The Steel Guitar Forum

Anybody have tips on flying with a cowboy hat? I'm not checking luggage. I'm carrying on a lap steel, and a backpack. I don't have a real hat carrier- other than a cardboard box.

I figure I'll just wear it. I did see a picture where somebody worked out a way to bungee the hat to the fold down tray table, with it folded up. This way, your hands would be free at least.

I don't want to risk getting it crushed in the overhead.

Black hats sound better.
John

John Goux wrote:Black hats sound better.
John

....and even better when you wear them at night....

These fit easily in the overhead stowage. Just google “cowboy hat box”, you’ll find sellers. If it’s a good hat and you fly often, it’s worth the money.

It might be called a personal item or a bag if you don't wear it. Could cost you a significant amount of money depending on the fare structure of your ticket. Read the complete carry on rules for your particular ticket. The cost of any carry on items can be very high with the "super saver" fares. The 3rd item thing can be REALLY expensive.

There are no general rules anymore with airline ticket fares. It's the wild west. Do not make any assumptions.

Our guitar player has one of those hat boxes. They work great. We tell people that it's his pet hedgehog.

You also might want to check with the airline to see if they will let you carry on 3 bags since you have a lap steel and a backpack already. 2 carry on bags is the limit most of the time.

Flying with the hat is no big whoop. If you gotta take the horse along, then you may have a problem.

At some point, I really need to get a hat carrier. The problem is, the carrier is more expensive than most of my hats. Still, I need one.
Good idea for a birthday/xmas present!

I have solved the problem this time by simply deciding to check a piece of luggage. I have a huge roller that will hold my lap steel (diagonally so it can't move), and my hat.

Sorry,couldnt resist.....

Wear the hat, I have worn a hat all my life and never had a problem wearing it on the plane. Of course I am an old Cowboy from Oklahoma. J.R.

I agree with JR, just wear it. I have worn mine several times on flights.

A Stetson Skyline fits nicely right under the seat in front of you. If you are worried about getting the top stained if you store it there, then take little piece of cloth to put under the crown.

Jack Hanson wrote:Flying with the hat is no big whoop. If you gotta take the horse along, then you may have a problem.

Buy the hat a ticket and let the horse wear it

Jack Hanson wrote:Flying with the hat is no big whoop. If you gotta take the horse along, then you may have a problem.

Buy the hat a ticket and let the horse wear it

I wear mine on the plane, and after everyone gets settled, I've usually found space for it in the overhead...

Jack Hanson wrote:Flying with the hat is no big whoop. If you gotta take the horse along, then you may have a problem.

Last time I tried flying with a cowboy hat I ended up skydiving!
Don't even know what happened to the horse, but he was a good one!
Next time I'm taking my Winged Pegasus

Actually I do have a real nice hat and never take it because I don't want it ruined.
Glad to see Fred said they have special carry on's for them. Should have known.
But for now it's just my baseball cap to cover the shiny spot where my cow lick used to live!

Speaking of cows, What happened to the herd?

Fred Treece wrote:These fit easily in the overhead stowage. Just google “cowboy hat box”, you’ll find sellers. If it’s a good hat and you fly often, it’s worth the money.

Also known as a "hat can".