Well yes I know baggage handlers have an allegedly a bad reputation. I'm also sure Kendal appreciates friends lending him a Guitar for his whole visit to the UK. But that is a bit different to some stranger asking to borrow and instrument in a session in a pub.

I'm not having a getting at you however just I just wanted to point out that buying a Guitar in the States has in the past been considerably cheaper then in the UK. So if I were going to the States I would take an Empty Strong but Old Guitar Case with me. I would bring back the case to the UK with a Guitar in it for my own use naturally, and not for resale, to remind me of the friends I had met across the pond. Why use an Old Battered but Strong Case well we wouldn't want the to distract the customs officers away from looking for drugs and to start looking for Guitars to slap on import duty especially if you returned to the States with an Empty Case or no case at all.

Check out the prices in the UK apparently its not just Guitars that are cheaper in the USA. I could be worth your while. Even if prices are the same due to exchange rates you will have 50% less risk of damage on your flight if it's a one way trip for the Guitar.