James Lee Stanley

I am sitting in a beautiful garden here in the little village of Waalre, Holland, waiting for my wife to return by bicycle from Einhoven, the major city close by.

I don’t know how long I will have access to a computer so I wanted to write a post today while I had the chance.   I I brought a guitar with me, of course, so that I could keep my up my chops while I am on vacation.

When I checked in, the folks at the gate were naysaying the guitar as carry on baggage, even though I explained to them that I was a professional musician and did this every day on airlines all over the world. 

None the less, Air France personnel there at check in would only okay the carry on bag I had with me.   So I suggested that I carry the guitar to the gate and we’d gate check it.

I can’t stress enough how important it is to not engage these people at check in.  They would rather say no than think.   So take the responsibility out of their hands as gently and as soon as you can.

Carry your instrument through security and here is what I did upon getting through the airport anal probe.   I sat down, took the okay tag off of my carry on bag and placed it in plain view on the strap of my gig bag.

Then when I got to the gate, I engaged no one, kept a low profile and waited for my row to be called.  I didn’t have the guitar bag on my back sticking up and looking huge and ungainly.  I kept it at my side holding it by the little metal hook on the back at the thin end of the case.

I walked forward, handing my ticket to the agent and simply walking on board.   NO NOISE, no “IS IT ALL RIGHT IF I BRING THIS ON BOARD?”

No questions, no attention drawn to me, no interaction with anyone and in a second I was on board.

The plane was a 777 Boeing.   The overheads were, at first glance, too short to hold a guitar.  Rather than panic, I moved my head until I could see what was above the overhead compartment.   There was an extra six inches or so above each compartment.   I placed my carry on in the over head and lodged the guitar so that it would sticking up at a slight angle about three inches above the compartment door.  

I then gingerly closed the compartment door.   It slid into place without any resistance or noise and I knew that my guitar was safe and stowed.    See?   No noise, no attention, no requesting help.

The airline personnel are as helpful as they can be, but if you don’t’ have to involve them, don’t.   It’s easier for them to look the other way than to have to take responsibility for the decision regarding your guitar.

Not to mention the fact that everyone knows that folks are carrying on a lot more stuff than you are with that precious instrument.

And a final note, if you still can’t get it on the plane, getting on your knees and begging and sobbing is not diminishing to you …as long as the guitar gets on the plane with you.