Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bluelake]

My son will be coming back over in 1-1/2 weeks. He will have with him a new Gibson Les Paul. A couple years ago, he brought over a Fender Jaguar (in a cloth-side travel case) and put it in the overhead bin. This time, he would like to bring over the original LP case.

Here's the deal: he has to fly from our hometown's regional airport to Detroit; Detroit to Tokyo; Tokyo to Kimhae. On the first leg, we know the guitar has to go into planeside check-in, as the planes are small. On the next two, we're not sure; the case could go in the overhead bin on a 747-400 and even a 757 (although more iffy). He is afraid to take a chance with it, but other options are not terribly appealing.

First option: he could take his chances. The case is not meant to go in luggage; if he must relinquish it, it could get damaged.

Second option: buy a seat for it (no way).

Third option: buy a hard shell travel case. They are fairly expensive (up to a couple hundred dollars for a decent one). It would definitely be check-in. I heard that even they sometimes get damaged.

It seems that in the past couple years, airlines have become less accommodating with guitars than in the past. What are some of your experiences? What would you recommend?

TIA


T

[fusionbarnone]

Carry the guitar on-board it can be left in the flight crews locker(if, they oblige). I always travel with at least one Fender strat. Air travel is costly and rare guitars are more valuable than the flight ticket. Protect your investment and get your moneys worth out of carriers.

[jonnyyaa]

sometimes they're cool, or other times they're idiots (air canada)....if need be ask the pilot if they can put it up front with them. i was told my guitar was a weapon and could NOT be put onboard!!! i asked them how the stones tour....then my strings were a weapon, and i told them i would disgard them....still a prob! no probs after i asked the pilot. f'in fools- this after i paid how much to take a return fight to seoul!!!??!?!!?! hope this helps

[bluelake]

Thanks, guys.

Any other experiences?