I don't know the ins and outs -- especially for international travel -- but a lot of the guitarists at Berklee would carry it onto the plane with them.
Also, DEF get a hard case for it that shuts tight. I've heard many stories of guitars getting destroyed by travel.
It depends on the airline but i wanted to bring my classical guitar in a soft case as a carry on, they said it MAY be possible (cabin crew decides) but i didnt wanna risk it not being allowed so i just checked it in as an odd-sized baggage and told them it was fragile. Reached just fine 👍
From the research I did earlier in the year, first, I called the airline to find out about the protocol and prices. I know some people have checked their instruments and I’ve seen many bring it on board in the cabin.
Try to get it as carry-on if possible, each airline has different policies on how big baggage can be before it has to be checked luggage, so check that & see if they have a specific instrument policy. Sometimes baggage handlers can be REALLY careless with checked luggage even when marked fragile😬gl!
Took a viola on a plane as my carry-on before! If it’s looking like overhead space might be limited, you could ask the staff before boarding if they could accommodate your guitar. I personally would NOT check an instrument, even with a hard case. So much could go wrong 😵💫
I brought a bass guitar home from Boston. The policy couldn't guarantee it wouldn't be checked, so I turned up early to the airport and talked to the gate staff - they allowed me to board first and use the cabin crew's locker at the front of the plane. If it must be checked, check it at the plane
Comments
Also, DEF get a hard case for it that shuts tight. I've heard many stories of guitars getting destroyed by travel.