taking a guitar in a plane
 

hi there.
im living in europe, and ill go to the USA this summer.
ill buy there a Fender strat USA deluxe HSS,
with a hardshell case.

my question is,
do you think its safe to check-in my guitar as a normal baggage?
i mean, will it survive? ill wrap it all over with bubble wrap, and tie the case so there's no chance it'll open.
in addition, ill put tons of "FRAGILE" stickers on the case.

Thanks.

personally,....i wouldnt,...
i never check my insturments,...ever ever ever,......

I was wondering the same because I'm travelling to China in a few weeks and I'd thought about buying an instrument and bringing it back.

My advice: take interest in smaller instruments?? Something carry-on perhaps.

i think itd be safer to find a reputable mailing company... that has like fragile stuff insurance n watnot

i'm just saying that the last time i traveled abroad,....
i found all of my things, scattered among the other travelers suitcases at the claim,...

my suit cases open and everything mixed about
so i dont check ANYTHING if i can help it,...i'd hate to think of guitar josseled about

I've never had problems with my luggage getting messed up on a plain. but i wouldnt recommend putting such a valuable item in the hands of the baggage guys. I have an uncle who used to work as a baggage handler and he has told me some stories about how stuff gets handled... and how some obviously nice stuff is ruined on purpose is someone is having a bad day... not to mention that they dont get payed very premium so you cant expect them to handle all your stuff like it was made of glass.

Definitely would suggest spending a few dollars on having it shipped to your house. (thats what we did when we bought some pottery while in ireland, unfortunately one of the pieces still came with a chip in it) :(

um ive done it before twice make sure u have a hard case (duh) and extra padding and tied it down cuz the clips come off easily

I have taken many instruments on planes. Electric guitars are pretty durable. sometimes the airline will let you take it on the plane. Call them to find out

You can also get heavy duty cases (like SKB cases) that can take a ton of punishment. If you ever take an acoustic on a place loosen the strings as there is a big chance in air pressure in the baggage compartments if you don't the strings can snap and warp your instrument.