[HANASHIR:2772] Re: HANASHIR digest 516

[Ketzev2 <Ketzev2...>]

Chevre--

I have NOT had good experiences with gate checking my guitar. As a matter of 
fact, Continental cracked the neck on my Martin(an $800 repair, yes they 
paid!, but who needed the 8 month headache) while my guitar was gate checked!!

Debbie gave me the best advice, I think. Unless you are flying on United, 
which has made it VERY difficult to bring you guitar on board, she suggested 
to me that I ask if the airline can "help me with getting my instrument on 
board". These people are programmed to respond to your needing "help". "Can 
you help me?" goes a long way with these folks. The best thing to do is ask 
if you could "pre-board" with the children and people who need extra time. 
Only once have I been denied this courtesy. You have to get to the airport a 
little earlier, but it's worth it.

Fight hard to get you instrument "on" board  with you. The sinking feeling I 
felt coming home from CAJE in Palo Alto two years ago isn't something that 
others should experience. And my guitar went with the "Crew's luggage". This 
is your livelyhood, not just a guitar!!

Good luck--and safe traveling--
Steve 

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