Flying my TA

[suparsonic]

Would it be OK to unbolt my HTD Classic to fit in the overhead compartment? Would it bolt back together without any setup issues?

[tom]

the fact that you're asking the question makes me a little nervous. if it's a 4 bolt there is a sequence of how to tighten it to m ake sure it ends up in the right place. same thing with the wedgie, but it's a difference procedure. i'd recommend a gig bag as they'll fit in the overhead and you don't have to mess with the guitar.

[axeman]

Sorry Tom.... I have to ask.... what is the sequence on a 4 bolt neck?

[chriswhite]

Would it be OK to unbolt my HTD Classic to fit in the overhead compartment? Would it bolt back together without any setup issues?
I just flew my TAG with me as carry on a few months ago and they just put it in First Class in the closet with all the business peoples coats.

A little jealous that she got to fly first class and I didnt... but she earned it.

[suparsonic]

the fact that you're asking the question makes me a little nervous. if it's a 4 bolt there is a sequence of how to tighten it to m ake sure it ends up in the right place. same thing with the wedgie, but it's a difference procedure. i'd recommend a gig bag as they'll fit in the overhead and you don't have to mess with the guitar.
Thanks Tom, I have a gig bag, I checked the online baggage specs but it says the size is over. I'll ring them and ask, I can always boxup my hard case and check it in as baggage.

[tom]

for a four bolt, you install, string it up, then loosen the 4 bolts slightly. you should hear a slight creak of the neck pulling into the pocket. then retighten.

[Jimmy-Sekshun8]

Thanks Tom, I have a gig bag, I checked the online baggage specs but it says the size is over. I'll ring them and ask, I can always boxup my hard case and check it in as baggage.

I have traveled many times with a longscale guitar in a gig bag and never had a problem getting it in an overhead. In fact, some of the compartments are small when judged by the door, but when you open the doors, you can see that they have only a frame inbetween that will permit a guitar to be stored. Also, as previously stated, it might be able to go in the First Class coat closet which I've also done.

[ConnemaraGuitar]

There was a prious discussion about this on the forum, the gist of which follows:

1. Get a seat in the rear of the plane.
2. Arrive early so you can board first.
3. Be nice.
4. Repeat #3.

I flew out for the Healdsburg festival in August with my backpacker (Newark to San Francisco); my companion had his dreadnaught. We followed the above guidelines, and had no difficulties...at least until my buddy left his guitar on the monorail on the way to the rental car desk...

[LearnedHand]

I rather ship the guitar to the destination than take it apart. UPS, while it has its moments, does a pretty good job handling instruments. If they didn't, then Tom wouldn't be able to sell anything; unless it was out of a store front.

[Babow2]

My band has flown to Mexico for Club Med gigs and I have flown around the world with guitars. Some airlines have specific limits (45 linear inches) which a guitar may not meet technically. Some airlines are sticklers for their rules, while most are pretty easy about guitars. As other posters point out, electrics in a gig bag do fit in OH compartments, even if they officially exceed the carry on size limit.

Loading in the rear of the plane and being nice always works. Also, I find if I wear my backpack gig bag slung low on my bank as I approach the gate, so that only a little of the headstock sits over my head, they don't even notice as it looks very small.

Some airlines will give you a written letter authorizing the guitar as carry on. Southwest does. If you go to the airport in advance and talk to a manager, they may give you a written note to give to the gate person. In reality, the gate folks have all the authority. If they say no, you are screwed, so figuring it out in advance if you are concerned can be worthwhile.

For example, we are flying to Mexico in April for a week gig at Club Med, carrying on two guitars, a bass, and a keyboard, and we have cleared it in advance. We claimed the entire back of the plane (10 seats). However, the airline required us to sing for the passengers........ (not).