Last time I moved, 91/2 years ago, I had to check my 2 guitars. The head of my hardshell Tak case was sheared off -- miraculously, just short of the guitar itself. Baggage handed it to me without comment and when I foamed at the mouth, they noticed the damage. I liked that case, dammit, and had to stand on my head to get a decentreplacement. I wouldn't dream of checking a guitar anymore.

JJ Reneaux, Cajun folkie and storyteller, has one of those travel guitars -- says she carries it on board and when they ask, she says "It's my violin."

I recently carried my old violin to my niece; carried it on with no problems.

MA