I'll be flying to Malaysia from Bangladesh to join Uni on the 19th or 20th this month. I have an Ibanez Electric guitar. I was wondering if I can bring it as carry-on. I have heard about all the horror stories of instruments breaking. Hard-case isn't an option as they break the guitar anyways and those cases aren't cheap.

I was wondering which Airlines allow carrying of guitar. I tried contacting Malindo Air since they have the lowest duration flight, but, they can't reply to me unless they get flight number. But I'm not even sure which allows guitar as carry-on. All I know is AirAsia doesn't allow.

Anyone can share advice and/or experience?

yes you can...in a soft guitar bag

What is stopping you from providing Malindo Air with the flight number (DAC-KUL OD 161/163/165 etc.) and finding out if they will allow you bring it onboard the aircraft?

Or just go to http://www.malindoair.com/faqs and search for "guitar" where it's stated that "small instruments e.g. a guitar, violin, saxophone, these items can be taken on board as hand carry (subject to hand carry limitations on size and weight)". It's really not difficult to query the airlines directly and find out.

And in a worst case scenario, during checking in and being issued the boarding pass, the attendant could request that you purchase another seat for the guitar (very unlikely, but possible) or request that you check the guitar in with your luggage (more likely). In which case, either have a reliable guitar flight case on standby, or have someone take your guitar back home. Usually most airlines will allow you to bring your guitar in a gig bag (soft case) into the cabin.

You can also opt to dismantle the guitar neck from the body and bring it in your bag; have an appropriate short screwdriver handy for this eventuality.

What Malindo replies...


This is the problem. They don't mention size. They've put the guitar alongside a violin and saxophone. I concluded that they meant ukelele or baby sized guitars. I can't even get a reply from them about this confusion.

I don't think I can afford extra seats all the time. If this was a one-time thing I wouldn't need to ask here. I'd need to go back & forth with my guitar during semester breaks.

As for the last option, it's a set neck so it isn't possible.

imo, just buy a used one here...then sell it off before u leave.

and they do mention size...
http://www.malindoair.com/the-malindo-experience/baggage2

as for airasia...same too with mas...do a search here and u'll probably find ppl who said they managed to get the stewards to store it in their cabin.
but it was awhile ago...things may have changed since then.

This post has been edited by Everdying: Sep 4 2017, 11:23 AM

I also think that you ought to buy an inexpensive used guitar (and a decent portable battery powered amp, like a Roland Micro Cube) in Malaysia.

If you like Ibanez guitars, then just get another one but with a bolt-on neck for added convenience, flexibility for your future trips to and fro.

If you're studying on campus, it would be better to get an inexpensive guitar, due to the risk of loss due to theft or damage.

I saw a guy carrying his guitar case on my flight

Which airline?