Hawaiian Air - Musical Instruments - Japanese KOTO

[Green Eyed Hapa]

Going to to Kauai 4/20-29 on Hawaiian Air and staying at Marriott Waiohai Beach Club (Yeah! Got an II exchange using our Ko Olina lock-out). Anybody ever taken a large instrument as carry-on to be stowed in closet ? I play a Japanese harp called a Koto ( 6 ft long by 1.5 wide) and want to bring to Kauai.

Mahlao,
Debbie-Keola

 

[jehb2]

I'm sorry I don't have an answer for you. But I just wanted to say that is so cool. I lived in Japan and studied the Taisho-koto. The koto is not an instrument I have heard mentioned stateside and in combination with timeshares I just got really excited.

Have you talked to any other koto owners who have flown with their instrument?

 

[Passepartout]

It may be very expensive to take your instrument. If you are not comfortable with it going into the baggage hold (and it's oversize and will generate extra charge there, too), you will have to purchase a seat for it. This is what cello or bass players have to do. Might it be possible to rent a similar instrument to play while you are in Hawaii? That would appear to be a lower cost solution. Airlines are very strict with carry-on dimensions and there is just not the closet space for something so bulky.

Jim

 

[whatsburning]

All airlines are pretty strict about carry-on size limits, although I've seen some passengers stretch the limits of their suitcases beyond that limit before.

However, I don't think a six ft. bag will be mistaken for a three ft bag anytime soon. Like Passepartout said, the only way you'll get that into the main cabin is to buy an extra seat ticket.

I travel with skis and snowboards often, and I know most airlines waive oversize bag fees for certain items as checked bags. Would your instrument fall under this condition? As long as it's a hard case, would it be safe?