Okay, this isn't anything new, but I'll be travelling soon from ATL -> LGA on an award ticket in less than 2 weeks and I'm planning to bring along my bass guitar: a Fender '62 Jazz. Problem is that I only have one of those BodyGlove gig bags and not a hard case. At most, the case measures 48"x16"x5". My main concern is if it will fit in a coat closet or in the overhead.

I know I'm on a 757 going, and on an MD-88 coming back.

I've read about varying experiences on both United, Continental, and AA, but nothing very specific on Delta flights. I already started taking necessary steps by printing out copies of the TSA regs. on musical instruments, as well as Delta's policies.

Worst case scenario, it gets gate checked, but obviously I want to avoid it if at all possible.

I fly pretty often, but this is the first (and probably the only) time I'm flying with a large item like this.