Jaunted

Jaunted Readers Wanna Know: Can I Carry On My Guitar?

9/25/2007 at 1:30 PM
Tags: Aer Lingus, Baggage, Luggage (all tags)

We cover the world of travel non-stop, so we like to think we know a thing or two about airlines. But every now and then we get a question that stumps us, so we're putting it out there to see what you have to say. Our reader Anne wants to know:

I am flying tomorrow: Lyon to Dublin on Aer Lingus. Can I bring my guitar in its soft case aboard the plane? I do not own a hard carrying case.

According to Aer Lingus, musical instruments need their own seat if they're too big to be called hand baggage. And a guitar and case would exceed the 56 cm by 45 cm by 25 cm limits on carry-on bags. Officially, the airline doesn't care if you bring a guitar on board, just as long as it's under the maximum size.

But guitars are funny things, and we've seen our share on board a number of airlines. Our plan of action would be to act extra-polite when checking in and hope the desk agent looks the other way. But remember, Aer Lingus is becoming a low cost carrier, and those LCCs love to nickel-and-dime. So no matter how nice you are, getting that guitar on board isn't a sure thing.

Related Stories:
· Aer Lingus Baggage Policies [Official Site]
· Aer Lingus coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: odegaard]