Can i bring my guitar with me on a plane?

Question

well, we don't have a lock for it and i'm leaving for china tomorrow. is it necessary? because i'm a little afraid someone can steal it.

Answer 1

Unless it's a toy guitar, it will be to large for a carry on. I don't know why people say you can bring it on as a carry on. The only way it's possible is that you purchase a separate ticket for it. I have seen professional musicians do that since their instruments are very expensive.

As for a "standard" carry on, no there usually is demo placard when you check in at the airport that shows you how big a carry on can be and a standard guitar is way too big for a carry on.

Answer 2

well even if u did have a lock for it they would break it off.  It will be fine checked but yes you can bring it as a carry on.  As long as it is in it's case and you don't have another carry on item (other than a purse).

Good luck and have fun!

Answer 3

My husband brought a brand new acoustic guitar from Canada to Qatar. We were not permitted to put a hard case in the airplane as carry on luggage. We had to put it as cargo. (We were nervous, but it was fine.)

SO I recommend calling your airport TODAY to find out what you can or can't do tomorrow.

Answer 4

short answer - yes

Instruments are allowed as carry-on.  It will have to go in the overhead during take-off and landing.  

Locking luggage is really not much of a detouring factor any more and it just cause problems with security checks -- don't worry.  As always, keep your bags close to you at all times.

Depending on the airline, they MIGHT restrict you to only one carry-on.  It is possible you would have to check everything else.

Enjoy China.