Internal UK Flights

anglarna · 23rd November 2007, 2:42pm

I've been trying to get through to British Airways / American Airlines for about two hours but can't stand listening to that shite-o flamenco hold music any longer. I'm traveling from Glasgow -> London -> New York. Both flights are on American Airline aircraft but the internal one appears to be operated by British Airways.

I am intending taking my guitar with me but understand that changes to air travel that customers are only able to take one piece of hand luggage on board on internal flights. Ideally, I'd like to take my rucksack and guitar in the cabin but I could perhaps just take the guitar and put an empty rucksack in the guitar case.

Does anyone have any experience of doing this?

Jaemi · 23rd November 2007, 2:44pm

You won't be able to take your guitar in the cabin, I'm certain of that much.
All hand luggage has to be a "certain size" now, and that's about the size of a medium sized back pack.
You'll have to check your guitar at the desk.

anglarna · 23rd November 2007, 2:47pm

Fucksake. Are you serious? It'll get absolutely tanked in there.

Jaemi · 23rd November 2007, 2:48pm

It's no conselation what-so-ever but in the new year the rules will be getting relaxed.

anglarna · 23rd November 2007, 2:53pm

Its an absolute bitch because for the London -> New York leg they're saying I can take my guitar in addition to another piece of hand luggage.

Jaemi · 23rd November 2007, 3:00pm

If it's in a hard case, it should be fine to be honest.
I've carted my snowboard back and forward to Canada a couple of times and it's been fine, I know it's sturdier, but it's been in a soft bag with goggles and boots and neither of them have suffered a scratch.

**djtoast** · 23rd November 2007, 3:02pm

http://www.ba-sbc.com/ch/reservation...alinstruments/

Quote:

It is possible to book, for example, a Cello as cabin luggage. You must therefore book an extra seat (EXST). Maximum dimensions are 140cm x 58cm x 32cm. Please create an SSR element in the PNR of the passenger.

Jaemi · 23rd November 2007, 3:05pm

Does that mean you have pay for an extra seat?

anglarna · 23rd November 2007, 3:05pm

Jaemi: Even so, I'm strill restricted to placing one item in the hold for domestic flights.

I'll phone them and see how much they charge for the extra seat but given that my budget has already been stretched I do not think it will be an option.

Jaemi · 23rd November 2007, 3:10pm

Buy a guitar in NY > Play your gig > Return it to the store and say it's not what you're looking for and you want your cash back?

**djtoast** · 23rd November 2007, 3:12pm

steal a guitar in NY

post it back

anglarna · 23rd November 2007, 3:12pm

Haha. I've e-mailed the organisers so hopefully they'll let me borrow a guitar. I think its the best idea especially considering everyone seems to play guitar.

**djtoast** · 23rd November 2007, 3:15pm

as long as you remember that, just like they drive on the wrong side, they string guitars the other way around in the states:

anglarna · 23rd November 2007, 3:19pm

Stop hurting my soul.

Largest of Als · 23rd November 2007, 4:37pm

If you go by the rules, then no, you cant take a guitar in the cabin with you, as it wont fit in an overhead locker.

However, some of the airlines will let you away with it. If you can get something in writing from AA then BA might let you take it.. all depends how busy the flight is and if they have room.. but there's no guarantee.

What size of guitar is it? Electric or full body accoustic?

If it's in a hard case, it should be fine, we have to put guitars in the hold all the time, just make sure you detune, or even better, de-string it first. If you're going to be jetting around doing gigs, you should really get a decent hard case for it.. I'd even suggest a proper flight case.

If it's not a big deal about taking your own personal guitar, it might end up easier just seeing if you can pick one up when you get there. I'm not sure exactly what your set up is, so I wouldnt like to say any more than that.

Al

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