Detaching neck off for air traveling, any cases recommended?

[janti1]

Hello!

I'm a gigging/traveling musician and have to take 20-30 flights a year. But airlines have been recently increasing restrictions on carry-on luggage and last time I almost lost a flight because the lady didn't want to let me in the cabin with my guitar. In her words: "that's the last flight I'm gonna have with a guitar".

I went to the airline's website and yes, no musical instruments are permitted on board anymore, only as registered luggage. I'm not willing to risk my tele sending it to frozen temperatures and thrown like a ball at every airport.

Another problem for me is that a hardcase is not an option because I also have to carry the pedal case and my luggage. So a gig bag is my only option.

I saw a Julian Lage interview and he said that he solved this by detaching the neck off his tele and puts everything inside a bag. So I'm following his advice.

Has anyone around here done this before? and if so, could you recommend a case brand specialized on carrying split guitar parts?

 

[TimTam]

The neck can go in a hard plastic poster tube for carry-on. There are inexpensive ones with screw on tops, and carry strap, in a wide range of sizes. Just wrapping the neck in bubble wrap or a small towel so it doesn't bounce around should be fine. Such tubes don't raise any issues with airlines in my experience. Some may be stricter on the number of carry-on items.

A decent sized shoulder bag like a larger-sized padded laptop computer carry bag or backpack should hold the tele body (carry-on).

You might eventually want to consider threaded inserts with neck bolts, for safer multiple neck un-screws/re-screws. Some good youtube vids on that (choosing the right inserts/bolts is important, as is installation method).

 

[RifleSlinger]

I've done this twice. I used a cardboard mailing tube, in addition to my carry on, where the body was, and my personal bag (a backpack). I cushioned the neck with socks, since I needed them anyway. I couldn't carry on a screwdiver, so had to acquire one at my destination.

Worked fine, though I get nervous about the mojo falling out with the neck removal...

 

[janti1]

Thanks for the advice!

Good point about the screwdriver.

Gonna try it in a couple of weeks and let you guys know how it went.

Thanks again!

 

[Emster]

Unless I missed an update, this FAA ruling should still apply:
"WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation today issued a final rule to implement section 403 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, which requires that U.S. airlines accept musical instruments as carry-on or checked baggage on commercial passenger flights, provided that certain conditions are met."
I printed out the FAA page (see link) and have used it when dealing with airline flying across the Pacific. Checkin dude tried to say any guitar bag/case over 45 inches forbidden by company policy. I said (respectfully) "I don't give a darn what 'policy' is: this is the rule from FAA which you must follow"...

https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/us-department-transportation-issues-final-rule-regarding-air-travel-musical#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20%E2%80%93%20The%20U.S.%20Department%20of%20Transportation,flights%2C%20provided%20that%20certain%20conditions%20are%20met.

 

[Alex_C]

Headless guitars take up less room and are less noticeable when being carried. Easy to stow overhead.