UCSD here I come/ ?s about Guitars and Travel

[shunut]

As many of you know I'm in the process of getting on the list to get a double lung transplant. Well I leave tomorrow evening for University of California, San Diego for my initial evaluation. 5 days of testing starting Monday, should be lots of fun I'm not too sure what all this will lead to or even if I will get put on the list. I've met with the transplant team locally here (they aren't on my insurance, which is why I'm not seeing them for this) and after that meeting I'm thinking I might not be put on the list. Its worth a try though, so we can only hope.

Now, I have a question about traveling. I play the guitar and love playing. I haven't been playing very long but I play everyday for a minimum of an hour a day. I really want to bring my guitar with me but I'm leery about checking it. I do have a really nice case that is custom fit to my guitar and is a hard plastic case with locking latches. Does anybody have any experience with traveling with a guitar? Would they let me carry it on board? Will it be safe if I check it? If I check it do you think they would let me lock it? Any input would be appreciated. Oh I'm flying Southwest if that makes any difference.

[Kenny_McCormic]

they will probably let you lock it i doubt you could carry it on. i would get a metal case and a heavy one. my hunters saftey instructor showed us an alluminum gun case that he had taken on a hunting trip and the airline ruined it mammoth dents everywhere. the gun was ok though. what is wrong with your current lungs?

[shunut]

I have Cystic Fibrosis.

The case I have is a hard plastic case similar to a Pelican case. I had a Pelican case for my paintball guns before and wouldn't think twice about checking that on the plane.

[xtraking]

Im going to say you will have to put with all of your other baggage. It doesnt BOTHER to question though when you get there. However, if they do not let you lock it, I'd be afraid to put it on board. But you know if it is damaged then you can get into legal stuff with the airlines. If they see that it is a guitar at the beginning, then they should let you lock it. Good luck man! Hope all this stuff can eventually come to end for you!

[Critical]

From the Southwest website:
http://www.southwest.com/travel_cent...struments.html

[shunut]

Buy a seat for it, yeah right.

[Critical]

Then you'd better be prepared to check it.

Or, play the sick card and throw up blood on their gangway until they relent.

[DRAGON]

I'd think you'd have to have a rock stars income to purchase a seat for your axe lol -

Maybe you could find a local place to the hospital that rents instruments. Look online -

[durrell]

They should let you put it with your other luggage below, but I doubt you can carry it. They'll probably treat it like they do golf clubs and other larger items like that.

[BrianT]

they'll let you travel with, they'll put it with the luggage.