Hi Claire - I'm going to be performing at NTIF in '08. Hope you'll be back.

My take on this. I do a LOT of traveling on airlines to gigs and back.

International too..

I always check my guitar in a hardshell case, in my case a Calton from Canada. I've never had one damaged or stolen. Sure, the case gets a few nicks, dings and scratches but that's what it's there for.

Smaller instruments, bodhrán or mandolin, I put in the overhead bin.
And I've seen lots of fellow musicians bring tenor banjos, fiddles, etc., and bring them on board and stow them overhead.
A guitar in a Calton won't fit in the overhead.

Having said all that, as recently as 3 weeks ago, I saw several guys with guitars in soft gig bags being allowed to take them on board and put them in the overhead. It depends on the airline, I suppose.

But I NEVER argue with either the security people or the airline staff, because they can make life really difficult for you.

Call your airline first.

And don't beieve that piece of paper saying that an agreement between the musicians' union and TSA allows you to bring your instrument on board. It's OK if you're carrying a small instrument - banjo, flute or a fiddle...but when I tried it a couple of years ago, neither the TSA guy or the ailrline personnel had heard anything about it.

But I repeat, I saw several guys getting on borad with guitars in soft gig bags.

Good luck.

Seamus