Security and guitars.

Subject: BS: Security and guitars.
From: GUEST,Mappa Mundi
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 05:02 AM

Whilst queuing to check in for my flight to the US at Ringway, i was told that i would have to put my guitar in the hold of the plane;
When i asked the reason for this i was told "It has metal strings which could be use to strangle"!!! Honest, this is what i was told!
I questioned his logic(sic) but he insisted on having it his way.
You guessed it! The baggage handling chimps had - it looks like - thrown it from one end of the plane to the other, bent the lid and knackered my sound hole pickup.

On my return journeys i was allowed to take it onboard as hand luggage.

I'm gutted.

Subject: RE: Security and guitars.
From: erinmaidin
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 06:06 AM

I fly always with my mandolin and am allowed to carry it on....perhaps you have the look of a homicidal maniac about you? Please don't take offense..that last bit was just a joke. As I fly trans-atlantic all the time....several times per year....I have come to know that there is also the possibility of having it hand carried aboard cargo....which you only need ask....OR...there are storage areas in passenger that airport personnel can also place an instrument. Be firm....and pleasant.

Subject: RE: Security and guitars.
From: burntstump
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 08:22 AM

Don't feel bad, I had a box of golf balls in my hand luggage and they would not let me take them on the plane. They said I could remove a sock and place the balls in side to make a weapon!
Eventualy the pilot agreed to carry them for me and i was escorted o the cockpit by security. What a farse.

Subject: RE: Security and guitars.
From: GUEST,Carol A.
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 08:59 AM

The American Federation of Musicians has a letter from the US Transportation Safety Agency saying musical instruments are allowed on airplanes. That's the good news. The bad news is the airlines will charge you for a seat if the instrument doesn't fit into the overhead bin or into the coat closet. You can print out a copy of the letter from the AFM website.

Subject: RE: Security and guitars.
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 11:42 AM

Anyone got 411 regarding such a form, and Canadian airlines?

Subject: RE: Security and guitars.
From: GUEST,Anne Croucher
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 07:35 PM

I heard (urban legend?) that when a famous chellist wanted to keep his instrument where he could see it during the flight the check in staff insisted he pay for a seat.

He insisted it be served drinks and dinner.

The cabin crew were not amused.

Anne

Subject: RE: Security and guitars.
From: GUEST,GitarSpotter
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 10:44 PM

Keep hearing about this hassle - nobody ever heard of a Flight Case?

Subject: RE: Security and guitars.
From: Bert
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 11:09 PM

Here's some old info on the subject.