The other year I flew back from Glasgow (Prestwick) to Stansted with Ryanair. I had checked my guitar in as FRAGILE and had the special label attached. I expected the guitar to be brought to me by hand - as it had been at Prestwick on the way up. Instead, it appeared on the conveyor in the middle of the carouselle - neck first, from where I had to watch it slide down a steep shute and hit a stop at the bottom - still head first. Thank god that I had bought myself a Hiscox case just before the journey and my guitar appears to be none the worse. When I tried to make a complaint, I was told that there was no-one available with the authority to make it to at that time of night. It makes you wonder what would happen if there was a plane crash or similiar emergency - "Sorry sir we won't be able to put out the fire or rescue passengers until the day shift come on !"

More recently I have flown with my small "Art & Lutherie" guitar. This is in a 3/4 size soft case, and I have had no difficulty taking it as hand baggage.