Guitar as carry-on in J?

[Denali]

Hi and thanks for reading.

Im arranging for hubby to visit the Fender guitar factory because apparently he "needs" a custom Strat and Im wondering, as we are flying J, what are our chances of taking it on the plane for the trip home (LAX>SYD).

Last trip to the US, he bought a Les Paul from Gibson/Memphis and he handed it over at the gate as we boarded but we were flying PE that time.

Curious to know if its been done before and many thanks,

 

[UP4014]

Hi and thanks for reading.

Im arranging for hubby to visit the Fender guitar factory because apparently he "needs" a custom Strat and Im wondering, as we are flying J, what are our chances of taking it on the plane for the trip home (LAX>SYD).

Last trip to the US, he bought a Les Paul from Gibson/Memphis and he handed it over at the gate as we boarded but we were flying PE that time.

Curious to know if its been done before and many thanks,

Not very high, at the gate it will be taken and put in the hold regardless of class. The only way to carry it on board is to have it in half in a smaller bag so it's not as 'tall'.

I had no issue and it was returned to me in Sydney at the 'special' pick up area and it was in one piece for which I was pleased.

Matt

 

[markis10]

The policy is set out pretty clearly online:

Oversized and fragile items | Virgin Australia

[h=2]Musical Instruments[/h]Guests may take small musical instruments onboard as carry-on baggage provided that each instrument does not exceed dimensions of 85cm x 34cm x 23cm (total linear dimensions 142cm). As an example only, many violins fit within these dimensions, while most guitars do not.
An instrument replaces one of the guest’s pieces of carry-on baggage (equivalent to a piece with total linear dimensions of 115cm), and the weight counts toward the guest’s 7kg total carry-on allowance.
Guests are asked to measure their musical instrument before arriving at the airport. It is recommended that guests board their aircraft promptly in order to stow their instrument in an overhead locker.
Larger musical instruments (exceeding dimensions of 85cm x 34cm x 23cm) are not allocated an additional baggage allowance and are managed as follows:

• A musical instrument is considered to be a piece of baggage for the purposes of our baggage policy.
• Any musical instrument that weighs between 23kg and 32kg is charged as overweight baggage if it exceeds the guests included baggage allowance. Baggage allowances can be found under Checked Baggage
• Any musical instrument over 32kg must be sent as Freight.
• Guests who wish to travel with a cello or guitar in the cabin must purchase an additional seat. For further information please contact the Guest Contact Centre.