I don't have a musical instrument, but if I did you bet your ass I'd be keeping it in my sight rather than let the cargo handlers beat the absolute shit out of it.

If overhead bins are for anything, they should be for important things like that.

The reason overhead space is so crowded in the first place is because airlines have created a perverse pricing structure which charges extortionately for checked luggage and encourages everyone to take the biggest carry-ons they can.

Would you trust your instrument to be stored under the plane? I don't have a problem with people bringing fragile items into the cabin. That doesn't mean it's his main character moment to pull it out and dazzle a (literally) captive audience.

You’re kinda a dick if you do. A guitar will take up an entire bin that is for a row of three people.

If you ask nicely, you might get a flight attendant who can put it in the closet at the front of the aircraft usually reserved for business class.

Otherwise get a hard case and check it with your fingers crossed.

I have seen instruments on board but I dont think you can just "take a whole overhead bin" without having permission to take something larger then a normal carry-on with you. I bet they charge you more than double what a normal carry-on would set you back.

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