Just wondering if anyone has traveled within the USA with a guitar and how it is treated, carry-on or checked in? I assume it is too big to carry on but my son is afraid someone will steal it if it is checked. No airline booked yet. Thanks.

They're usually treated as checked luggage. If he has concerns, just make sure its insured - "standard" airline comp for lost luggage usually won't cover its full value.

Check with the airline directly.

If it is an electric in a soft case, he can almost certainly take it on. I have seen people bring them onto Junior Jets (regionals), as I would too if I had, say, a 1957 Strat, like one fellow passenger.

If I had a Martin D-28 in a hard case, I don't know what I would do: pretty big for the overhead, but would I want to check it? Tough decision. Ask the airline.

Cellists have to buy an extra seat.

Better confirm with the airline. I've seen many people bringing their guitar on board and keeping it near the window. But it's always wise to carry it as checked baggage. It's safe there, too.

Thanks everyone.