Bringing a guitar as carry-on LAX -> SEA, Embraer 175
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: London, UK
Posts: 70
Bringing a guitar as carry-on LAX -> SEA, Embraer 175
Hi all, I'm relatively new to all this so hopefully I won't get flamed... I've searched the Internet at length but these things seem to change over time and I'm not sure about the specific aircraft.
Basically, as per the subject LAX -> SEA on Wednesday AA 3230 is apparently likely to be an Embraer 175. I'm not a US resident and I'm not familiar with these planes - they seem somewhat smaller than the usual suspects when I fly across the pond.
I'm likely to have a guitar with me. It will be in a hard case, but not a full-on flight case, hence I'd be concerned that if I checked it in the hold, the case (at minimum) could get damaged. I read things about checking in at the gate being safer, but ultimately there are a lot of horror stories out there. I also don't know how much of this is down to policy vs luck.
The rest of my trip (from TLV) is J, but had to book this leg in K. I have Platinum status so have automatically been upgraded to MCE, and I'm on the upgrade list as I have enough 500-mile upgrades, but not holding my breath (no idea how busy this flight usually is).
I have two possible cases:
Thanks in advance for any insight.
Basically, as per the subject LAX -> SEA on Wednesday AA 3230 is apparently likely to be an Embraer 175. I'm not a US resident and I'm not familiar with these planes - they seem somewhat smaller than the usual suspects when I fly across the pond.
I'm likely to have a guitar with me. It will be in a hard case, but not a full-on flight case, hence I'd be concerned that if I checked it in the hold, the case (at minimum) could get damaged. I read things about checking in at the gate being safer, but ultimately there are a lot of horror stories out there. I also don't know how much of this is down to policy vs luck.
The rest of my trip (from TLV) is J, but had to book this leg in K. I have Platinum status so have automatically been upgraded to MCE, and I'm on the upgrade list as I have enough 500-mile upgrades, but not holding my breath (no idea how busy this flight usually is).
I have two possible cases:
- 41x17x14" (quite rectangular)
- 42x15x5" (more contoured i.e. not 15" all the way down)
Thanks in advance for any insight.
#2
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: STL/ORD/MCI/SAN
Programs: AA CK MM, AC SE100K, BA Gold, UA 1K, DL Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 1,990
Hi all, I'm relatively new to all this so hopefully I won't get flamed... I've searched the Internet at length but these things seem to change over time and I'm not sure about the specific aircraft.
Basically, as per the subject LAX -> SEA on Wednesday AA 3230 is apparently likely to be an Embraer 175. I'm not a US resident and I'm not familiar with these planes - they seem somewhat smaller than the usual suspects when I fly across the pond.
I'm likely to have a guitar with me. It will be in a hard case, but not a full-on flight case, hence I'd be concerned that if I checked it in the hold, the case (at minimum) could get damaged. I read things about checking in at the gate being safer, but ultimately there are a lot of horror stories out there. I also don't know how much of this is down to policy vs luck.
The rest of my trip (from TLV) is J, but had to book this leg in K. I have Platinum status so have automatically been upgraded to MCE, and I'm on the upgrade list as I have enough 500-mile upgrades, but not holding my breath (no idea how busy this flight usually is).
I have two possible cases:
Thanks in advance for any insight.
Basically, as per the subject LAX -> SEA on Wednesday AA 3230 is apparently likely to be an Embraer 175. I'm not a US resident and I'm not familiar with these planes - they seem somewhat smaller than the usual suspects when I fly across the pond.
I'm likely to have a guitar with me. It will be in a hard case, but not a full-on flight case, hence I'd be concerned that if I checked it in the hold, the case (at minimum) could get damaged. I read things about checking in at the gate being safer, but ultimately there are a lot of horror stories out there. I also don't know how much of this is down to policy vs luck.
The rest of my trip (from TLV) is J, but had to book this leg in K. I have Platinum status so have automatically been upgraded to MCE, and I'm on the upgrade list as I have enough 500-mile upgrades, but not holding my breath (no idea how busy this flight usually is).
I have two possible cases:
- 41x17x14" (quite rectangular)
- 42x15x5" (more contoured i.e. not 15" all the way down)
Thanks in advance for any insight.
With regard to your overall question, I believe your guitar case would significantly exceed the current requirements listed at AA.com for carry on bags, whether RJ or mainline.
Additionally, since most standard-size carry-on bags do fit in the overhead bins of the E175, valet tag service (checking the bag at the gate and receiving it on the jetbridge instead of baggage claim) generally isn't offered on this particular aircraft type.
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: London, UK
Posts: 70
First, just FYI, AA elites no longer require 500 milers to upgrade, so you'd be on the upgrade list as PLT, whether you have them available or not.
With regard to your overall question, I believe your guitar case would significantly exceed the current requirements listed at AA.com for carry on bags, whether RJ or mainline.
Additionally, since most standard-size carry-on bags do fit in the overhead bins of the E175, valet tag service (checking the bag at the gate and receiving it on the jetbridge instead of baggage claim) generally isn't offered on this particular aircraft type.
With regard to your overall question, I believe your guitar case would significantly exceed the current requirements listed at AA.com for carry on bags, whether RJ or mainline.
Additionally, since most standard-size carry-on bags do fit in the overhead bins of the E175, valet tag service (checking the bag at the gate and receiving it on the jetbridge instead of baggage claim) generally isn't offered on this particular aircraft type.
About the case size, from the link you posted:
Musical instruments are also considered a carry-on item and must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Perhaps I'll give AA a call but still hope that someone will be along to clarify.
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: London, UK
Posts: 70
Thanks, if I had to pay for a whole seat, I simply wouldn't bring it with. Hoping to find out if anyone can shed daylight in whether it would even fit in the overheads on that plane.
#6
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 910
You are at the mercy of the crew but I have noticed that most crews go out of the way to find space for instruments. Most e170 still have a small closet in the front but often times the crew has their luggage in there. As for the bins the first class bins you can just get a roller bag in with wheels to the back so about 22 deep and you can usually get four bags in a bin so assume something like 14 x 4. The larger bins are over the two seat side in first, coach you need to put the bag in the other way I am guessing depth to be about 18 inches and length 42 or so. I notice most instruments that go back to coach come back to the front for help finding space so I am guessing it is a tough fit.
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: London, UK
Posts: 70
You are at the mercy of the crew but I have noticed that most crews go out of the way to find space for instruments. Most e170 still have a small closet in the front but often times the crew has their luggage in there. As for the bins the first class bins you can just get a roller bag in with wheels to the back so about 22 deep and you can usually get four bags in a bin so assume something like 14 x 4. The larger bins are over the two seat side in first, coach you need to put the bag in the other way I am guessing depth to be about 18 inches and length 42 or so. I notice most instruments that go back to coach come back to the front for help finding space so I am guessing it is a tough fit.
#8
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: DSM
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 120
To at least provide you a data point, I was boarding SEA-ORD this past Friday, on a 737, and a guy boarding a couple spots ahead of me (it wasn't you, was it?) had a contoured guitar case and he was allowed to put it in the coat closet at the front of First Class. This was Group 4, I didn't pay attention to whether he then sat in First Class or Main Cabin. I remember thinking to myself, what would he have done if there wasn't space available in that closet?
Larger plane, but at least an indication that they should let you put it in the closet if there is space available anyways.
Larger plane, but at least an indication that they should let you put it in the closet if there is space available anyways.
#10
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: AUS / GRK
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If you are interested in the extra seat, we have a lengthy thread on that subject here:
Booking two seats / extra seat for person or object (EXST, XTRASEAT)
Thanks!
Booking two seats / extra seat for person or object (EXST, XTRASEAT)
Thanks!
#11
Join Date: Feb 2018
Programs: Hyatt Lifetime Globalist
Posts: 649
It will not fit overhead. Either buy the extra seat, plan to check it, or leave it home.
Don't don't want to see the otherwise inevitable thread - "Mean Flight Attendant refused to find a place for my guitar! Gate checked! Now broken from being in baggage hold! AA sucks!"
Don't don't want to see the otherwise inevitable thread - "Mean Flight Attendant refused to find a place for my guitar! Gate checked! Now broken from being in baggage hold! AA sucks!"
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: London, UK
Posts: 70
To at least provide you a data point, I was boarding SEA-ORD this past Friday, on a 737, and a guy boarding a couple spots ahead of me (it wasn't you, was it?) had a contoured guitar case and he was allowed to put it in the coat closet at the front of First Class. This was Group 4, I didn't pay attention to whether he then sat in First Class or Main Cabin. I remember thinking to myself, what would he have done if there wasn't space available in that closet?
Larger plane, but at least an indication that they should let you put it in the closet if there is space available anyways.
Larger plane, but at least an indication that they should let you put it in the closet if there is space available anyways.
Yes, I read that too. Hence the question in my OP about how big are the overhead bins on these planes.
If you are interested in the extra seat, we have a lengthy thread on that subject here:
Booking two seats / extra seat for person or object (EXST, XTRASEAT)
Thanks!
Booking two seats / extra seat for person or object (EXST, XTRASEAT)
Thanks!
It will not fit overhead. Either buy the extra seat, plan to check it, or leave it home.
Don't don't want to see the otherwise inevitable thread - "Mean Flight Attendant refused to find a place for my guitar! Gate checked! Now broken from being in baggage hold! AA sucks!"
Don't don't want to see the otherwise inevitable thread - "Mean Flight Attendant refused to find a place for my guitar! Gate checked! Now broken from being in baggage hold! AA sucks!"
I don't think it's inevitable that I will be irrational and unfair, don't worry about such a thread being created.
#14
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Vale of Glamorgan
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 3,149
Whatever happens on Wednesday (and I have my fingers crossed for a good outcome for you) please do come back and tell us, so that others might find the thread useful in future. Too many people come here for advice and are then never heard from again, and we have no idea how or whether their particular issue was resolved.
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: London, UK
Posts: 70
Whatever happens on Wednesday (and I have my fingers crossed for a good outcome for you) please do come back and tell us, so that others might find the thread useful in future. Too many people come here for advice and are then never heard from again, and we have no idea how or whether their particular issue was resolved.