Guitars and Airplanes

[Rabbi Don Cashman <cashmand...>]

Dear folks, 
        For 3 1/2 years as an HUC student I flew every other weekend to a
student pulpit, usually with my guitar. It's been 14 years since I did
that, and I know the airline industry has changed, but I have
suggestions for those who are flying and have to bring their guitars. 
        1) Try to bring it as far as possible with you.Much depends on the size
of the plane. Get on the plane as early as possible, so as to use a
closet or bin. If there's no room, you're apt to loose control over it. 
If they let it on the plane, great. If not, at least hand it to the gate
attendant who will put a late check-in/fragile tag and hand carry it
down for loading. Have a fit, but don't ever threaten!!!  GET the carbon
of that tag. 
        2) Hide it. Don't let the ticket agent/bag checker see it. Wear a
flowing rain coat. Have somebody wait with it way from the check in
area, then you can get it beyond security to the gate.
        3) "Ani Lo m'daber Anglit." [I don't speak English]. Don't try this in
Spanish, since the airlines will undoubtedly have someone on hand. Or,
see my book on Conversational Aramaic, called "Baba Di-lan: Our Gate to
Conversational Aramaic."
        4) Listen to Tom Paxton's song "Thank you, Republic Airlines, for
breaking the neck of my guitar."  [I think he wrote that just before he
got the M-38]. 
        5) Take up the mandolin. Or harmonica.
        6) Get one of those funny looking plastic guitars. 
        7) Just bring your picks, and bum someone else's guitar.
`       8) Loosen your strings.
        9) Have insurance. I have a rider on my homeowners which lists 
the years and model numbers of my guitar, mandolin, and banjoes. Take
photos, save saleslips, get appraisals. 
        10) Drive, or take the train or bus. 
        I hope this information proves useful.

                Don Cashman