Flying with a guitar - advice needed

[jameskand]

 
I think I'm bringing a sax, but guitar is my main instrument. I have traveled with acoustic many times, and seen many others as well. As for traveling with guitar, Soft case without problems. If you have a hard case they are more inclined to gate check it. Only had mine gate checked once, outta Nashville, and there were 7 other guitars on. (sw flight). Pilot brought them up personally. ( he was a guitarist himself. Gotta love Nashville)

I always recommend insurance on any nice guitars, but that's only because other things can happen. Airlines here and abroad have been very accomodating.

If it is gate checked, it is put in a seperate area, and is handed back at deplaning. There is more temperature change that it will experience, but pressure change is the same as the cabin, and unless you have your tone hole is sealed closed, the pressure will be uniform throughout. Only once did I Check a guitar, and it was a mx fender strat. Survived all the way to Arequipa Peru. Much to my surprise.
( now, can someone find the you tube link to .. " united breaks guitars?" )