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<\/p>\nFor a guitarist, their guitar is the most precious thing in the world.<\/p>\n
They use it to woo thousands of people at a gig and for jamming along with their band mates and friends.<\/p>\n
No wonder, when you ask a guitarist how they are going to carry their guitar on the flight for their next big concert, they become nervous.<\/p>\n
Most people tend to cross their fingers and just hope for the best when it comes to safely storing their guitar on the airplane<\/p>\n
However, with a bit of planning it is possible to make sure that you can get your guitar safely through the flight.<\/p>\n
We have compiled a list of travel hacks that will help you fly stress-free the next time you bring a guitar along with you on your flight!<\/p>\n
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You can save yourself a lot of anxiety if you check with the airline before booking your ticket.<\/p>\n
Most of the airlines in India are generally friendly to musicians and allow guitars as \u2018Carry-On\u2019 baggage which can be kept in the overhead bin.<\/p>\n
In case you are flying on a small commuter aircraft, be prepared that your airline will check-in your guitar as there is less cabin room as compared to larger aircrafts.<\/p>\n
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Based on your airline\u2019s policy, decide whether you are going to carry your guitar with you or get it checked-in on the flight.<\/p>\n
If you are bringing the guitar on your flight, carry a soft well-cushioned case so that it is portable and well protected in the overhead bin.<\/p>\n
If you are getting your guitar checked-in, invest in a hard case. Sturdy cases will last you a long time and your guitar will make it out alive from the wilderness of the airport luggage bay.<\/p>\n
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Prepare your guitar for travel!<\/p>\n
Temperature and pressure changes in-flight can put enough strain on your instrument. This can cause the guitar’s neck to break, unless your strings are loose.<\/p>\n
Also, while putting the guitar in the case, make sure it rests tightly so that there’s no room for bumps and damages.<\/p>\n
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Guitars are fragile. But a lot of people don\u2019t know this.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a good idea to give your guitar some extra padding and support by stuffing t-shirts, socks, towels or bubble wrap in your guitar case.<\/p>\n
This will minimise the movement of your guitar within the case and provide a cushion to your guitar during take-off and landing.<\/p>\n
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If you are going on a vacation and are looking for a convenient travelling option, buy a travel guitar.
\nThey are much smaller and some guitars even fold in half which can fit into specially designed backpacks.<\/p>\n
However, if you are a professional musician you will need to carry a proper guitar to perform since these guitars are not gig friendly.<\/p>\n
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Ensure that there are plenty of \u2018Fragile\u2019 stickers on the case<\/p>\n
There are high chances your guitar will get pushed around by the baggage handling crew. So make sure you cover it with bright red fragile stickers so that they take it easy.<\/p>\n
Also, attach a label with your personal contact details to your guitar case.<\/p>\n
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There have been incidents in the past where airlines have returned broken or damaged guitars to their customers.<\/p>\n
In the (very) unfortunate circumstance that your instrument does get damaged, make sure you have lots of photos of it in its pre-flight state.<\/p>\n
It will help prove your case if airlines deny damaging your instrument.<\/p>\n
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The nicest flight attendants in the world can\u2019t help, if there isn\u2019t any room on the airplane for your guitar.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s one fool-proof way to fix this though. BOARD FIRST!<\/p>\n
If you are the first one to board the airplane you will get an empty overhead bin to store it and won\u2019t have to worry about space later.<\/p>\n
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Book your seat in the front or rear of the airplane.<\/p>\n
You won\u2019t have to walk through the whole cabin with your guitar and you can directly go and grab your seat.<\/p>\n
Also, there are closets in the front and rear\u00a0of the airplane, so you can ask the flight crew to place it in the closet. This will make it easier for you to keep a check on it.<\/p>\n
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Shipping is not always ideal because it\u2019s expensive.<\/p>\n
But it\u2019s safe and convenient when flying with a guitar is not an option.<\/p>\n
You won\u2019t have to carry it around on the airplane and worry about it getting damaged. In addition, you get the added security of insurance.<\/p>\n