The real issue comes when an airline says one thing on its website, but does something else entirely when you come to check in. Both the AMF and ISM have reported that some musicians get to the gate only to be told that they can't bring their instruments on board with them, and will have to stow them in the hold. This means certain death for anything not armoured up in a tough flight case, so players have had to cancel trips rather than risk damaging their instruments – a particularly heavy blow for professional musicians who need to travel to work.
First of all, let your airline know you'll be bringing a guitar. It can reduce the potential for nasty surprises, and sometimes means you get to check in faster.
Now, you can't make a baggage handler treat your guitar as if was made of glass and feathers, so if you know you have to put it in the hold you should assume it's going into battle and give it a fighting chance:
- Get the sturdiest flight case your budget can afford (see www.flightcasewarehouse.co.uk for some examples used by international artists).
- Make sure it's padded throughout. Then add more padding.
- Check the corners of the case. The more reinforced they are, the better.
- Cover it with 'fragile' stickers and voodoo charms (well, it can't hurt).
Once your guitar is protected, don't just abandon it to its fate. Detune the strings to allow for movement when the air pressure drops in the hold. Hold its hand through the check in process, and insist on being present when it's x-rayed so that you can be sure it's re-packed properly. Then you've done all you can.
If you want to carry it on board as hand luggage – definitely the best option for your guitar and your blood pressure - check your airline's policy on musical instruments (most display it on their websites), then call them to double check. Airlines are improving: recently budget carrier Easyjet firmed up its stance on carrying guitars after pressure from the ISM, so there's definitely progress being made. Take a copy of your airline's policy with you in case anyone questions it when you come to check in, and if you speak to a customer service rep be sure to take a name and reference number.
Alas, there are no guarantees of safe passage, but if you research your airline's policy, let them know you're coming and prep your guitar well, you've got every chance of strumming happily at the end of your journey. And if not? Well, you can always write a song about it...