Re: TSA/United/Swiss airlines guitar damage
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 :lmao:
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.
