The Steel Guitar Forum

Hi there,

I was thinking about buying a Carter Starter in the US and bringing it back to Canada with me. I'll be down there on business.

The thing is - I believe it comes in a gig bag, not a hard case, so I'm not sure how I'd get it back. Any chance of getting it on as carry-on? I'm thinking it's going to be too big, maybe I should just pay to get it shipped.

Thanks,

Paul

Got back a few weeks ago from a trip with my old band from Alaska.

Any carry on must fit within the square tubular metal box located near the ticket counters in all terminals. Our Guitarist tried to take his acoustic on and they took it to the cargo hold since it wouldn't fit the overhead compartment.

You will also need to have it packed in a well made case because they will be rough with it and most airlines will only insure for loss and not damage.

I happened to be sitting on the side of the plane they were loading baggage on and I can promise you they will wreck it if at all possible.

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Cops aren't paid much so I steel at night.

Paul,
You never know with airlines. People carry on guitars all the time with no problem. They fit in the garment bag closet up front on most planes. A Starter should fit in most overhead bins. Check out the type of aircraft to be sure. A big problem is the security guys. They have an ever changing and random set of rules they inforce on personal whim. Everything may be cool with the airline and then you will get some guy in security insisting that your steel is a cheese slicer which is used in food processing. That qualifies it as a tool so you have to check it.

What I would do is wrap it up good and tight in bubble wrap and cardboard so if they take it from you it will survive play time with the 5 happy gorrillas in baggage handling.

Bob