I flew from Hong Kong to Heathrow with a carry on + git in a soft case. I phoned the airline before hand and they said it was the discression of the crew. When I got to check-in the person on the desk said I had to check it in there, but I insisted and they checked with two supervisors. They said the crew had final say and I might have to check it in at the gate. The third eventually gave me the special oversized tag which let me get it through secutiry.
The flight was full, I joined the line over half way through boarding and the crew at the gate didn't bat an eyelid. I just got on and there was enough space dispite the flight being full.
I'm guessing the check in staff don't check that many guitars in, so some of them don't know what to do. I'd say, be confident that it's normal practice, if they hear doubt in your voice they'll also question their judgement. If they start to question it and go on to ask "have done this before", just say "yea I do it all the time" They're trying to validate their thinking. Agree that the crew have final say and that you'll check it in at the gate if necessary.
I'm not sure how to do battle with the people at the gate if there's trouble, I fortunatly haven't had that experience yet.
Mel.
The flight was full, I joined the line over half way through boarding and the crew at the gate didn't bat an eyelid. I just got on and there was enough space dispite the flight being full.
I'm guessing the check in staff don't check that many guitars in, so some of them don't know what to do. I'd say, be confident that it's normal practice, if they hear doubt in your voice they'll also question their judgement. If they start to question it and go on to ask "have done this before", just say "yea I do it all the time" They're trying to validate their thinking. Agree that the crew have final say and that you'll check it in at the gate if necessary.
I'm not sure how to do battle with the people at the gate if there's trouble, I fortunatly haven't had that experience yet.
Mel.