We'll be flying out of Dallas early Sunday morning ( at least I hope so! crossing fingers for no big delays! I hate holiday travel)

Anyway, does anyone know about bringing on an Guitar in a soft case for carry on?

I've seen people bringing them in the past ( I think the flight attendents put them aside during the flight). But, I'm not sure with all of the restrictions on everything what the rule is.

I looked on the travel rules website but it is sort of vague.

Also, would passports be faster for Domestic travel for the kids? I know they don't need to have ID but I was just wondering if that might expedite check in.

Does anyone know?

Is it a Desperado guitar?

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i199/imawingnut/desperado.jpg

I would NEVER travel with a soft case.

Those things are good for lugging your instrument from your car into a building and that's about it.

My husband and I recently returned from a trip to San Francisco. On the way out there, I noticed a rock band (I think) getting on board our flight with a whole slew of insturments. Theirs were in hard cases, though. We flew on Continental airlines.

From what I could make of it, they took aboard at least two guitars, a violin or viola, a drum (at least that's what the case looked like), and what was probably some sound-mixing or other equipment.

When we landed, it was obvious they had checked other pieces in, as their luggage cart was loaded with band equipment, speakers, boards, etc.

I'd say at this point it is safe to take on an instrument, but I'd try and call the airline to find out. Sometimes, individual airlines have restrictions that go beyond the basic FAA-mandated regulations.

Here's a copy of the letter authorizing instruments as carry-on luggage in addition to the usual carry-on limits: (PDF file)

http://www.local802afm.org/about/TSALetter.pdf

Also, Delta airlines recently revised their instrument carry-on policy to allow all small instruments and guitars:

Local 802 News - frameset (http://www.local802afm.org/frames/fs_newspress.cfm?xIDpressrelease=34761874)

In addition, here are some guidelines for carrying on your instrument:

Local 802 News - frameset (http://www.local802afm.org/frames/fs_article.cfm?xEntry=64150483)

Thank you very much!

i work at will rogers airport, for information on what to carry and not to carry, please call will rogers world airport at 405-680-3200 and you can call travelers aid for airport info at 405-680-3271