Flight Cases for Taylor Guitars

[Clay]

Does anyone have experience with some of the various brands of guitar cases designed for airplane travel?  I've heard good things about the Calton cases but I'm sure there must be other good brands out there.  I hope to stow my guitar in the overhead bin most of the time, but I'm sure it will end up gate checked from time to time.  I'd like something small enough for carry on, but sturdy enough to handle the abuse of baggage handlers.  Any suggestions?

[Earl]

I just got one of the SKB i-Series flight cases in tan, basically a big Pelican style case.  It seems quite sturdy, although not as rugged as a true Pelican case.  Looks really sturdy, but compact and light it is NOT.

http://www.skbcases.com/music/products/proddetail.php?f=&id=719&o=&offset=1&c=75&s=75

These are considerably cheaper than even a used Calton case.  I ordered the dreadnought size, which fits DN and GA bodies nicely, and you could use souvenir t-shirts as padding for a smaller GC size.  It does NOT fit a GS body, a Taylor 12 string, or a Taylor baritone (I tried them all).

Asking for something that will reliably survive as checked baggage AND be small enough to carry on are mutually exclusive wishes.  I think you have to go one way or the other.  But if I am wrong about that, I would love to know.

[Frettingflyer]

I just got one of the SKB i-Series flight cases in tan, basically a big Pelican style case.  It seems quite sturdy, although not as rugged as a true Pelican case.  Looks really sturdy, but compact and light it is NOT.

http://www.skbcases.com/music/products/proddetail.php?f=&id=719&o=&offset=1&c=75&s=75

These are considerably cheaper than even a used Calton case.  I ordered the dreadnought size, which fits DN and GA bodies nicely, and you could use souvenir t-shirts as padding for a smaller GC size.  It does NOT fit a GS body, a Taylor 12 string, or a Taylor baritone (I tried them all).

Asking for something that will reliably survive as checked baggage AND be small enough to carry on are mutually exclusive wishes.  I think you have to go one way or the other.  But if I am wrong about that, I would love to know.

Hi Guys,
Thought I would throw in my $.02 here even though I am new to the forum. I am a pilot and see a lot of instruments onboard. If you are getting on my plane I always try to make sure we don't check instruments, but sometimes we do run out of space. I will also take your instrument downstairs and go get it at the destination making sure it is not where luggage can fall on it, but most of our people seem to be very carefull. Now the point, the only two guitars I have seen damaged were in airtight cases! They were departing from humid climates. The humidity in the plane is very low(5%?) and the temp in the bag hold while "heated" is not as warm as the cabin. Since the air in the case is locked in, as well as the moisture, as the case cools so does the air. Cool air can't hold water vapor and the condensate ends up on the guitar top! Very sad to see.
While I see the value in these cases I would be more comfortable with the OEM case that isn't air or water tight for gate checking. I don't often have to check mine as it rides in the cockpit when I am flying but the GS Mini bag has protected it completely
Just my opinion, but a vintage Gibson with a puddle on the top was so sad to see. Now, if I was shipping it via truck I want that case Earl. Thanks for the link.
Dave

[Earl]

Dave,

The SKB case has a purge valve, so hopefully the condensation won't happen.  At lowered cabin pressures, the humid air should vent into the cargo hold before condensing.  I believe it to be a two-way MIL-Spec valve, so the case won't be "vacuum sealed" on the other end and impossible to open.

I only got this case for potential trips.  I keep a Taylor 114 in Anchorage, where I fly 85% of my airline trips anymore, so I don't have to trust the baggage system.  I actually have had good luck with gate checking in regular hard cases.  I always ask for the color ticket (brings the gear back up to the jetway like stroller or wheelchairs) instead of the white ticket (they hand load it into the aircraft, but it comes out on the conveyor system.

Earl     ASEL, ASES, instrument rating, 1400 hours PIC time in Alaska

[Frettingflyer]

I missed the valve, great idea and I will recommend that when I see that kind of damage in the future.
I love flying in Alaska! Only been there a couple of times though unless you count fuel stops in ANC, which I don't.
We need to get to Alaska soon, my wife grew up there and the kids have 8 cousins they haven't met yet up there near Eagle River and Wasilla.
Thanks again for pointing out the purge valve, really glad to hear that is available.
Dave

[Clay]

Thanks for the info on SKB cases.  I'll check them out.  I'll also check with Calton to see if their cases are airtight and, if so, how they handle excess moisture.  I'm starting to think I might need to get a less expensive guitar for travel.  The other option that I've been considering is one of the new McPherson "Kevin Michael" carbon fiber guitars.  Much more rugged than a wood guitar and almost indifferent to temperature and humidity.

I probably won't get anything in time for my upcoming trip to Nashville in early July.  I may try to rent a guitar for the week that I'll be there.

[Clay]

I found a great local deal through Craigslist for a used Calton case that was ordered specifically for a Taylor GA.  I never expected to get lucky enough to find a used one near to home.  Looks like one of my GA guitars is going to Nashville with me.