David Lock

My boy is off to Spain for a couple of weeks soon and wants to take his acoustic, in hard case, with him.

What does he need to do to avoid check-in problems? Like notify airline in advance or similar?

Thanks, dl

Nido

What airline is he flying with?

David Lock

He's not here to ask but it's Gatwick and something like XL (???) Airlines - does that ring any bells?

andythejock01wrx

Depends how badly he plays !

Nido

Not flown with them before, but spend half my time on planes to and from Spain (home) to the UK.

Usualy with bizzare objects the only thing he will need to do is book it as an extra bag if the airline has a "one check in bag" for free policy.

With Easyjet for example it's £7.50 for an extra bag if booked online, otherwise it's £15 on the day.

At the airport it won't go down the usual luggage belt, he'll check in and then they'll send him off to a different desk for outsized luggage, it will then have an x-ray at that desk and be taken through.

At the other end it may or may not get put on the normal conveyer, he may have to pick it up from a different desk, depends on the airport he's going to.

Make sure the travel insurance covers it obviously!

David Lock

Thanks for replies - well Nido's anyway

I think he has taken out insurance and the instrument is covered for up to a grand as part of his Musician's Union membership

I think he should be OK - he's not a Doctor, after all.........

Freak

Take it as carry on!!!!

He needs to buy a seat for it ( must do it over the phone with the airline) or stick it in the overhead locker, or in the closet on board(ask the crew). Check with the airline which will be required.

Through security, you are allowed one piece of hand luggage, but you are allowed a second piece if it is a musical instrument. The second bag/case must only contain the instrument- so no packing it half full of clothes.
Its all in the small print on BAA.com on page 2:
http://www.heathrowairport.com/asset..._CantDec06.pdf

Tried and tested by myself (arguing with some goon that my bag of records was in fact a musical instrument was fun...) - just dont forget to take a print out of the above, as the clipboard ***** do moan a lot and dont know the rules properly.


If he checks it in, he is a loon

Sonic'

Ive also heard the best thing to do is to detune the strings too because of changes in temperature etc

I think this may only apply if going in the hold though

Nido

The hold is pretty much the same temp as the rest of the plane, it must be because of the pressure difference in the plane?

David Lock

Thanks - some interesting comments.

I'd think he'd choke if I suggested he buys another seat. This is a penniless guitar merchant we are talking about

The BAA site* is great but does this apply to other airlines as well I wonder?

I'll tell him to de-tune as it won't take a second anyway.

By the way I have been trying to find a lockable strap to go around the hardcase (he has lost lock key). All I can find are standard straps with a lock on rather than one with a metal strip which can't easily be "Stanleyed". Any ideas? david

*Edit. Doh - realised that BAA site is actual airport rather then BA itself........

Freak

He may well end up guitarless given the state of uk airports at the moment- particuarly LHR. Take it through security as normal as the second permitted carry on.
Try to board with it- worst that can happen is they will gate check it. Best case, he sticks it in the closet or overhead.

David Lock

Trouble is he's not a moaning old git like me or a Scoobynet hardman so if a man tells him he can't take it on board then he'll opt for the easy life

I've got a couple of weeks so for fun I think I'll e-mail the airline just asking them to confirm that he can take it in with him as per BAA regs para xxx. Can't think that I'll get a reply but you never know.

Thanks again. d

philc

has he thought about getting a backpacker guitar?

a mate who came over from the UK travelled with one - can take it on board the plane and it sounds okay ....

Martin Backpacker Guitar - Guitars/Bass - Compare Prices, Reviews and Buy at NexTag - Price - Review

or this which is cheaper? (but I haven't seen or heard this model)

JOHNSON TRAVEL GUITAR NA - U.K. International Cyberstore

David Lock

I didn't even know they existed so thanks for the thought. I'll get junior to have a look - if he decides to get up today He doesn't really do daylight as we know it

Of course if it all goes **** up I guess he could buy a guitar in Spain - I'm told they make them over there!

NAF

Not all holds are heated or ventilated , it depends on the aircraft type .

I would check it in, if its in a hard case it should be fine