Flying with classical guitar

[jster]

So what is the deal these days flying with a (classical) guitar. Specifically SAS. They say you can carry musical instruments on, but they can't exceed the carry on dimensions of 55x40x23cm. But I wonder how strict they are about that. Last time I travelled with a guitar, RyanAir, the McDonalds of air travel charged me extra to check it. But previous to that, I was always able to take on my axe plus my regular carry on. So what is the deal these days? And how do guys friggin acoustic bass players get their instrument around?

Thanks in advance.

[Archtop Bill]

I used to fly a lot with my classical guitars. At the time I used a Mark Leaf travel case. The thing was indestructible and I just checked the instrument rather than going through the hassle of trying to carry it on. Over the years I saw number of guitarists being faced with the disappointment of NOT being able to carry the instrument on and stowing it in the overhead. I felt far better off to assume it would be in the cargo hold in a solid airtight case.

Mark Leaf went out of business about a decade ago, but there are other airline cases on the market that are actually lighter than the Mark Leaf. It was a bear to lug.