Does it cost extra to take a cased-up guitar on a plane trip?

Question

Does it require more money and what is the likelihood of it being damaged or lost? I have never flown in a plane before and I do not think I can go 4 days without playing my sweet baby-blue guitar.

*Flying to Denver, CO to see G Love and The John Butler Trio at Red Rocks. It should be amaZIng especially John Butler.

Answer 1

You can check your guitar as long as it's in a hard sided case, otherwise you can carry it on.  If your airline charges a fee for checked luggage then you may have to pay.  It is the airline after all, there is no guarantee that any bag will arrive on time or without damage.

If I were you I'd carry it on.  It's safer that way, and you know it will be at your destination when you arrive.

Answer 2

It will be considered luggage, and because of it's size, it will have to be put under the plane in the baggage hold. If your airline charges fees for luggage going into the baggage hold, then you will just have to pay that basic fee.

Because you're flying domestic (one flight only) I highly doubt they will lose your guitar. Label it well, and put "Fragile" stickers on the front and back. It will be treated like any other person's suitcase. Baggage handlers and airlines have a very high standard of responsibility. They won't intentionally mess around with anyone's personal stuff.

I once brought a longboard (3-ft long skateboard) from Australia to Canada. It went under the plane for all flights (3 flights in total) and it was fine.