what about the reunion blues or midnight rider guitar bags? or other kinds of hardshells, like tweed or fender hard cases? a little variety please sir..
One thing you did not mention is that your soft case travels on you back. A hard shell case you have to carry it with your hand. It frees up both hands when traveling thru the airport.
You may have mentioned this but if not - If the guitar is going to end up in the cargo hold - loosen the strings! Extreme temperature changes can occur quickly and the wood will expand/contract faster than the steel strings. Guitars with tremolo may be less prone to issues in this scenario but why chance it. I learned this the hard way. I knew but forgot, busted headstock and the guitar was extremely cold when I got it yet it is was summer. Could have been poor handling but I now always loosen the strings first.
I used to only use gig bags, then I bought my first guitar with a hard case, and immediately realized this was the only way to go. Thomann is especially great about helping to find the right case for whichever guitar I need. 👍👍👍😏😏😏
Soft case. Which is the sturdier gig bag type. I like the Gator Pro cases. Very sturdy and supportive. Quite a bit cheaper than mono, I don't have one of those to compare, but the Gator seems stiffer and has more compartments. The Gruv Gear bags looked good too. In Europe, at least here on Schiphol with KLM they have a sequence for boarding. First the families with children then seating from the rear to front. First class has a separate line. Not much cooperation in getting in earlier. I took take a bolt on neck guitar and disassembled it and packed it in a normal suitcase. On a flight to Thailand I didn't want to run into a situation like Guthrie Govan that refused to board a plane because they wouldn't let him take the Charvel as cabin luggage. Or the United breaks guitars scenario. I've personally seen ground personnel throw suit cases 10 feet from the carts onto the conveyor belts. You don't want that with your guitar in any case.
My Gibson hardcase fits perfectly into a semi hollow gig-bag, so... both! its so convenient to have the protection of the case as easy to carry as the bag
Another small plus for using an older case to travel with is that a beat up case is ever so slightly appealing to a thief. A really nice case just screams expensive instrument.
I'll guess I'm more of a hardcase guy. Do have some gigbags, but these don't look as good as the ones you were showing. Great tip about getting a extra case to preserve some exclusive original cases.
You do, always, get more flys with honey than with vinegar! Be polite and respectful no matter how crappy your day. Folks who work with the public really appreciate it! DON'T cop an attitude with TSA, or the airport cops for that matter, it's bad, bad juju...
The staff of some airlines can be really inflexible (I was travelling from the UK to Singapore once carrying in a plastic carrier bag a hat my wife had worn to a wedding we'd been to. The staff considered the carrier bag to be an extra item of hand-luggage and wouldn't let me take it. So I put my wife's wedding hat on, flowers and all, and put the plastic bag into my laptop bag, and they were fine with that). Anyway, the point is that there are times when you have no choice but to check a guitar case in. On one occasion, when I knew in advance I was going to have to check a case in, I taped bubble-wrap around it to protect it. When I got to the hotel at the other end, I removed the bubble-wrap and found that, despite my care, the hard case was damaged, suggesting something heavy had been put onto it. Luckily the guitar was undamaged. I phoned the airline to register a claim for the case and they wouldn't pay it because I hadn't reported it before leaving the baggage claim area. Their position was that the case could have been damaged after I left the airport. If I have to do that again, I will take date/time stamped photos of the case before wrapping it and then, immediately after getting it off the baggage carousel at the destination airport, I'll check the case and the guitar carefully. If there's any damage, I'll go straight to the counter where you claim for damaged baggage. Even if I end up having to claim on my own insurance, at least I'll have evidence as to where the damage occurred.
When flying with guitars, it's useful to travel with the front man with the ability to sweet talk the flight attendants into allowing you to stow your cases in their personal compartments. ;)
Hah! I just play headless guitars and I bring my Steinberger Paddle when flying. I built a rectangular hardcase out of 1/8" plywood, 1/16" hardboard, and polystyrene padding so it's actually really lightweight. It's only 32" long and a bit more than a foot wide so I've had no issues getting it in the overhead. If I did have to check it in I think it would be fine as I'm able to stand on it. (without the guitar inside)
Great video with excellent suggestions. I di notice Rhett kept saying guitars(plural) on a plane. Good to see in the vid that he was only carrying one case onboard. Overhead space is a premium. I would had to see one musician bring more than one case and take over these precious traveling space.
Being "quite a bit stiffer" than the other gig bags doesn't help with crush protection (or neck bending, or any other static load) unless the stiffness of the case is at least comparable to the stiffness of the (usually wooden) guitar components you're trying to protect. Might still help with very minor impacts. Two cents from a structural engineer.
A big big thank you! I am going to an exchange year in two weeks in the US and really want to take my Fender with me, but I had no idea how. Now i think i am bit smarter about that.
Excellent informational video two points all make First you have a 9 volt battery take it out before you go to the airport this will minimize security wanted to play with your guitar taking the factor maybe a bomb or explosive device in it Second if you play bass like I do overhead compartments are not really an option invest in an ATA hard shell case and check your bass with your luggage I fly to Miami all the time Philly and never have an issue by doing this
Do you have to have a PINK TAG when checking it at the gate, so it is waiting as you walk off the plane? I have a connecting flight and I’ll need to pick it up asap, after flight one, and take it to flight 2…American …. :-( I’ve checked it before at the gate, and if it didn’t have a pink tag, it went through baggage claim. I’m bring a mono dbl bass gig bag. 51x16x9.
Hey Rhett great vid. Any recommendations for a slim in-cabin flight gig bag with enough space for a quad cortex? The Stealth maybe? Anyone else feel free to chime in🙏🏾
I’ve never had issues with guitars on American, and I almost exclusively fly American, since I live in an AA hub city. Maybe it’s just my frequent flyer status, I don’t know.
Hard shell please! I don't have the luxury of through away money! If I have to carry, and don't have a road crew? I'd rather be at fault or safe in MY hands.
One time I carried my guitar in a hardcase to a gig that was a 15 min walk away. When we played my forearm became cramped and unresponsive so I couldnt play well.
is the mono m80 vertigo suitable for a les paul? i have the mono m80 vertigo which i was using for my schecter super strat guitar. i recently bought a les paul. im quite concerned regarding the neck angle of the les paul.
Long story short, I flew to New Zealand to live and my plane ticket said it was American Airlines (same as my previews flights/stops). But There is no American Airlines here. The airline that I was supposed to flight with didn’t allow for absolutely anything larger than X. If I wanted to flight with my guitar I had to buy a SIT for it... as I had no extra budget, certainly not for a ticket that same day and after 25+ hours traveling with 1 huge backpack carry on + pedalboard checked and luggage (with basics to live...) I just had no where to go. After talking with managers from all the place, they didn’t change their mind. Some time after they offered me a free check in for my guitar. But no way I was going to check my mono case as luggage... I did it, literally crying. I just used all the extra clothing that I had for protection. It survived! But holy shit... and all because some ticket miss information
Delta starts boarding by calling for preboards and they say it’s for anyone who needs a little extra time boarding. They don’t question why you need the extra time. As long as you manage to be there when they start boarding you just smile and walk on with your guitar.
Here in Canada, I take my Gibson with hard shell, when flying. It goes perfectly in the overhead storage. Underneath the plane?......that's just stupid. Bring a 3rd rate guitar that does the job and cost nothing to replace.
Bags for electrics, cases for acoustics. Bags mostly for pockets for me, they really carry a lot of stuff. I really liked #6. "If you let me, I'd love the opportunity".. this is just a great life concept in general for dealing with people and how to ask for something. Nice job Rhett, really great video, thanks and keep them coming!
Haven't had to fly with a guitar yet, but I did used to fly over 100K miles a year for work. Always be kind and polite to airline employees, hotel employees, etc. You'd think it would go without saying, but I've witnessed plenty of customers being downright abusive to these workers, especially if there are weather delays or at hotels if there's a conference in town, etc. A little kindness and appreciation go a long way and occasionally gets you an upgrade you didn't even ask for because you were the one customer who treated that employee with respect that day. They will help you if they can and you treat them well.
Simple. Mark the tubes with tape and pen. Remove the tubes and wrap them properly so the glass don't break. Put bouncy things in the corners and stretch plastic. Now it is safe, doesn't matter how you get the amp to the place you want.
Bands have travelled with their amps in roadcases. Unfortunately the only way is putting it through the baggage area where it could get wrecked, so I'd follow the other guys advice and at least secure the tubes before putting it in the roadcase for the plane.
yeah i'd go with rent locally for your amp or bring digital set up and rent cabs . . . unless you have a pro roadie crew with flight experience and can pack amps for traVEL or pay overweight and bring a USA made Peavy tube amp (head and cab or combo) and use mailing packing tactics
A couple of things I found out: 335 size guitars do not fit overhead on most flights. Hence, I have never actually travelled with my semi-hollow. I actually travel with a cheaper instrument, really brings the stress level down :)
i don't like your take on "dont use the original case because it helps the resale value" maybe if it was an super old guitar that would be valid but buying a second case would defeat the point of your "savings" Also I like to enjoy my things not save it for whoever buys it off me later. I actually have never sold any of my guitars and I think most people are not super collectors and would rarely sell their instruments as well.
That’s your opinion man. Rhett is a professional musician. And a huge part of being a player is trading and selling a. It’s great that you hold on to all of your things, but I think that his take on taking care of original cases is incredibly valid. I do the same with my 60’s strat my 70’s Sg and so on. People want original cases when you trade or sell those things. So why not take care of them like you would the guitar?
The thing is that the guitar and case is delivered as a set, a serious collector would most likely want the complete set in its best condition. There is no reason to use the original case to travel with, you can use it at home.
Yes sir, some airlines are unfriendly. My rules are Les Paul in ABS case unmarked even though I have Gibson flat ABS cases. My Strat goes into a Fender 620 case to carry on! Never ever leave your gear on the transport, except a tour bus because there is usually someone guarding it. Do not be discouraged when something does walk off, because if you tour alot you lose gear. Do not let it get you down!! That is why you need all your gear covered by insurance in your contract!!! Demand it. It does not give you back your favorite instruments, but it does take the bite out of the lost. Musicians inventory insurance!!
As a guitar player who's been playing for almost 45 years and also an employee of Southwest Airlines for over 20 years, I concur with everything you say in this video. Concerning Southwest Airlines, I would recommend the Business Select option as it puts you in the first group of 15 passengers boarded after the preboard passengers.
Good stuff. A few more tips: Try to travel SouthWest if possible. Try to do early check-in. GO STRAIGHT TO THE BACK OF THE PLANE!!! There's usually more room back there in the overheads with fewer people because most folks want to get off the plane as fast as possible so they fill up the front quickly. If you have to gate check and there is someone there that is responsible for putting the instrument under the plane, TIP THEM!!! Slip them $5-$10 and ask them to take care of your baby. It has gone a long way for me! Pack as light as possible!
Hardcase, always. Mine is signed by Brian May which makes me look out for the instrument even more. Of I ever lost it or damaged it... I could never forgive myself
Great vid! Also: if you do not manage to get the guitar into the passenger cabin but it ends down in the plane's cargo area DO NOT FORGET to loosen the tension of the strings!!! If you do forget, you might open your bag or case when you arrive to your destination and find broken strings, pulled bridge or even damaged guitar neck (if it is a finer classical instrument). Happened to an acquaintance of mine a few years back. He learnt the hard way. Now, you do not need to... ;)
I would add: fly direct whenever possible. A stopover doubles the potential for every kind of problem - difficult gate agents, delays, even the outright loss of checked luggage. Which usually contains my pedals, cables and stage clothes.
Also, be careful when leaving your guitar in a coat closet. When I flew to the states with my guitar, a flight attendant helped me store my guitar at the very end of the plane. I had to wait until everyone had left to retrieve it later. I had to wait in the US customs line for over 2 hours because I was at the very end. I wasn't in a hurry, so it turned out fine. Just another thing to consider.
@@kendrakrust1244 There are no objective cons whatsoever. The only con would be not liking the way they look which is understandable although I personally love them. Many headless guitars even have bodies that are similar to normal guitars. I'm partial to the paddle shape because I use flatwound strings and a brighter guitar actually balances the dark tone of my weird choice in strings (and my weird choices over all come to think of it). Have a look at Strandberg, Legator, and Kiesel if you want larger bodied headless guitars though.
I guess I’ve always been either or--used the custom molded hardshells for my LP’s, Firebirds and SG’s (sensing a theme given the necks?). However the older I get, I’m a big fan of the mono bags. I meant to ask, I’ve never rocked the double mono bag; think a 335 type (a D’Angelico DC Premier) and a T-style (Chapman ML3 Semi Hollow) would fit/travel well in one? Trying to pair down for local/out of state shows (no flights). Thanks bro. -Aaron
Albus. Band I bring a 335 and a strat to most of my local gigs/jams/practices, and I always use my mono dual acoustic/electric bag. An es-335 fits perfectly in the bigger side.
I had a gig in Egypt in which we had to stop in Istanbul then take a small flight to Sharm El Sheik to perform the World Youth Forum in front of the president of Egypt amongst other world leaders. Needlessly to say I've never been through more high security check points in my life BUT I managed to keep my guitar on me the whole time without issue until our return flight at a check point in Turkey the gate officer found my guitar multi tool and then proceeded to find any way he could to demonstrate that it was a weapon...it was tossed in the trash but the guitar flew safely in the overhead above me :) long story short, it can be done just be smart about it
I'm not a gigging musician but I used to fly to Brazil every year when I was younger and having my guitar with me was as important as having underwear =) It's a hit or miss with American Airlines. My dad works for them and I got to fly with them for free so that was my only option. One of the reasons why I got a Taylor GS mini was bc of the nice case that came with it. There were times when they were super nice and would put my guitar in the coat closet for me, other times they were rude and made me check my guitar...it just depends if they're stressed or not or if the flight is full. Either way, the GS mini case made me comfortable enough to take my guitar into the airplane or check it at the gate. Prior to purchasing my GS mini when I first started learning guitar I'd stuff my gig bag with t-shirts and socks. Definitely don't get a hard case to fly bc all hard cases have to be checked (at least with American). Been there, done that =/
I mean, I have my dream guitar. 50’s style Gibson les Paul with a tobacco burst... I’m not selling this thing ever so I don’t care if the hard case gets dinged, thanks for the video I feel confident about traveling with it now 👌
Awesome! Got a 2016 Gibby Standard, a month later , took a chip off the bottom back. Saw it and was like "that's my relicing". It's mine, ain't gonna sell it either.
This was one of your most valuable videos. Thank you for this insight, bro. Lots of good insights here! I'm glad I continued watching it despite the fact it's a sponsored video. Most of those across RUclips tend to suck.
Try flying in the UK with your guitar(s). SERIOUSLY evil experience. I have actually opted for the train rather than deal with crappy UK service. I have stories of true horror. London to Vancouver, wow, that was the worst guitar experience ever. I'm hard case all the way. Most of my guitars came with hard cases. The ones that didn't, I bought hard cases for each them. My best Les goes in an old "plastic" Gibson case that I bought second hand in the late 80s. Its heavy duty but weighs a tonne. I then put my ESP Les in the regular hard case and ya, that works out with a bit of padding for the ESP. Perhaps I have too many guitars. Is that even possible? Na :) that's just silly. Too many?
I live in Switzerland and I’m from San Francisco, so I travel back-and-forth several times a year. I usually bring my GS mini. I also usually fly business, so bringing my guitar on board isn’t a big deal, but when I travel around Europe in coach, and I fly some of the smaller airlines, I actually purchase a ticket for my guitar. It’s the only way I can travel with it without checking it. The second thing was that I went through the TSA at SFO, and my guitar bag always gets pulled for inspection. I was talking to the TSA guy and he said there’s something that looks like it’s in your guitar, and we were trying to figure it out, and I was like oh wait a minute, that’s my humidifier pack. I thought I was going to have to surrender my humidifier pack. I was surprised that he let me keep it in the guitar. My advice is to take humidifier packs out of your guitar before you travel. They’re kind of pricey, and you don’t wanna have to surrender it up if you don’t have to. I’ve had a lot of positive Experience as well flying. But then again I’m not a douche. I’m always really nice and I try to be considerate.
Awesome advice! Especially the nut slot syringe! LOL Here's a funny story. I was traveling with TWO hard acoustic cases and I brought them both on board an airplane. They moved me to first class, at no extra charge, because of my guitars. I can't remember the airline, this was in the seventies but that's what I call flying the friendly skies. My cousin was with me and I think he might have told a stewardess that I was in the Moody Blues. LOL Maybe scamming the friendly skies?
Great video! I travelled with my guitar a few times in the past year. Everything you said is right. The one thing that you dod not mention is to detune the guitar...you are changing altitudes, temeratures and humidity...I read years ago that there can be enough small changes to have a major issue depending on the guitar. As for traveling with your main guitar, I would suggest a loved backup over a main guitar. Two years ago I was traveling with my Epiphone AJ 200...I bought it a decade ago for $100...upgraded the nut and saddle to bone, put a LR Baggs Ibeam in there...its a cool busking/campfire guitar. I even got a few of my favorite players to sign it. The only thing was when I was at the gate looking on Reverb to see how much they run for if I have to replace it. At that time a used Epiphone AJ 200 was $300 with case and no upgrades...my O ring puckered a bit at that. Fortunately I had no major issues. It flew in the overhead going to my destination and gate checked on the way back. Just minor scuffing going through baggage on the way back. Last year did the same trip with my beat to shit Yamaha FG 160 that just has an LR Baggs M1 passive on it. This thing was an old church guitar and beat up. Got ot for $100 and a pack of smokes...I don't smoke, it just made the sale more interesting to tell. So added the pickup and Thomastic strings after, the idea is to get every little bit of potential out of the instrument with minimal investment. It went in the overhead both ways. Coming back I did buy vinyl so I had to tie that to my backpack to count as one bag.😉 So either trip I was fortune. I detuned my guitar at the airport before I got onboard. I will also mention that I strongly recommend being polite and friendly when dealing with TSA, the front counter or the flight staff. Saying that you are patient and that you appreciate their effort (regardless of if they are or are not doing anything extra) goes a long way. Keep in mind they have to deal with several idiots per flight and they deal with many flights a day...don't be that jerk. Even if things don't go your way, being polite and thanking them for trying may just be the little gratuity that gets them to help you. If not, in the future avoid that airline.
I checked my Ovation in a SKB molded case and viewed the airport workers “loading” it on to the conveyer going to the plane’s cargo hold. They slammed the case onto the conveyer so hard it bounced! The guitar was not damaged one bit, but I replaced the case after getting back home.
I'm a cruise ship musician so I fly with my guitar(s) often. I use Mono soft cases (which are surprisingly protective) and carry them on. I always pay extra to be in Group 1 so there's room in the overhead. If I'm on a regional jet the overheads are too small so they have to be gate checked. My cases are all marked FRAGILE in bold lettering so the baggage handler is aware. I've never had any issues with a gate checked guitar. Before Mono cases I used ATA flight cases which have to be checked, are heavy and a pain in the ass. Glad I switched. Good video!
The vertigo stuff cost more than most of my guitars. That and severe lack of talent prevents me from ever having to fly out with them. Nevertheless, sound advice !
I agree with Rhett. A sturdy gig bag is the way to go, and the airline tips are spot-on. Asking for help, and being nice about it is the key. Amazing how many folks will help you if your just ask nicely. Southwest Airlines is great... Just don't bring gear that you will not use. The extra weight and bulk are not worth it. Super video Rhett! I wonder what Rick and Dave think?
Great video. A couple of additional pro tips: 1/ If your gig bag has a strap, when you approach the counter at boarding to ask permission, slide the bag onto the shoulder furthest away from the agent, so it's partially obscured. They can still see it's a guitar gig bag but it doesn't look as large-it can make the difference between them quickly agreeing to let you carry on or resisting. 2/ If the airline insists on gate checking your guitar and you wanted to carry on (which you always should), they will tie a gate check tag onto your gig bag. While you're walking down the jet bridge to board, surreptitiously and nonchalantly yank the tag off and "accidentally" drop it on the floor of the jet bridge. When you reach the door of the plane to board, politely ask if the guitar can go in the coat closet. Guess what? I've never seen a situation where the FA at the door checked to see if your gig bag got tagged. If it doesn't have a tag they are guaranteed to assume either that they already gave you permission to carry on, or they forgot to tag it at the counter, and either way it's a situation where they always fall back on putting the guitar in the coat closet. It's worked for me every time.
Getting my first guitar: a yamaha pacifica 112J (Left Handed). Can someone recommend a hard case that would be appropriate (or at least point me in the right direction).
seems like a bad idea to put shit in the pockets of gig bags because.. that is just asking for those things to create pressure points where if they are bumped they will damage the guitar.
I'm moving to Italy for 6 months and I'm picking up a new guitar next week. I'm really nervous about taking my guitar with me. This video really helped and I'll call my airline tomorow to see what their regulations are so I know what to expect.
Excellent video and great advice! I would add two points: 1. For domestic flights in the US, it's the law the airline has to allow you to take your "small musical instrument" (AKA a guitar) on the plane *if there is room for it in the overhead compartments when you board* - another reason you want to be one of the first people to board the plane. 2. Every time you interact with airport staff (security, gate agent, baggage handler, flight attendant, whatever...) be friendly and respectful, and try to make a personal connection. They'll be more likely to help you - by allowing you to put the guitar in the coat closet, or by taking extra care when putting it in the cargo hold if you're forced to gate-check, or whatever else may happen. I have a Mono M-80 that I love. It's a great case for guitar - it's even protected the neck of my Les Paul in the cargo section of a few planes (gate checked, of course). As a repair tech, I generally recommend a hard case for storage, a good quality gig bag for travel.
Does your dual bag fit most overhead bins? And coat closets? Don't agents stop you with your dual bag? Thanks in advance! (travelling soon to Brazil, so this is super relevant to me)
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what about the reunion blues or midnight rider guitar bags? or other kinds of hardshells, like tweed or fender hard cases? a little variety please sir..
One thing you did not mention is that your soft case travels on you back.
A hard shell case you have to carry it with your hand.
It frees up both hands when traveling thru the airport.
TSA guy (holding syringe): Uh, sir? Can you tell me what this is?
Rhett: That? That's nut lube.
TSA guy: Please step out of line and follow me.
Nut sauce*
Hahahaha
Ever since I started watching your channel I switched to Mono cases and I CANNOT thank you enough.
If you are handicapped you get free early boarding. One of the few side benefits that are helpful with having a generally bad situation.
You may have mentioned this but if not - If the guitar is going to end up in the cargo hold - loosen the strings! Extreme temperature changes can occur quickly and the wood will expand/contract faster than the steel strings. Guitars with tremolo may be less prone to issues in this scenario but why chance it. I learned this the hard way. I knew but forgot, busted headstock and the guitar was extremely cold when I got it yet it is was summer. Could have been poor handling but I now always loosen the strings first.
I used to only use gig bags, then I bought my first guitar with a hard case, and immediately realized this was the only way to go. Thomann is especially great about helping to find the right case for whichever guitar I need. 👍👍👍😏😏😏
Soft case. Which is the sturdier gig bag type. I like the Gator Pro cases. Very sturdy and supportive. Quite a bit cheaper than mono, I don't have one of those to compare, but the Gator seems stiffer and has more compartments. The Gruv Gear bags looked good too.
In Europe, at least here on Schiphol with KLM they have a sequence for boarding. First the families with children then seating from the rear to front. First class has a separate line. Not much cooperation in getting in earlier. I took take a bolt on neck guitar and disassembled it and packed it in a normal suitcase. On a flight to Thailand I didn't want to run into a situation like Guthrie Govan that refused to board a plane because they wouldn't let him take the Charvel as cabin luggage. Or the United breaks guitars scenario.
I've personally seen ground personnel throw suit cases 10 feet from the carts onto the conveyor belts. You don't want that with your guitar in any case.
Your channel is very informative. Hope it blows up soon.
All questions I have had.
Thank you.
Are you a gig bag or hard case person?
My Gibson hardcase fits perfectly into a semi hollow gig-bag, so... both! its so convenient to have the protection of the case as easy to carry as the bag
@@vinniesmyyth334 That's a great idea! Never thought of that! :)
I’m a whatever suits the gig person
Mono gig bag for sure. Even have one for my Helix.
I own all hard cases, but I'd LOVE to get a Mono dual case so I can always bring 2 guitars with me just in case!
That mono 1 is just like the bag that came with my breedlove
This was really insightful. This very accurately synthesized many of my own experiences. Great job, Rhett! 💪🏼
Another small plus for using an older case to travel with is that a beat up case is ever so slightly appealing to a thief. A really nice case just screams expensive instrument.
So happy I just subscribed to your channel, can’t believe it took me this long, you rock, mate!
I'll guess I'm more of a hardcase guy. Do have some gigbags, but these don't look as good as the ones you were showing. Great tip about getting a extra case to preserve some exclusive original cases.
You do, always, get more flys with honey than with vinegar! Be polite and respectful no matter how crappy your day. Folks who work with the public really appreciate it! DON'T cop an attitude with TSA, or the airport cops for that matter, it's bad, bad juju...
The staff of some airlines can be really inflexible (I was travelling from the UK to Singapore once carrying in a plastic carrier bag a hat my wife had worn to a wedding we'd been to. The staff considered the carrier bag to be an extra item of hand-luggage and wouldn't let me take it. So I put my wife's wedding hat on, flowers and all, and put the plastic bag into my laptop bag, and they were fine with that). Anyway, the point is that there are times when you have no choice but to check a guitar case in. On one occasion, when I knew in advance I was going to have to check a case in, I taped bubble-wrap around it to protect it. When I got to the hotel at the other end, I removed the bubble-wrap and found that, despite my care, the hard case was damaged, suggesting something heavy had been put onto it. Luckily the guitar was undamaged. I phoned the airline to register a claim for the case and they wouldn't pay it because I hadn't reported it before leaving the baggage claim area. Their position was that the case could have been damaged after I left the airport. If I have to do that again, I will take date/time stamped photos of the case before wrapping it and then, immediately after getting it off the baggage carousel at the destination airport, I'll check the case and the guitar carefully. If there's any damage, I'll go straight to the counter where you claim for damaged baggage. Even if I end up having to claim on my own insurance, at least I'll have evidence as to where the damage occurred.
When flying with guitars, it's useful to travel with the front man with the ability to sweet talk the flight attendants into allowing you to stow your cases in their personal compartments. ;)
Hah! I just play headless guitars and I bring my Steinberger Paddle when flying.
I built a rectangular hardcase out of 1/8" plywood, 1/16" hardboard, and polystyrene padding so it's actually really lightweight.
It's only 32" long and a bit more than a foot wide so I've had no issues getting it in the overhead.
If I did have to check it in I think it would be fine as I'm able to stand on it. (without the guitar inside)
Great video with excellent suggestions. I di notice Rhett kept saying guitars(plural) on a plane. Good to see in the vid that he was only carrying one case onboard. Overhead space is a premium. I would had to see one musician bring more than one case and take over these precious traveling space.
Being "quite a bit stiffer" than the other gig bags doesn't help with crush protection (or neck bending, or any other static load) unless the stiffness of the case is at least comparable to the stiffness of the (usually wooden) guitar components you're trying to protect. Might still help with very minor impacts. Two cents from a structural engineer.
A big big thank you! I am going to an exchange year in two weeks in the US and really want to take my Fender with me, but I had no idea how. Now i think i am bit smarter about that.
I play in my studio mostly HOWEVER been thinking about the road
Thanks Man
Excellent informational video two points all make
First you have a 9 volt battery take it out before you go to the airport this will minimize security wanted to play with your guitar taking the factor maybe a bomb or explosive device in it
Second if you play bass like I do overhead compartments are not really an option invest in an ATA hard shell case and check your bass with your luggage I fly to Miami all the time Philly and never have an issue by doing this
Gig bag guy turbo props don’t always have overheads just the belly of the beast
I don’t have a car, so I walk to my local classes, is it a problem to wear a normal gig bag on my back?
I'd like more information on traveling with guitar plus I'm a gig bag person
Do you have to have a PINK TAG when checking it at the gate, so it is waiting as you walk off the plane? I have a connecting flight and I’ll need to pick it up asap, after flight one, and take it to flight 2…American …. :-(
I’ve checked it before at the gate, and if it didn’t have a pink tag, it went through baggage claim.
I’m bring a mono dbl bass gig bag. 51x16x9.
All the pros I know use Southwest. I’m legally blind so thankfully I preboard free.
Hey Rhett great vid. Any recommendations for a slim in-cabin flight gig bag with enough space for a quad cortex? The Stealth maybe? Anyone else feel free to chime in🙏🏾
I’ve never had issues with guitars on American, and I almost exclusively fly American, since I live in an AA hub city. Maybe it’s just my frequent flyer status, I don’t know.
Hard shell please! I don't have the luxury of through away money! If I have to carry, and don't have a road crew? I'd rather be at fault or safe in MY hands.
One time I carried my guitar in a hardcase to a gig that was a 15 min walk away. When we played my forearm became cramped and unresponsive so I couldnt play well.
is the mono m80 vertigo suitable for a les paul? i have the mono m80 vertigo which i was using for my schecter super strat guitar. i recently bought a les paul. im quite concerned regarding the neck angle of the les paul.
is there a Mono case for 335 style guitars? 335 is my favorite style and if there's a gig bag worth having I would prefer that style of guitar
Jason Goodwin Yes there is. Mono makes a vertigo case especially for 335 style guitars.
Long story short, I flew to New Zealand to live and my plane ticket said it was American Airlines (same as my previews flights/stops). But
There is no American Airlines here. The airline that I was supposed to flight with didn’t allow for absolutely anything larger than X. If I wanted to flight with my guitar I had to buy a SIT for it... as I had no extra budget, certainly not for a ticket that same day and after 25+ hours traveling with 1 huge backpack carry on + pedalboard checked and luggage (with basics to live...) I just had no where to go.
After talking with managers from all the place, they didn’t change their mind. Some time after they offered me a free check in for my guitar. But no way I was going to check my mono case as luggage... I did it, literally crying. I just used all the extra clothing that I had for protection.
It survived! But holy shit... and all because some ticket miss information
How do you get a guitar in the overhead cabinet?
Agreed that American and United are not guitar friendly. I might throw Delta in there too. Southwest has been the best all around.
Agreed, I’m just too damn tall for southwest planes.
I flew Spirit one time with a broke ass band and it was a total dump but ironically they took good care of the guitars, it was weird.
"United Breaks Guitars" says it all!
Delta starts boarding by calling for preboards and they say it’s for anyone who needs a little extra time boarding. They don’t question why you need the extra time. As long as you manage to be there when they start boarding you just smile and walk on with your guitar.
Gave a thumbs up as soon I heard you never fly United or American. Also, thanks for the other travel/packing tips :)
How to travel safely with a Gibson?
Haha, good joke
Don't!!! Get an Epi for that :-D
Yep never bring one
An original 1960’s Gibson
We better ask Slash)
@@sanyaaynas7832 Slash probably uses flight cases, like most A-listers.
Why am I watching this I play the drums
I play bass and I'm here
I don't know
@@PatrickXIX Bass GUITAR???
Diego Sales Facundini yess
Same
This is why I mostly play harmonica these days.
in 2012 Obama signed ffa modernization reform act that allows musicians to bring instruments on the plane as carryon.
Pentley Holmes Music
“Mind the way guys, grand piano coming through”
Second best thing he did as president. Best was killing Bin Laden.
At the airline’s discretion.
..as long as it meets the carry on rules. So I ALWAYS pay to board early and shove it in a overhead.
Here in Canada, I take my Gibson with hard shell, when flying. It goes perfectly in the overhead storage. Underneath the plane?......that's just stupid. Bring a 3rd rate guitar that does the job and cost nothing to replace.
Hard case. Flirt with the flight attendant and they’ll put your guitar in their little closet.
Bags for electrics, cases for acoustics. Bags mostly for pockets for me, they really carry a lot of stuff. I really liked #6. "If you let me, I'd love the opportunity".. this is just a great life concept in general for dealing with people and how to ask for something. Nice job Rhett, really great video, thanks and keep them coming!
Did they unscrew the back plates?
Acoustic hard cases take up a lot of room though
Haven't had to fly with a guitar yet, but I did used to fly over 100K miles a year for work. Always be kind and polite to airline employees, hotel employees, etc. You'd think it would go without saying, but I've witnessed plenty of customers being downright abusive to these workers, especially if there are weather delays or at hotels if there's a conference in town, etc. A little kindness and appreciation go a long way and occasionally gets you an upgrade you didn't even ask for because you were the one customer who treated that employee with respect that day. They will help you if they can and you treat them well.
Let's hope so.
You wouldn’t piss off the sound tech at your gig, I hope. Equally don’t piss off the people who help you get there and back
What about amps? I’m really curious about that and it’d be really cool if you do a follow up about that
Rent from backline wherever you're going... don't travel with an amp.
Or you could mail ahead
Simple.
Mark the tubes with tape and pen.
Remove the tubes and wrap them properly so the glass don't break.
Put bouncy things in the corners and stretch plastic.
Now it is safe, doesn't matter how you get the amp to the place you want.
Bands have travelled with their amps in roadcases. Unfortunately the only way is putting it through the baggage area where it could get wrecked, so I'd follow the other guys advice and at least secure the tubes before putting it in the roadcase for the plane.
yeah i'd go with rent locally for your amp or bring digital set up and rent cabs . . . unless you have a pro roadie crew with flight experience and can pack amps for traVEL or pay overweight and bring a USA made Peavy tube amp (head and cab or combo) and use mailing packing tactics
A couple of things I found out:
335 size guitars do not fit overhead on most flights. Hence, I have never actually travelled with my semi-hollow.
I actually travel with a cheaper instrument, really brings the stress level down :)
My 335 doesn't leave the house.
i don't like your take on "dont use the original case because it helps the resale value" maybe if it was an super old guitar that would be valid but buying a second case would defeat the point of your "savings" Also I like to enjoy my things not save it for whoever buys it off me later. I actually have never sold any of my guitars and I think most people are not super collectors and would rarely sell their instruments as well.
I like used gear, and I really like beat up cases and cabs.I HATE reliced guitars..
That’s your opinion man. Rhett is a professional musician. And a huge part of being a player is trading and selling a. It’s great that you hold on to all of your things, but I think that his take on taking care of original cases is incredibly valid. I do the same with my 60’s strat my 70’s Sg and so on. People want original cases when you trade or sell those things. So why not take care of them like you would the guitar?
@@ld9725 LOL...I like beat up cases...
He’s a bass player...... might want to rethink if you decided to listen to his point.
The thing is that the guitar and case is delivered as a set, a serious collector would most likely want the complete set in its best condition. There is no reason to use the original case to travel with, you can use it at home.
Yes sir, some airlines are unfriendly. My rules are Les Paul in ABS case unmarked even though I have Gibson flat ABS cases. My Strat goes into a Fender 620 case to carry on!
Never ever leave your gear on the transport, except a tour bus because there is usually someone guarding it.
Do not be discouraged when something does walk off, because if you tour alot you lose gear. Do not let it get you down!! That is why you need all your gear covered by insurance in your contract!!! Demand it. It does not give you back your favorite instruments, but it does take the bite out of the lost. Musicians inventory insurance!!
As a guitar player who's been playing for almost 45 years and also an employee of Southwest Airlines for over 20 years, I concur with everything you say in this video. Concerning Southwest Airlines, I would recommend the Business Select option as it puts you in the first group of 15 passengers boarded after the preboard passengers.
Good stuff. A few more tips:
Try to travel SouthWest if possible.
Try to do early check-in.
GO STRAIGHT TO THE BACK OF THE PLANE!!! There's usually more room back there in the overheads with fewer people because most folks want to get off the plane as fast as possible so they fill up the front quickly.
If you have to gate check and there is someone there that is responsible for putting the instrument under the plane, TIP THEM!!! Slip them $5-$10 and ask them to take care of your baby. It has gone a long way for me!
Pack as light as possible!
well many times the musician has no control over which airlines are booked so always be prepared.
Never had a problem with a Les Paul in a Mono bag.
Im a cardboard person.
No, I'm not joking.
Care to explain ?
@@silviosantapaola2825 being broke and having no case
Kevin Q
F
Bruh, are you using the box that your guitar was shipped to you in, or what?
@@blu-rae864 One of the guitarists for Breaking freaking Benjamin uses cardboard lmfao
Hardcase, always. Mine is signed by Brian May which makes me look out for the instrument even more. Of I ever lost it or damaged it... I could never forgive myself
Dude id never use it ever again if it gets signed
Great vid!
Also: if you do not manage to get the guitar into the passenger cabin but it ends down in the plane's cargo area DO NOT FORGET to loosen the tension of the strings!!!
If you do forget, you might open your bag or case when you arrive to your destination and find broken strings, pulled bridge or even damaged guitar neck (if it is a finer classical instrument). Happened to an acquaintance of mine a few years back. He learnt the hard way.
Now, you do not need to... ;)
Man, you come up with very simple, but extremely helpful video ideas! thanks Rhett
It's necessary to create a sort of musically oriented airlines... "Jefferson Airlines" or something like that.
And for the future: starship
@@karlhouseknecht Jefferson Spacelines?
Love it!!!!
Yeah nah im taking a jefferson airplane
I would add: fly direct whenever possible. A stopover doubles the potential for every kind of problem - difficult gate agents, delays, even the outright loss of checked luggage. Which usually contains my pedals, cables and stage clothes.
Also, be careful when leaving your guitar in a coat closet. When I flew to the states with my guitar, a flight attendant helped me store my guitar at the very end of the plane. I had to wait until everyone had left to retrieve it later. I had to wait in the US customs line for over 2 hours because I was at the very end. I wasn't in a hurry, so it turned out fine. Just another thing to consider.
For outdoors gigs, the wind doesn't care what kind of case you travel with does it Rhett? ;)
Keep it above the belt man!
This whole conversation is relating to a video earlier where Rhett's guitars fell over in a high wind outdoor gig.
scott dixon 3 guitar case
I guess Iron Maiden doesn’t need to deal with the air plane thing
Guitar I don’t care about = soft case, guitar I care about = hard case!
I bought a headless guitar just to travel with and I liked it so much, its became my goto axe!
Are there any cons to it?
How's the tone of the one your bought, and which one did you get?
@@kendrakrust1244 There are no objective cons whatsoever.
The only con would be not liking the way they look which is understandable although I personally love them.
Many headless guitars even have bodies that are similar to normal guitars.
I'm partial to the paddle shape because I use flatwound strings and a brighter guitar actually balances the dark tone of my weird choice in strings (and my weird choices over all come to think of it).
Have a look at Strandberg, Legator, and Kiesel if you want larger bodied headless guitars though.
Look up Ciari folding guitars, my jaw is still on the floor from watching the demo video
I guess I’ve always been either or--used the custom molded hardshells for my LP’s, Firebirds and SG’s (sensing a theme given the necks?). However the older I get, I’m a big fan of the mono bags. I meant to ask, I’ve never rocked the double mono bag; think a 335 type (a D’Angelico DC Premier) and a T-style (Chapman ML3 Semi Hollow) would fit/travel well in one? Trying to pair down for local/out of state shows (no flights). Thanks bro.
-Aaron
Albus. Band I bring a 335 and a strat to most of my local gigs/jams/practices, and I always use my mono dual acoustic/electric bag. An es-335 fits perfectly in the bigger side.
I had a gig in Egypt in which we had to stop in Istanbul then take a small flight to Sharm El Sheik to perform the World Youth Forum in front of the president of Egypt amongst other world leaders. Needlessly to say I've never been through more high security check points in my life BUT I managed to keep my guitar on me the whole time without issue until our return flight at a check point in Turkey the gate officer found my guitar multi tool and then proceeded to find any way he could to demonstrate that it was a weapon...it was tossed in the trash but the guitar flew safely in the overhead above me :) long story short, it can be done just be smart about it
I'm not a gigging musician but I used to fly to Brazil every year when I was younger and having my guitar with me was as important as having underwear =)
It's a hit or miss with American Airlines. My dad works for them and I got to fly with them for free so that was my only option. One of the reasons why I got a Taylor GS mini was bc of the nice case that came with it. There were times when they were super nice and would put my guitar in the coat closet for me, other times they were rude and made me check my guitar...it just depends if they're stressed or not or if the flight is full. Either way, the GS mini case made me comfortable enough to take my guitar into the airplane or check it at the gate. Prior to purchasing my GS mini when I first started learning guitar I'd stuff my gig bag with t-shirts and socks. Definitely don't get a hard case to fly bc all hard cases have to be checked (at least with American). Been there, done that =/
I am definitely a Hard Case person but I also don't fly anywhere with my guitars.
I mean, I have my dream guitar. 50’s style Gibson les Paul with a tobacco burst... I’m not selling this thing ever so I don’t care if the hard case gets dinged, thanks for the video I feel confident about traveling with it now 👌
Awesome! Got a 2016 Gibby Standard, a month later , took a chip off the bottom back. Saw it and was like "that's my relicing". It's mine, ain't gonna sell it either.
SInce I got my Mono Vertigo case, I haven't look back. I just got their dual case, so now I can cary two guitars in a very efficient way.
Yep United and American will destroy pretty much anything you give them and also give you a hard time... JetBlue is pretty accommodating
This was one of your most valuable videos. Thank you for this insight, bro. Lots of good insights here! I'm glad I continued watching it despite the fact it's a sponsored video. Most of those across RUclips tend to suck.
TSA guy (holding syringe): Uh, sir? Can you tell me what this is?
Rhett: That? That's nut lube.
TSA guy: Please step out of line and follow me.
Also keep record and detail photos of your serial numbers and guitars! This will help loads if anything is unfortunately stolen.
Try flying in the UK with your guitar(s). SERIOUSLY evil experience. I have actually opted for the train rather than deal with crappy UK service. I have stories of true horror. London to Vancouver, wow, that was the worst guitar experience ever.
I'm hard case all the way. Most of my guitars came with hard cases. The ones that didn't, I bought hard cases for each them.
My best Les goes in an old "plastic" Gibson case that I bought second hand in the late 80s. Its heavy duty but weighs a tonne. I then put my ESP Les in the regular hard case and ya, that works out with a bit of padding for the ESP.
Perhaps I have too many guitars. Is that even possible? Na :) that's just silly. Too many?
I live in Switzerland and I’m from San Francisco, so I travel back-and-forth several times a year. I usually bring my GS mini. I also usually fly business, so bringing my guitar on board isn’t a big deal, but when I travel around Europe in coach, and I fly some of the smaller airlines, I actually purchase a ticket for my guitar. It’s the only way I can travel with it without checking it. The second thing was that I went through the TSA at SFO, and my guitar bag always gets pulled for inspection. I was talking to the TSA guy and he said there’s something that looks like it’s in your guitar, and we were trying to figure it out, and I was like oh wait a minute, that’s my humidifier pack. I thought I was going to have to surrender my humidifier pack. I was surprised that he let me keep it in the guitar. My advice is to take humidifier packs out of your guitar before you travel. They’re kind of pricey, and you don’t wanna have to surrender it up if you don’t have to. I’ve had a lot of positive Experience as well flying. But then again I’m not a douche. I’m always really nice and I try to be considerate.
Awesome advice! Especially the nut slot syringe! LOL Here's a funny story. I was traveling with TWO hard acoustic cases and I brought them both on board an airplane. They moved me to first class, at no extra charge, because of my guitars. I can't remember the airline, this was in the seventies but that's what I call flying the friendly skies. My cousin was with me and I think he might have told a stewardess that I was in the Moody Blues. LOL Maybe scamming the friendly skies?
Got it, a guitar is like a gun for a soldier. Should be treated with the same respect.
Hell yeah. That especially applies to how you carry it. Don't want the headstock (or barrel) bumping into anyone.
Great video! I travelled with my guitar a few times in the past year. Everything you said is right. The one thing that you dod not mention is to detune the guitar...you are changing altitudes, temeratures and humidity...I read years ago that there can be enough small changes to have a major issue depending on the guitar.
As for traveling with your main guitar, I would suggest a loved backup over a main guitar. Two years ago I was traveling with my Epiphone AJ 200...I bought it a decade ago for $100...upgraded the nut and saddle to bone, put a LR Baggs Ibeam in there...its a cool busking/campfire guitar. I even got a few of my favorite players to sign it. The only thing was when I was at the gate looking on Reverb to see how much they run for if I have to replace it. At that time a used Epiphone AJ 200 was $300 with case and no upgrades...my O ring puckered a bit at that. Fortunately I had no major issues. It flew in the overhead going to my destination and gate checked on the way back. Just minor scuffing going through baggage on the way back.
Last year did the same trip with my beat to shit Yamaha FG 160 that just has an LR Baggs M1 passive on it. This thing was an old church guitar and beat up. Got ot for $100 and a pack of smokes...I don't smoke, it just made the sale more interesting to tell. So added the pickup and Thomastic strings after, the idea is to get every little bit of potential out of the instrument with minimal investment. It went in the overhead both ways. Coming back I did buy vinyl so I had to tie that to my backpack to count as one bag.😉
So either trip I was fortune. I detuned my guitar at the airport before I got onboard. I will also mention that I strongly recommend being polite and friendly when dealing with TSA, the front counter or the flight staff. Saying that you are patient and that you appreciate their effort (regardless of if they are or are not doing anything extra) goes a long way. Keep in mind they have to deal with several idiots per flight and they deal with many flights a day...don't be that jerk. Even if things don't go your way, being polite and thanking them for trying may just be the little gratuity that gets them to help you. If not, in the future avoid that airline.
My new Martin d16 came with a really good gig bag as long with my Taylor GS min . I do like a hard case for the car .
The last time I flew, they had smoking and non-smoking.
Thank you for this. I’m flying to my first professional gig in another state and this video gave me so much more confidence to fly with my guitar.
I checked my Ovation in a SKB molded case and viewed the airport workers “loading” it on to the conveyer going to the plane’s cargo hold. They slammed the case onto the conveyer so hard it bounced! The guitar was not damaged one bit, but I replaced the case after getting back home.
Bolt on necks make traveling really easy. Take the neck off, throw in suitcase, check the bag.
I would never do that
I'm a cruise ship musician so I fly with my guitar(s) often. I use Mono soft cases (which are surprisingly protective) and carry them on. I always pay extra to be in Group 1 so there's room in the overhead. If I'm on a regional jet the overheads are too small so they have to be gate checked. My cases are all marked FRAGILE in bold lettering so the baggage handler is aware. I've never had any issues with a gate checked guitar. Before Mono cases I used ATA flight cases which have to be checked, are heavy and a pain in the ass. Glad I switched. Good video!
If you are rich you can just book a seat for your guitar cuz nowadays it’s not safe to travel with a guitar
0:17 Woah slow down. Don't be that guy who brings an acoustic guitar to the beach. If you are considering that, stop.
Bro crees que sea seguro que la guitarra con el gigbag vertigo viaje en la parte de abajo del avión ?
Oh yes that the corner straight in the letterbox beautiful PT
The vertigo stuff cost more than most of my guitars. That and severe lack of talent prevents me from ever having to fly out with them. Nevertheless, sound advice !
I agree with Rhett. A sturdy gig bag is the way to go, and the airline tips are spot-on. Asking for help, and being nice about it is the key. Amazing how many folks will help you if your just ask nicely. Southwest Airlines is great... Just don't bring gear that you will not use. The extra weight and bulk are not worth it. Super video Rhett! I wonder what Rick and Dave think?
Great video. A couple of additional pro tips: 1/ If your gig bag has a strap, when you approach the counter at boarding to ask permission, slide the bag onto the shoulder furthest away from the agent, so it's partially obscured. They can still see it's a guitar gig bag but it doesn't look as large-it can make the difference between them quickly agreeing to let you carry on or resisting.
2/ If the airline insists on gate checking your guitar and you wanted to carry on (which you always should), they will tie a gate check tag onto your gig bag. While you're walking down the jet bridge to board, surreptitiously and nonchalantly yank the tag off and "accidentally" drop it on the floor of the jet bridge. When you reach the door of the plane to board, politely ask if the guitar can go in the coat closet. Guess what? I've never seen a situation where the FA at the door checked to see if your gig bag got tagged. If it doesn't have a tag they are guaranteed to assume either that they already gave you permission to carry on, or they forgot to tag it at the counter, and either way it's a situation where they always fall back on putting the guitar in the coat closet. It's worked for me every time.
Thank you so much for the information Rhett! I’ll be flying with my guitar in 2 weeks and this couldn’t be more helpful!!!!!
I feel like Fender should have gotten a shoutout for the amazing cases that come with American Pro series these days.
Getting my first guitar: a yamaha pacifica 112J (Left Handed). Can someone recommend a hard case that would be appropriate (or at least point me in the right direction).
I bought a Kiesel headless guitar. Made things a lot easier when traveling (and I fly AA a lot). It’s great.
Totally agree! Kiesel headless in their soft case is super-light and super-secure :)
seems like a bad idea to put shit in the pockets of gig bags because.. that is just asking for those things to create pressure points where if they are bumped they will damage the guitar.
Who else is watching this, while boarding the plane, and realized this was a big mistake...
Couldn’t post this at a better time ! I’m permanently moving and I was concerned about this...
Thanks and love your vids!
"permanently moving", eh? My brain just exploded.
I'm moving to Italy for 6 months and I'm picking up a new guitar next week. I'm really nervous about taking my guitar with me. This video really helped and I'll call my airline tomorow to see what their regulations are so I know what to expect.
Excellent video and great advice! I would add two points:
1. For domestic flights in the US, it's the law the airline has to allow you to take your "small musical instrument" (AKA a guitar) on the plane *if there is room for it in the overhead compartments when you board* - another reason you want to be one of the first people to board the plane.
2. Every time you interact with airport staff (security, gate agent, baggage handler, flight attendant, whatever...) be friendly and respectful, and try to make a personal connection. They'll be more likely to help you - by allowing you to put the guitar in the coat closet, or by taking extra care when putting it in the cargo hold if you're forced to gate-check, or whatever else may happen.
I have a Mono M-80 that I love. It's a great case for guitar - it's even protected the neck of my Les Paul in the cargo section of a few planes (gate checked, of course). As a repair tech, I generally recommend a hard case for storage, a good quality gig bag for travel.
Does your dual bag fit most overhead bins? And coat closets? Don't agents stop you with your dual bag? Thanks in advance! (travelling soon to Brazil, so this is super relevant to me)