Guitar flight cases for plane travel?

[Random Hero]

Does anybody have recommendations for flight cases for plane travel? I need one for a gig overseas in around two and a half weeks so any recommendations welcomed. Needs to be very heavy duty as I'll be carrying my Suhr with me!

[Blues-90]

Have you taken a look at the SKB 3i waterproof, mi-spec flight cases? I have one for my Strat and it seems pretty nice.

[Random Hero]

Wow those look great. What's the deal with a flight case? I mean, I know they can't guarantee that your guitar will be fine at the other end but surely there's more chance with a flight case, right?

[Gene46]

Depending on the airline you're flying on, most will allow you to take a guitar on board provided you have a gig bag. I never check my guitar in and I fly with my guitar about once in 2 months. I use a mono gig bag which is great, although the older incase ones are fantastic as well.

If I did have to check it in, I would second the SKB 3i Milspec cases recommended above. Its lighter than anvil cases and is waterproof and has rollers.

[Blues-90]

I don't know if they still do it, but you used to be able to purchase a seat for your guitar if you were really concerned about your guitar or you had a particularly expensive instrument.

[FLStratcat]

I don't know if they still do it, but you used to be able to purchase a seat for your guitar if you were really concerned about your guitar or you had a particularly expensive instrument.

This is what I did when I flew from Fort Myers to Boston as it was the only way I really felt safe flying with my #1.

[Random Hero]

Bump..

[musicofanatic5]

Early boarding plus the right combination of politeness and self-assuredness gets my inst on the plane with me and into the overhead every time.

[b3john]

Have you taken a look at the SKB 3i waterproof, mi-spec flight cases? I have one for my Strat and it seems pretty nice.
This. ^^^^^^^^^^^

Unfortunately, they are LP and Strat/Tele only, at least for the time being. I wish they'd make additional versions specific for Gibson semi-hollowbodies.

[gillman royce]

In future for those of you who will be flying with some regularity, I'd recommend going the stage guitar route and leaving expensive, quality gear at home. These days you can get really close to your tone & feel with lesser ' value 'gear

[bluegrif]

Early boarding plus the right combination of politeness and self-assuredness gets my inst on the plane with me and into the overhead every time.

I've found it entirely depends on the airport. Most of the time I can either carry on or gate check and have it returned to me at the gate. This still requires a good hard case to be safe, but is still special handling and much better than checking. But once in a while, even gate checking, they insist it has to be picked up at baggage claim. It's weird because it can be the same airline that always does the gate valet thing, just a particular airport. Also, most airports haven't counted the guitar with the number of allowable carry-ons. But again, once in a while someone is a stickler. It's annoying and a PIA, but when you play festivals, you gotta fly.

[Jon C]

huge crap shoot to try and get a guit on a plane today, you know what can happen when you "assume" ... ;-o

I am not up on current flight case options but in the 90s I often flew w/ an ATA-rated setup consisting of an SKB66 (usual Strat/Tele case) inside of an SKB4214W (wheeled keyboard sized case).

Together this is an ATA-rated flight case (meaning if damaged presumption is that you get paid by the airline, basically, consult a lawyer for more details, etc.) ... In a dozen or so trips no nicks to the guit or internal case at all, a little wear and tear on the exernal case.

I second the idea of a touring guitar for this kind of use, I was taking a Calif. Tele that I later converted w/ neck inserts to a take-apart Tele so I didn't need the flight case anymore.

[eagle2x]

I used to rely solely on my Carlton case, however, it has been replaced by several mono cases. Outstanding and light which is key for all the travel I do.

[Jon C]

I used to rely solely on my Carlton case, however, it has been replaced by several mono cases. Outstanding and light which is key for all the travel I do.

I assume you mean Calton, not Carlton?

Those are workhorses. As much as I love Mono cases, there's no comparison and I'd never trust a beloved guitar to a Mono as checked baggage ... would you?

[eagle2x]

I have many many times all over the world.

[Space Hammer]

Hiscox Cases (http://www.hiscoxcases.com/)

Flown many times and never had an issue, neither has anyone else i know that use them.

now if only they made a case that fit a Les Paul with bigsby...

[Eliguitar]

I fly almost every week and i bring my guitar on the plane with me everytime. I use a mooradian double bag.
Just be early and nice and you shoudnt have a problem. Honestly i woundnt feel confortable checking it in.
Once in a while they will ask me to gate check it. I let them put the tag on the guitar but i'll bring it on the plane anyway.
Personally i dont go for that "bring a cheaper guitar" when flying. I just play what i wanna play.

[musicofanatic5]

I fly almost every week and i bring my guitar on the plane with me everytime. I use a mooradian double bag.
Just be early and nice and you shoudnt have a problem. Honestly i woundnt feel confortable checking it in.
Once in a while they will ask me to gate check it. I let them put the tag on the guitar but i'll bring it on the plane anyway.
Personally i dont go for that "bring a cheaper guitar" when flying. I just play what i wanna play.

Likewise!

[TB72]

I've had success carrying on a guitar in a gig bag in the past, using many of the techniques mentioned previously (arrive early, be polite, try and board first, make sure the gig bag is your only carry-on, etc.) But with most airlines now charging for checked baggage, everyone tries to stuff everything they can into their carry-on, making for very full overhead bins. So carrying on a guitar is becoming more of a risk. To save myself anxiety attacks at the terminal, I like to use a good flight case and just check my guitar(s). I'd say Calton makes the most rugged flight cases I've seen, but there are several other really good options

A couple of years ago, SKB had one on their website that would fit two guitars (in gig bags) and not be over-weight. I tried to snag one of these through various dealers, but I wasn't having any luck. I was told different stories from each source too ("they haven't actually been released yet", or "They've been discontinued", etc.). I finally just got in touch directly with SKB. They told me "Yes, they do exist...but they are new, and if you're having that much trouble ordering one, try ordering one of these from their military/industrial division..."

http://www.skbcases.com/industrial/products/prod-detail.php?d=&id=536&s=p#

That case is meant for rifles, bows, etc. It has the same dimensions as the guitar case I was looking for. It just had an extra divider piece (which is easily removed). So I bought one and that's what I use now.

The instruments are quite well-protected, but I still have designated "fly guitars" (usually a couple of parts-casters). I can't bring myself to risk something expensive, vintage, or with a high sentimental value to the airlines/airports. I haven't had anything broken since I got this case, but they have temporarily "misplaced" the case a couple times.:facepalm

Later...

[larrycrab]

Key points are : 1. be early ; 2. be polite ....... that will solve tons of problems

[eagle2x]

Key points are : 1. be early ; 2. be polite ....... that will solve tons of problems

Well said... also, if carrying on is not an option do to plane size gate checking has worked fine for me (just make sure your bag is waterproof and has significant protection). That's why I really like the mono cases.

[stevekane]

I've had success carrying on a guitar in a gig bag in the past, using many of the techniques mentioned previously (arrive early, be polite, try and board first, make sure the gig bag is your only carry-on, etc.) But with most airlines now charging for checked baggage, everyone tries to stuff everything they can into their carry-on, making for very full overhead bins. So carrying on a guitar is becoming more of a risk. To save myself anxiety attacks at the terminal, I like to use a good flight case and just check my guitar(s). I'd say Calton makes the most rugged flight cases I've seen, but there are several other really good options

A couple of years ago, SKB had one on their website that would fit two guitars (in gig bags) and not be over-weight. I tried to snag one of these through various dealers, but I wasn't having any luck. I was told different stories from each source too ("they haven't actually been released yet", or "They've been discontinued", etc.). I finally just got in touch directly with SKB. They told me "Yes, they do exist...but they are new, and if you're having that much trouble ordering one, try ordering one of these from their military/industrial division..."

http://www.skbcases.com/industrial/products/prod-detail.php?d=&id=536&s=p#

That case is meant for rifles, bows, etc. It has the same dimensions as the guitar case I was looking for. It just had an extra divider piece (which is easily removed). So I bought one and that's what I use now.

The instruments are quite well-protected, but I still have designated "fly guitars" (usually a couple of parts-casters). I can't bring myself to risk something expensive, vintage, or with a high sentimental value to the airlines/airports. I haven't had anything broken since I got this case, but they have temporarily "misplaced" the case a couple times.:facepalm

Later...


I did post earlier but it never appeared with photo etc. to say that SKB have new Guitar case which are from their military 3i Seres except with guitar inserts and they are really excellant, indestructalbe, waterproof and with wheels
http://www.skbcases.com/music/products/proddetail.php?f=&id=590&o=&offset=1&c=75&s=75
http://www.3d-cases.co.uk/images/gibson-guitar-flight-case.jpg

[b3john]

I did post earlier but it never appeared with photo etc. to say that SKB have new Guitar case which are from their military 3i Seres except with guitar inserts and they are really excellant, indestructalbe, waterproof and with wheels
http://www.skbcases.com/music/products/proddetail.php?f=&id=590&o=&offset=1&c=75&s=75
http://www.3d-cases.co.uk/images/gibson-guitar-flight-case.jpg

Blues-90 pointed that out in post #2:

Have you taken a look at the SKB 3i waterproof, mi-spec flight cases? I have one for my Strat and it seems pretty nice.

[JoeP]

I fly overseas alot. I use Incase bags. Never had one problem and I carry Gibsons. Some times they get gate checked, but most it's a carry on. In 8 years of flying multiple airlines, I've not encountered any problems.

[Random Hero]

What exactly happens when it's gate checked?

[BobPoomba]

In my very humble opinion taken not from first hand experience, but from many other musicians, it seems that if it's a once in a while thing, like a business trip, or a vay kay with the fam, a gig bag and politeness with early arrival is the easiest route.

If you're touring for reals, go with the SKB water proof, air tight, military case or something comparable.

One of my friends plays the keyboards and he flew to Europe to record with a regular case all marked FRAGILE FRAGILE and pictures of GLASS GLASS and when he set it up in the studio, the whammy bar thingy was limp and flaccid.

[musicofanatic5]

In my "touring for reals" I have been a part of tours where there are heavy flight cases involved (I myself once brought an upright bass to Europe in a bass "trunk"), and I will gladly tell all who will listen: NEVER AGAIN. Even heavy flight cases with wheels are still HEAVY. "Travel light" is my universal advice, whether it's around the block or around the world.

[djy8131]

Have you taken a look at the SKB 3i waterproof, mi-spec flight cases? I have one for my Strat and it seems pretty nice.

I just bought this for my new Les Paul but I noticed the tuners seems to touch the bottom of the case. It seems to depend on what tuners I have on the guitar. (I have 4 Les Pauls, each with different tuners) I hope that would not put extra stress on the neck since I noticed the Gibson cases leave quite a gap

[Joe_Steeler]

Pelican Case with molded foam bed.

[schultzvil]

Early boarding plus the right combination of politeness and self-assuredness gets my inst on the plane with me and into the overhead every time.
I always find these threads surprising... I think basically all pros fly with gig bags, all over the world, with all kinds of guitars. I know I do and have been doing so for 15+ years. 2 times in that time, logging hundreds of flights, have I been absolutely refused to board with guitar in gig bag. Both times, I was able to gate-check the guitars (walked on, walked off) and they were fine. I feel much more secure doing it this way then checking a guitar in, in a Calton or some kind of ATA case. The quote above is the key- just be cool, relaxed, polite, and you will be fine. Mono cases for me now, for years and years it was Reunion Blues...
good luck!

[djy8131]

I just bought this for my new Les Paul but I noticed the tuners seems to touch the bottom of the case. It seems to depend on what tuners I have on the guitar. (I have 4 Les Pauls, each with different tuners) I hope that would not put extra stress on the neck since I noticed the Gibson cases leave quite a gap

I called SKB yesterday and they had me dent the foam around the tuners. Seems to be fine now. The only Les Paul I have that will not fit is my Robot