FlyerTalk Forums - Gate checking a guitar EWR-FCO ??

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Gate checking a guitar EWR-FCO ??

Would it be possible to gate check a guitar? I know it is too large to bring aboard but I do not want it being checked baggage (and beat up).

Quote:

Originally Posted by 767400

Would it be possible to gate check a guitar? I know it is too large to bring aboard but I do not want it being checked baggage (and beat up).

I've always brought mine aboard and they've found a place for it, sometimes in the business class cabin. Even though a guitar is large no one has ever stopped me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 767400

Would it be possible to gate check a guitar? I know it is too large to bring aboard but I do not want it being checked baggage (and beat up).

Bring it on board with you, and they will find a place for it -- particularly on a widebody. I have seen several professional orchestral musicians over the years (and miles) facing the same dilemma with very expensive solo instruments, such as violins (which I know are smaller than a guitar) -- but even cellos and tubas have been known to show up for transport in the cabin on CO widebodies. I'm not sure if this was "proper procedure" or not, but I once saw the principal cellist of the Houston Symphony board CO 10 for Paris from Houston WITH his instrument, which he understandably refused to check; and proper or not, the instrument was taken "downstairs," whatever that means, and returned to him as he exited at CDG.

Certainly they can figure out what to do with a guitar. After all, you can't be the first to ask, right? Good luck!!

All of the OH's on CO are large enough to accept a guitar. Feel free to bring it on and put it in the OH bin. If you are one of the last to board, there is no guarantee there will be space for it. Maybe the gate agent will let you board early so you will have room. If you have it gate checked, it's not a given that it will come back up to the boarding door so don't count on it. That's reserved for handicapped devices and strollers.

Probably preaching to the string section, but you know to always detune to protect the neck against pressure/temperature/bumping changes, yeah?

Just make sure to tell them how many pieces you would like it to be in when they return it to you. :D

Quote:

Thank you, Republic Airlines
For breaking the neck on my guitar
I arrived to do a concert with the Kingston Trio
Opened my guitar case with a smile con brio
Thank you, Republic Airlines
What a joy to the musician you are
What a zest you've added to pedestrian skies
It was boring to be flying where the wild goose flies
But the tedium was broken by your wonderful surprise
When you broke the neck on my guitar

I've carried-on my Martin before, but not recently. It has a very good HARD case ^ . If you only have a soft case, and they take it "downstairs" ... gulp! :mad:

Board early.

Yes, I've flown Republic, with a green goose on the tail, and Ozark Airlines, pre-TWA, pre-AA mergers.

Thanks for all the suggestions, I will try and carry it on with me!!