Airport regulations and security measures have drastically changed over the past decade. Not to mention the increase in luggage and ticket fees. This has raised an issue of concern among frequent travelers. Musicians who frequently travel are very much affected by such changes. With the advent of the Internet, countless stories about how baggage handlers deal with the instruments, have spread like wildfire! What could be more heartbreaking than seeing your guitar, a treasure which you have worked hard enough for, being hurled carelessly at the airport?
Here are some simple and easy-to-follow tips before you head off to your destination:
If you have a lot of guitars, avoid bringing your favorite and/or the most expensive one with you unless you have the perfect reason to do so. This gives you less of a burden in the event of a loss. Another option is to buy travel guitars, which are lighter and specially-made for long distance travel.
A sudden change in temperature can put enough pressure on your guitar and break its neck. Guitar strings pull 150 - 300 lbs of tension while taut. You definitely don't want to have that kind of pressure on your ax while it's being tossed around by the handlers! So loosen the strings beforehand. And of course, pack some extra strings, just in case (but you already knew that.)
Instead of paying for the luggage fee, you can bring your guitar with you aboard as a carry-on item. Find out which airline companies allow you to do so. Not all do. So a little research on their website or a quick call will do the job.
In either case, when you take your guitar as luggage or carry-on, make sure you have a durable guitar case able to withstand rough handling, extreme temperatures, and pressure. Even without help from baggage handlers, traveling is tough on guitars.
Particularly on this topic, rock legend Jimmy Page has collaborated with Rimowa, a German-based company in creating a guitar case which accommodates the needs of traveling guitarists. The Logo Case is made of polycarbonate, a lightweight yet extremely tough material. The German Technical Inspection Association has verified Rimowa's outstanding durability by exposing them to high levels of UV and extreme temperatures (from +250F to -150F.)
Most quality guitar cases have required stitching and padding so that they fit snugly inside. Save enough time during preparation time to place the guitar properly in its designated spot by securing it with Velcro. Stuff empty spots with your rolled-up socks and towels (clean of course!) and give attention to the area near the headstock especially over the nut. This prevents your guitar from getting damaged on the inside.
Don't forget to be polite to the airline staff when you're carrying your guitar with you. A rude traveler is sure to get the cold shoulder no matter how well-prepared he is.
And have an awesome time wherever you go!
Here are some simple and easy-to-follow tips before you head off to your destination:
If you have a lot of guitars, avoid bringing your favorite and/or the most expensive one with you unless you have the perfect reason to do so. This gives you less of a burden in the event of a loss. Another option is to buy travel guitars, which are lighter and specially-made for long distance travel.
A sudden change in temperature can put enough pressure on your guitar and break its neck. Guitar strings pull 150 - 300 lbs of tension while taut. You definitely don't want to have that kind of pressure on your ax while it's being tossed around by the handlers! So loosen the strings beforehand. And of course, pack some extra strings, just in case (but you already knew that.)
Instead of paying for the luggage fee, you can bring your guitar with you aboard as a carry-on item. Find out which airline companies allow you to do so. Not all do. So a little research on their website or a quick call will do the job.
In either case, when you take your guitar as luggage or carry-on, make sure you have a durable guitar case able to withstand rough handling, extreme temperatures, and pressure. Even without help from baggage handlers, traveling is tough on guitars.
Particularly on this topic, rock legend Jimmy Page has collaborated with Rimowa, a German-based company in creating a guitar case which accommodates the needs of traveling guitarists. The Logo Case is made of polycarbonate, a lightweight yet extremely tough material. The German Technical Inspection Association has verified Rimowa's outstanding durability by exposing them to high levels of UV and extreme temperatures (from +250F to -150F.)
Most quality guitar cases have required stitching and padding so that they fit snugly inside. Save enough time during preparation time to place the guitar properly in its designated spot by securing it with Velcro. Stuff empty spots with your rolled-up socks and towels (clean of course!) and give attention to the area near the headstock especially over the nut. This prevents your guitar from getting damaged on the inside.
Don't forget to be polite to the airline staff when you're carrying your guitar with you. A rude traveler is sure to get the cold shoulder no matter how well-prepared he is.
And have an awesome time wherever you go!
About the Author:
Kay Roy has managed the multi-brand Boutique Al Ponte of Ardsley, New York for nearly a decade now. Kay focuses on making available to her Weschester and online clientele, handbags, luggage and accessories with distinct style, innovative elements and distinct quality. Rimowa is one of the current additions that currently remain relatively undiscovered in the US marketplace.
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