I have traveled internationally and domestically for years with both my commercial gits, in airline-approved cases, and my CBGs, in heavily padded gig bags. In fact, the last time I came back from the States with CBGs, I had 3 in individual gig bags, strapped together with red webbing straps.
In every case (pun intended), my gits fit in the overhead bins on international and domestic long haul carriers, or were stored upright in the coat closet. Only once in the last 20 years have I had to quote the IATA regs to a gate agent regarding musical instruments. Also, I have still, every time, been allowed to carry a separate carry on item (usually a backpack, but sometimes a small rollaway)) in addition to the guitar(s). I routinely use Road Runner gig bags; they have a small size that is perfect for a 24-25.5 scale length neck and standard cigar box git. They are tough, and extensively padded inside and out, but I always throw in underwear, socks, T-shirts, or that Amazon plastic air pillow stuff for additional protection.
I have only ever once checked a git as cargo, heavily insured.
Ken Vickerson > Ron "Oily" SpragueNovember 24, 2016 at 9:01am
Thanks Ron both you and Turtlehead have given me some confidence that I can take my gitty as carry on. I checked the CATSA regulations and the airline policy and it seems that they have some leeway for small musical instruments. I hope the gate agent has some sympathy. I appreciate all the helpful advice. I don't have enough time to practice so taking my li'l bro on vacation would make me happy.
Blues Frog > Ken VickersonNovember 24, 2016 at 11:00pm
Depending on how long your flight is, you can also hold the git in your lap. Most airlines have a two carry on rule and you don't have to put it in the overhead at all.
Ken Vickerson > Blues FrogJanuary 15, 2017 at 6:14pm
So I got the twin ported Quintero on the plane to Belize. It was easier than I thought. I just put in a clear plastic bag with a lot of FRAGILE stickers on it, spoke to the gate agent who gave me a window seat so I could slide it between the seats at my feet...no problem. They didn't have a coat closet so the window seat was perfect. I just kept it close on the 1 1/2 hour open boat ride to Ambergris Caye. I got in lots of practice and it was a good conversation starter at the hotel. The return trip was a breeze as I had the drill down. I won't hesitate to take my CBG on vacation in the future. Thanks for the help and advice. Cheers
An alternative would be to make a travel cbg, length that fits your suitcase. Build it sturdy. Wrap it with clothes, maybe make the box open for cargo space. Can even relocate the tuners into the box to allow for more scale length.
Thanks Kigar that's n interesting idea. Has anyone built one with an easily removable neck? It might be a challenging design/build..."The Travel Box" fits in your suitcase.
I saw one here somewhere where the neck could slide partially into the box, but not one that was removable. I don't think it would be overly hard to make the neck come off, for example a bolt on neck with threaded inserts, but what would happen to the strings?
I got free acoustic guitar case, you know, the cardboardy, brass clasp style. Laid the cbg in it, added some sponge foam blocks cut to size, glued 'em in. Wasn't very compact, but it is sturdy for my git.
Replies
In every case (pun intended), my gits fit in the overhead bins on international and domestic long haul carriers, or were stored upright in the coat closet. Only once in the last 20 years have I had to quote the IATA regs to a gate agent regarding musical instruments. Also, I have still, every time, been allowed to carry a separate carry on item (usually a backpack, but sometimes a small rollaway)) in addition to the guitar(s). I routinely use Road Runner gig bags; they have a small size that is perfect for a 24-25.5 scale length neck and standard cigar box git. They are tough, and extensively padded inside and out, but I always throw in underwear, socks, T-shirts, or that Amazon plastic air pillow stuff for additional protection.
I have only ever once checked a git as cargo, heavily insured.
Depending on how long your flight is, you can also hold the git in your lap. Most airlines have a two carry on rule and you don't have to put it in the overhead at all.
I saw one here somewhere where the neck could slide partially into the box, but not one that was removable. I don't think it would be overly hard to make the neck come off, for example a bolt on neck with threaded inserts, but what would happen to the strings?
1" dowel diddly bow. Will fit in a fishing rod travel case,or a piece of 2" PVC pipe with end caps.
I got free acoustic guitar case, you know, the cardboardy, brass clasp style. Laid the cbg in it, added some sponge foam blocks cut to size, glued 'em in. Wasn't very compact, but it is sturdy for my git.
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