Air travel w/a 325 (c59)

[abluesky]

Just curious if any folks have attempted to check (at the gate) or able to "carry on" their ric for travel. I am meeting some family in the midwest soon, have a gig actually and wanted to bring my little ric.

I was hoping, due to it's size, I might be able to squeeze it into the plane.

Thanks

Chris E.

[collin]

Best bet is checking with the airline itself.


You have more likelihood that you'll be able to bring it as carry-on because of the short length of the 325 and it's case (ie...basses don't fit). I see people bringing acoustic guitars all the time, so I'd imagine a 325 would be easy.

Plus the stewardesses (Flight Attendants...Drink Distribution Engineers....whatever), have a vertical "closet" up near the cockpit where they often stow longer carry-on items for you.

Check with your airline, as each will give you a different answer, just to make sure.

[jps]

Another potion is to see if there is a forumite near where you are going to ship it to.

[stringsncords]

I've taken guitars on planes a few times. Your best bet is to "preboard" when the announcement is made; just explain that you need to stow the guitar in an overhead compartment before they're all filled.

It always works, and a big smile as you check in will go a long way.

Bob

[RutleDirk]

Here's the thing about carrying guitars on, right now.
Since the airlines started charging for every checked bag, most people seem to be jamming all of their belongings into carry-on baggage. The end result is that the closets and overhead bins tend to be jammed beyond capacity. Last time I carried a guitar on, it was in danger of being crushed by all of the excess baggage. Unless you can afford an extra seat for your guitar, you might be better off checking it. Also remember that most travelers don't have a clue as to how fragile a guitar is. You might find a space for it, but even then, it's in danger of being abused by the next person who jams a bag in with it. Obviously, if you don't have a decent hardshell case, then you don't have much choice. Just be aware that the carry-on situation is getting bad.

[jps]

Another potion

Hmm, potion?

Let's try option!

[cjj]

I dunno, with the right potion who knows what you might be able to accomplish!

[winston]

Aha!...............so after what amounts to be a Freudian slip we can deduce that Jeff is one of the few who actually knows the formula for Love Potion Number 9.

[jps]

I'm not telling!

It's true.

[JakeK]

On one of my flights to Orlando last year (going, and it was probably the one where I got to meet Jdog), I saw an entire Cajun/Bluegrass band take all of their instruments on the plane. An acoustic, an electric (probably a Strat copy), a bass and some drum cases. I'm sure a 325 will be just fine on a plane.

[2ricks]

Okay maybe this will help. I've traveled quite a few times with my little Martin acoustic guitar. The 325 fits perfectly in the little Martin case so I think that combination would work great

[jwilli]

In 2004, I traveled back home with my new acquired '59 315. Very cool to watch it go thru the x-ray machine. The flight attendant stowed it carefully behind a seat.

[tomliwgerg]

I'm currently in a Beatles tribute band that travels the world. Every single flight I have been on with my 325 I have gotten it on board. The people at the ticket counter always seem to think that I won't get it on board... but I always do.

If they say there is no way you can bring it on board say you'd like to gate-check it, then when you are at the gate just walk on by as if nothing is wrong. There is never good communication between the ticketing people and the boarding attendants. Act like you aren't even carrying a guitar! They all just assume that I know what I am doing and all my band mates do the same. If we can get the 325, the Country Gent, and the Hofner on board then I'm sure you'll be fine.

Now the drums would be a different story...

Hope this helps!

[beatlefreak]

A 325V59 in a vintage case fits nicely in the overhead bin on a 767. (Be prepared to let others put their bags on top of it).

[beefandbones]

Yes, I second what Greg said. Especially as you're traveling with a wee 325, you should be fine to just carry it on. I carried a '63 Gibson SG Special in its original flimsy chipboard case onto a flight a few months ago, and it fit into the overhead. Last month I flew with '66 Mustang bass in a gig bag, and they put it in a coat closet. The key to doing this is: act like you know what you're doing and be nice to the flight attendant. They're trained to solve problems, and really, finding a place for a guitar is a pretty minor problem for them. And like Greg said, if they can't find a spot, they'll gate check it, which means it'll ride with the luggage but it'll be placed there by the flight attendant, so at least it bypasses the luggage gorillas, carts, and conveyor belts.