anyone done it? i’ve got a lovely epiphone casino that my friend’s been babysitting for a few years. it’s time to fly it home (canada to europe) with me, or just abandon it forever. and i want that guitar.
i’ve got a hard case, and am flying british airways; one connection through heathrow. i fiigure i’ll pad it out, loosen the strings, and check it. no? would they ever let me carry it on?
any pointers?
-mike
Google says some airlines allow instruments as your carry on in general. Go to your airline’s website and find their contract of carriage rulebook to see if they’re one of them. (and then print out the relevant section if they do; don’t trust a verbal response from an airline employee on the issue.)
If you really want to protect it, i’d have it in the case and have it packed in a box like you’re going to ship it (I’ve shipped numerous guitars around the country for ebay sales and never ever had an issue). Then, just check it on. Likely won’t be able to carry on as even in just the case will be too big and bulky.
You should be able to get a empty box at a local music store.
BTW, how old is the Casino? Vintage?
no, not vintage sadly! it’s new - i bought it about 5 years ago as a present to myself for finishing my MA. it’s mostly still box-stock except that i took the pickguard off. i’ve had half a mind to pull a john lennon and sand it down to bare, and then slap one coat of dull laquer on it (it’s a nude wood finish). i’m not a great guitarist, but i really love that instrument. looks great, too. some problems with feedback and noise if you in a small room with lots of amps, but there you go. has a really nice heft compared with the gibson SG, which i also play sometimes. i actually now find the SG too small - it sort of disappears under my arm and i can’t control it as well.
that’s pretty much her:
-mike
Just dont fly UNITED…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YGc4zOqozo
-Adam
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Hey man, I’m a domestic B737 pilot and we usually put it safely in the forward closet standing up. Many times, those are soft cased. I don’t know about international, though…
yeah, from what i’ve heard it’s a catch-22. if you use a soft case, you’re more likely to get it in the coat closet. but if they don’t want to bring it and you have to check it, it’s going to get really smashed up in the belly. a hard case is less likely to be accepted, but then way safer once the goons get their hands on it.
-mike