Mono-bag questions

[RayKnight]

I'm curious as to how much worth it is to purchase a Mono-bag and got a couple of questions.

1. Is it safe to check-in my guitar if I'm using Mono-bag or would hardcase still be a more preferable choice?

2. For those of you who are jamming late nights and have to take the bus home, how do you cramp your guitar and you into a seat? Or do you have to occupy two seats?

I'm not sure if there're any other questions but do post your questions and answers so we can learn. I'm really interested in purchasing a Mono-bag especially since there's a sale going on at City Music.

 

[burping_boy]

have you seen the actual bag?
anyway i wouldn't recommend checking in the guitar with just the mono bag. it can withstand normal knocking and accidental slight falls, but not for long haul flights when you dunno what will be on top of the bag, and what the baggage handlers do when loading and unloading...
even guitars in hardcases have died in the hands of baggage handlers and airplanes before, so a mono case for check in is a definite no-no. handcarry ok, but provided you can get it in through hand carry in the first place.

and for the bus seat, i'm not too sure about the electric guitar/bass mono case, but my much thicker acoustic guitar mono bag and me won't be able to fit one sit in the bus, UNLESS it's those facing the side window direction seats with no seats in front of me...

 

[Plastic]

For flying it's always safer to push for your instrument to be hand carried, specially on long flights, no matter hardcase or softcase.

As for the bus rides, yeah it'll fit right in front of you, but also depends on circumstances, i.e whether there is space. I have a mono bag, have no problem going back home from jamming in public transport.

 

[Whitestrat]

For flying it's always safer to push for your instrument to be hand carried, specially on long flights, no matter hardcase or softcase.

It is NEVER safe for guitars in soft cases on passenger flights when none of the staff, air or ground, are trained to handle delicates. Guitars and valuables should always be arranged to be couriered. Otherwise, the full risk is borne by you.

 

[glblues]

It is NEVER safe for guitars in soft cases on passenger flights when none of the staff, air or ground, are trained to handle delicates. Guitars and valuables should always be arranged to be couriered. Otherwise, the full risk is borne by you.

if its just an electric, its fine. i've done it dozens of times. just wait until the passengers to load all their bags on the overhead compartment then place ur guitar on top. i havent had a complaint ever.

acoustic, is also ok. as long as its a compact softcase, ask them to put it in the coat locker. i usually carry it for them to the locker and there's plenty of space there

 

[Plastic]

It is NEVER safe for guitars in soft cases on passenger flights when none of the staff, air or ground, are trained to handle delicates. Guitars and valuables should always be arranged to be couriered. Otherwise, the full risk is borne by you.

I agree there is an apparent risk, but at least you'll be there to ensure that nothing happens. The storage compartment for the A380 is large enough for your guitar. And if the staff are willing to stow away your guitar behind, imo would still be safer than a couple of people throwing your stuff around.

Of course having your guitar couriered would be the best but the cost would not be very feasible, no?

 

[theunknown]

Having an experience as a baggage handler, I'd suggest you NOT to check in your guitars. If you do, put it in a hardcase, if not, don't bother checking it in. Yes there is a "policy" of putting "fragile" items on top of everything else in the containers, but the handling part is rather not "delicate", if you know what I mean.

I've seen people putting acoustic guitar in softcases and checking them in. It's a pity, really. One time, I saw one bag, it showed Martins brand. Oh well, don't know what's inside though.

In summary, CHECK IN and SOFTCASE don't go together. Though I've never tried a Mono bag before, I'd still won't recommend.

 

[dodgethis]

It is NEVER safe for guitars in soft cases on passenger flights when none of the staff, air or ground, are trained to handle delicates. Guitars and valuables should always be arranged to be couriered. Otherwise, the full risk is borne by you.

Yes because it is safer to let your guitar to be out of your sight and control for days or weeks, rather than be hand carried by you into the cabin of the aircraft for the duration of the flight.

What makes you think the courier's handlers are any better trained? The items are more than likely to be loaded onto the aircraft by the same group of people as airlines anyway.

 

[RayKnight]

Yes, I have seen the Mono-bag. Made a trip to City Music and made an enquiry about it in person. But wouldn't they charge you for an extra seat if you bring your guitar in? I've heard of multiple encounters (never experienced any yet but hopefully when I do, it'll be a pleasant one).

A few said that they are asked to purchase another airticket for the guitar as they can't be stowed on top.

A few said they can be put at the back of the plane.

Is there a 'strategy' to getting them to put your guitar at the back instead of buying a new plane ticket? I'm planning to bring my acoustic guitar with me on a trip (soft case, apparently) but I don't want to be told at the counter that I have to check-in or purchase an additional ticket. What's the best method?

 

[CITY_MUSIC]

Hi RayKnight,

As mentioned by the others, its definitely not advisable to check-in your guitar, be it in a hard case or a Mono case. Why don't you call up the airline company and enquire if they allow you to hand carry your guitar onboard the plane. Cheers, and Merry Christmas everyone!

 

[Whitestrat]

if its just an electric, its fine. i've done it dozens of times. just wait until the passengers to load all their bags on the overhead compartment then place ur guitar on top. i havent had a complaint ever.

That's because you've been lucky. Take it from someone who has the inside track about these things. You really don't know what happens during take-off, landings, and turbulence.

The safest way to transport your electric is via a professional courier, with the guitar well packed.

 

[Whitestrat]

Of course having your guitar couriered would be the best but the cost would not be very feasible, no?

Think of it as: a few hundred for the courier? or a few thousands to replace the guitar?

 

[Whitestrat]

What makes you think the courier's handlers are any better trained? The items are more than likely to be loaded onto the aircraft by the same group of people as airlines anyway.

Because I know. I AM in this line of work. I AM telling you, the courier's method of packing is better suited for transportation. Passenger Flight Baggage Handling is not designed to handle delicates. It's not the plane in question. It's the process.

Don't leave it to the people who are meant to handle clothing baggage to look after a mixer or an amplifier. It will get killed, just a matter of time. The passenger flights are NOT equipped to handle delicates. Have it shipped via courier.

The courier will pack it into a palette sized load, and it can be loaded SECURED by forklift onto the aircraft. Each palette is packed tightly within the aircraft, and the goods on that palette are all tied down by secured lines and are also wrapped before tying down.

The airline's main focus is getting you there safely. There's nothing in your ticketing clause about baggage (go read it if you don't believe me). All airlines post a "caveat emptor" regarding delicate stuff. They will TRY to take care of it, but cannot be held responsible. Best for the individual guitar? Ship it with DHL, FedEx, UPS, you name it. Pick ANY high end courier, and you'll get your stuff there on time SAFELY. If you're concerned about transportation, then don't have them deliver it. Pick it up yourself.

In many cases, due to air plane security, large cases are no longer allowed on certain flights. Even if you wish to bring it on board, the guitar is stowed away by the air stewardess rather than yourself if there's no room left in the overhead compartment. You want to entrust your expensive guitar with a young lady who cares less about your guitar than her spine?

I would refrain from making sarcastic remarks if I were you when you don't know what you're talking about.