Given the many instances of travellers retrieving damaged suitcases from the luggage carousel, on-the-go musicians often stress about catching flights with their guitars.

While this is completely understandable, there are ways to make the journey less stressful and keep your instrument in excellent condition as you travel from A to B, such as using a guitar flight case.

Let’s look at how you can provide the best protection for your guitar when crossing the globe via plane.

Top tips for keeping your guitar safe in the air

Check airline regulations

First of all, familiarise yourself with your airline’s luggage regulations for travelling with musical instruments.

Most airlines permit both carry-on and checked guitar flight cases, although you need to adhere to specific size and weight restrictions, especially if you want to carry it on.

Remember, not all airlines share the same regulations, so check their websites before you travel.

Invest in a quality guitar flight case

Our most valuable tip is to invest in a durable and impact-resistant guitar flight case to keep your instrument safe on your travels.

But what makes a guitar case suitable for transporting delicate instruments?

Strength

Your case needs to be strong and resilient to shield your guitar from the effects of rough baggage handling during security or on the checked luggage carousel.

Hard plastic guitar flight cases made from polypropylene or high-density polyethylene are an excellent option as they effectively withstand impact, preventing structural damage to your guitar and scratches.

Watertight and dust-proof

Although water and infiltration shouldn’t be a concern when flying, it could be as you move to and from the airport. This is why your case should feature an O-ring seal – an air-tight seal that stops water and dust particles from entering and corroding your guitar.

Air pressure resistant

Changes in cabin pressure can cause strain and potentially split a soundboard or snap the guitar neck. So, it could be useful to invest in a Peli case with an automatic pressure relief valve, which regulates the internal pressure of the guitar flight case.

Insert a padded interior into the case

Your guitar flight case should include a custom foam insert to cushion your guitar and keep it securely in place during transit.

Additionally, foam inserts offer protection against vibration damage by absorbing the energy and preventing it from loosening the guitar’s components.

A bespoke interior can also include separate compartments to keep accessories safe such as picks, capos and tuners.

Add a lock to your case

It’s not just accidental damage you need to think about while travelling with your guitar – there’s always the chance that an opportunistic thief is prowling around the luggage carousel.

To deter them from stealing your guitar flight case, keep it locked with a padlock. Hopefully, the hassle of accessing the case should put them off.

Loosen your guitar strings

Your guitar strings need more slack, as temperature fluxes can cause them to snap. So be sure to loosen them before you pack the guitar.

Journeying from here to there with a guitar is easy and not as stressful as assumed once you put measures in place to keep it safe. By investing in a robust guitar flight case and following the rest of our handy tips, you’ll be rocking all over the world with a guitar in great condition.

Choose Hofbauer for your bespoke case needs

Looking for a guitar flight case that won’t let you down? Maybe your current model is damaged and needs replacing. If this is you, why not invest in a new plastic case from us that will protect your instrument from damage indefinitely?

To speak to a friendly member of our team for more information, call us on 01452 309782 or message us and we’ll be more than happy to point you in the right direction.