travel (sort of like one of those bull**** emotional support pets) in some kind of note on the ticket before -I'm not sure how it works, because like I said -I've never been refused but once and it only lasted a minute when I explained the importance of the item. Call the airline before you fly, explain your carryon/personal item are one thing and you want to make this easy on them and cannot check it due to value. they will tell you the plane type, the amount of bin space and amount of potential closets -and even how packed the flight is.

What Airline are you flying? if it's the right one -I might have some even better info for you.

This is the case I use the most below -it's an Access bag with rigged plastic around the headstock and butt -they go on sale all the time for sub 100.00 -see the 2 big pockets? thats where may laptop. Ipad, book and headphones, and good drugs go. in the little pocket I bring a battery and charger stuff and my VOX AC30 headphone amp. There are lots of other good bags too -just make sure they have padding, pcokets, and reinforced plastic ends -For your smaller Jackson you can get some really sweet carry cases -when I fly with my 335 or Starfire I have to use a larger gig bag which is harder

View attachment 94551

Keep the questions coming! Let's get you to Asia in style.

Thank you so much for the help so far. I'm flying Japan Airlines from JFK to Bangkok through Tokyo, and then a small AirAsia flight to Chiang Mai (which I could probably work out getting it on board as numerous associates have done so).

Sent from my H3123 using Tapatalk

 

[NegativeEase]

Re: Flying with a hard case

Great advice! Just one question. Suppose I'm told at the gate that I can't bring it on board, and that I have to gate-check it. I still haven't understood what gate-checking is but was is your take on a situation like that?

Sent from my H3123 using Tapatalk

here' my case up close





Keep the questions coming! Let's get you to Asia in style.

 

[NegativeEase]

Re: Flying with a hard case

Thank you so much for the help so far. I'm flying Japan Airlines from JFK to Bangkok through Tokyo, and then a small AirAsia flight to Chiang Mai (which I could probably work out getting it on board as numerous associates have done so).

Sent from my H3123 using Tapatalk

oh wow -changing airplanes internationally? definitely want to carry on your guitar!

No experience with Japan Airlines -although I speak Japanese. Call them and be polite -as they are Japanese, they are the most polite lot there is.

 

[Wattage]

Re: Flying with a hard case

I flew NY to Spain and back last December with an SG in a rugged gigbag. I was able to put it in the overhead but they made me sweat it out a little on the way back. I was able to show that I carried it on on the way over and that seemed to be a big help in convincing them, so keep the carrying on tag on the bag.

Make sure you show up early enough for the flight that you aren't rushing anyone to make a decision, be extremely polite and gracious, and maybe don't carry much else on.

When I flew when I was younger everyone treated you like a Rock Star when you were flying with a guitar, nowadays they look at you like you're trying to bring your service ostrich onboard with you lol

Oh that hard case is not even worth trying to fly with, it's a goner. Get a real TSA case if you are going to check it

 

[NegativeEase]

Re: Flying with a hard case

I flew NY to Spain and back last December with an SG in a rugged gigbag. I was able to put it in the overhead but they made me sweat it out a little on the way back. I was able to show that I carried it on on the way over and that seemed to be a big help in convincing them, so keep the carrying on tag on the bag.

Make sure you show up early enough for the flight that you aren't rushing anyone to make a decision, be extremely polite and gracious, and maybe don't carry much else on.

When I flew when I was younger everyone treated you like a Rock Star when you were flying with a guitar, nowadays they look at you like you're trying to bring your service ostrich onboard with you lol

Oh that hard case is not even worth trying to fly with, it's a goner. Get a real TSA case if you are going to check it

You ever seen the Service Duck Service Turkey or Service Peacock that people got on as jokes and protests to all the emotional support dogs?

 

[kman118n]

Re: Flying with a hard case

Thanks guys for your help and advice! There is some information I didn't write - MY FLIGHT IS IN 5 DAYS. Luckily, I just ordered an Ibanez Powerpad Gig Baf off Amazon Prime which will be here on Monday. I also just got off the phone with JAL and they said there is a pretty good chance that my guitar would be allowed in the overhead bin.

Thank heavens I panicked and decided to ask on this forum.

Sent from my H3123 using Tapatalk

 

[Adieu]

Re: Flying with a hard case

Unarmored regular hardcase? Bad idea.

Either ship it to yourself via USPS (cost roughly same as an extra piece of luggage...watch out for rosewood laws, though) or use a heavy padded gigbag carryon