I'll be flying to Fl tomorrow and I'd really like to bring my guitar. The only problem is that I only have a soft case for it, so there is no way I would feel comfortable checking it. Do you think they will allow me to carry it on and that it would be safe from damage if I did?

best bet is to check with the airline you're flying on.

You could buy it a seat. It would even get frequent flyer miles.

YoYo Ma does this for his cello.

I had the same concern and contacted several airlines recently. Delta and United told me that they wouldn't allow it unless I purchased an additional seat for the instrument. Southwest and Alaska said it depended on the specific type of aircraft (i.e. size of overhead compartment) and the discretion of the gate agents.

Anyone with some recent first hand experience? Even with a hardshell case, I wouldn't feel comfortable checking a guitar (unless it was a $600 Calton flight case).

Thanks Patty, I guess it won't be coming I flying Delta and I refuse to check it. Too bad I'm dissapointed.

Flew about 6 months ago with some jazz combo - it's not my kind of music so I don;t know who they are but apparently they're farily well known. They all (except piano) brought their instruments aboard with them and apparently had bought them seats.