Traveling With Your Guitar

Many people like to travel with their guitar and take their instrument with them wherever they go. Whether it’s for a performance or for pleasure, it’s easy to travel with your guitar and keep it safe if you take a few precautions.

Always carry your guitar inside its case and preferably in a good quality hard-shell guitar case. Even if you are going a short distance, put it in a guitar case or Guitar Gig bag to protect it from dirt, rain or sunlight. If you are using public transportation it’s important to use a quality case.

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If you travel by car, lay the guitar flat on its back where it will not slide around. For this reason, it will usually be safer in the trunk of the car rather than on the back seat where it can fall to the floor if you stop suddenly. The head of the guitar should not touch anything that might knock it out of tune or strain the neck. Never leave your guitar in a parked car all day or all night as it may be damaged by the hear, cold or humidity. Not to mention the fact that it could be stolen.

On a bus or train, it is probably safest lying flat on its back on a luggage rack, as long as you can keep an eye on it, and remember it when you get off. Otherwise, hold it upright on the floor by your feet.

If you travel by plane, a hard case is essential, as most airlines to not allow guitars to be taken into the cabin. Place “fragile” labels all over the case and put a little loose padding, such as foam or soft towels, around the guitar. Airlines normally take good care of fragile items, however you may be asked to sign a form saying they are not responsible, so insure your guitar before your trip. At the end of the flight, go quickly to the baggage claim area and ask where the fragile items arrive.

If you are going to another country with your guitar, take the receipt of purchase with you as you may need it when you check through customs. If you insure your guitar, give the insurance company the make, model and serial numbers. These are normally found on the head or inside the body of the guitar. Insure the guitar and it’s case on an “All-Risks” policy for what it would cost to replace, rather than what you paid for it and increase its value every year.

Traveling with your guitar shouldn’t be a big burden so take some precautions to protect your investment whether your traveling by air or just over to your friends house for a jam session.

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