They left my guitar on the conveyor about three meters outta reach I had to climb into the conveyor and crawl to my guitar shchipol airport . Joke they also dropped it I saw from the window of the plane . I had to check it in fir an extra fee
Thanks for all the kind words. I'd slept four hours the night before and then had a long travel day and then found out they'd lost the guitar. I'm not one to throw fits, but I was probably too tired to throw a fit anyway. You can probably tell I'm a bit beat up in the video, but I'm glad the story had a happy ending.
OTIS, hell that is not surprising. But your grace under pressure is stellar. Character counts when the going gets rough. You are the perfect gentleman as always. Yeah in Amsterdam terminal and elsewhere I am the one in the line asked to go aside for a random check. Guitar in hand (cheap soft nylon bag as skinny single carry on item), I ALWAYS get those random checks. Additionally my Harley t-shirt and/or cheetah print small backpack stimulate security folk. At a NY airport the police detained me for 15 min. after using the excuse they didn't see me pick up an additional bag at the belt. While they took my passport and viewed a computer screen, they said they saw several identical names but not my passport number. Not funny their bully bluffing. I dispelled stress by discussing my latest ride with one of them: 2007 Softail Custom, all original. "They don't make them like that anymore" --Riley Green song. He's in Alabama and another one of my top 5 heroes. Much love to you, my good man. Keep on truckin!
I played the Martin "You Are My Sunshine" was recorded on at a guy`s house in 2016. A couple of guys high on drugs got it out of the case without permission and broke the neck up near the headstock. Man that guitar played well. I didn`t feel right even holding such an expensive instrument.
Couldn’t get the measurements done in time for a Carlton Case ended up with a CrossRock case for my Emerald X-30-12 with a Casadillio cover. I knew I’d never be able to board with my jumbo carbon guitar, had fragile stickers placed by the baggage attendant and baggage check it to Hawaii for my daughter’s wedding. Went well. But I’d not do it with my D-35!
I can’t imagine even owning a D 28 martin let alone having a D 28 Martin and losing it. You probably have one of the best attitudes a person could have. I’m really glad you got your guitar back.
Got a buddy with a 1960 or 61 Les Paul black beauty. It’s been stolen twice and found it’s way back to the owner. Once from a neighboring state pawn shop, when it was spotted by a collector friend of his and purchased back! And amazingly the last time he got it back from an addict who lived next door. He robbed the house. After hearing my friends plea to help find it, the fellow returned it for free! It’s a magic guitar apparently.
I can't remember the comedian's name but the joke goes like this. He walks up to the baggage counter with three suitcases and says I want to send this bag to Miami, this one to los Angeles and this one to Honolulu. The baggage clerk says we can't do that sir and comedian says why not? You did it yesterday! So glad you got it back... Great stories!
Otis, your story made me so nuts. I am using the Apple air tags and you can track your bags in real time from your phone. Best 100 bucks for 4 of them. Well worth being able to tell these folks exactly where your guitar is at. Peace of mind brother! Stay well.
@@bayougtr I’m actually curious about this story now, did you track the guitar tech just taking your guitar all over? Did he try to steal it and you tracked him down? The suspense..
Last 2 times I took my 2 different guitars to different shops for tech work there were significant damages. I'm just doing my own tech work going forward.
Not airline, but have a good little tale that's close enough to the topic. .... I have this ring that was given to my dad from his dad. If people ask I say it's like the watch in Pulp Fiction 😉. ... I also have a crucifix necklace. Took care of my dieing father back at the end of '08/early '09. He wanted to die at home, so I moved in with him back then. ... When he was getting really bad/not himself anymore I found the necklace in his nightstand drawer, put it on him, & removed it after he passed on May 8, 2009. ... Wear it daily since. ... Means a lot to me. Anyhow, back in the 2015 area I ran a leadership program called Youth In Progress for teens in foster care & mental health services here in Cape Cod MA. ... Took the group swimming at a local pond one afternoon & left both the family ring & necklace behind. ... Went back that night to look for it & no luck. Was devastated. Can even feel the inner sickness it brought as I'm typing this now. SUCKED. About three months later on a Saturday afternoon I was feeling extra guilty/horrible about it & thought of a last ditch effort. ... I'm not the most tech savvy dude, so asked my better half to put up a craigslist add on it. ... When she went to do so there was an add just recently posted already on there with a lady talking about her husband finding a ring & a necklace with a metal detector on the very same shore of the pond I had lost em at ✨🎉. ... They had posted their add that same exact morning we checked. ... The odds?!?!?!?!? Couldn't believe it!! Was SO excited & relieved. ... The people were super nice as well. ... Tried to give them like $40 or $50 & they refused to take it. To this day I'm still very much grateful for their efforts & kindness 🎉😃🙏. .... Have been extra careful with both items evvah since. Fortunate to say the least.
So glad for the happy ending Otis! This happened to me on a Delta flight from SFO to their hub in ATL, Memorial day weekend 2005. SFO gate-checked my Collings (in a Calton). It felt safe enough, and I already knew the plane would be full. When I got off the plane it wasn't waiting for me by the strollers and I was seriously panicked. I was traveling to a dear friend's wedding. I did not raise my voice, but I was shaking when I inquired at the bottom of the jetway. The gate agent was super kind and had a golfcart waiting for me outside the train area to hastily drive me to the oversize baggage section. I could see the bright school bus yellow fiberglass from a long distance away. Whew! The wedding was beautiful, and my friend was the most gorgeous bride! And when I flew home the gate agent remembered me. She was thrilled to see my guitar, she upgraded me to First Class AND walked me on the plane before all the fancy passengers boarded. My guitar went in the crew closet for the flight home.
Hey Otis, love your story’s. I always fly with my guitar. Usually, everyone with the airline is usually nice and allows me to carry it on. But, when boarding one fight the flight attendant checking the tickets said, I have to check my guitar. She handed me a strap for the guitar and a ticket and told me to check it. When walking down the ramp, I put the strap and ticket in my pocket and walked right in with my guitar and boarded, no questions asked. I brought a GS Mini and it fits in the overhead, I didn’t see any harm.
Flew my old Tele 3 times in 90s to L. Coast - heavy duty hard case with whole roll of Gorilla Tape wrapped around it. Seen too many baggage handlers literally throw em' from the cart into the plane. Least they didn't steal it, as so much obvious precaution sure let's somebody know there's something of value there. 1 trip, case was beat to hell in matter of few hrs. boarding and flight, but the old Tele was fine.
My second time flying was in 1986 (first time also). When I arrived at Greenville airport in South Carolina my guitar was missing. They told me that it went on another plane and was somehow in NYC. They told me that it would be delivered to my hotel in Spartanburg on Monday (this was Sunday). Monday comes and I go into the office and still no guitar. Tuesday comes and there is a message in my room that my guitar was in the office and to come and pick it up. When I get to the office and see the case I know that it's not my guitar. My guitar was electric and this was a soft shell acoustic. So I called the airline, told them it was the wrong guitar which was a cheap classical guitar and had them come and pick it up. Two days later the motel office tells me that my guitar is in the office again. And lo and behold it's the right guitar. I had insurance on my guitar and I had the case wrapped and taped with wooden strapping as a precaution. The classical that they tried to give me was probably worth less than $200 whereas my guitar was one of Bernie Rico's handmade B.C. Rich Koa Mockingbirds that I ordered in 1979 and waited a couple of months to have made.
Hi Otis, very worrisome story. You had me on the edge of my seat! My story: About 1986, I was flying from Harrisburg PA to Boston, thinking I would start a band up there with a friend. I had two guitars and an amp. Hardshell cases, plus wrapped in cardboard. A 1980 Les Paul goldtop standard and a 1981 "The Strat", lake placid blue. I checked them into luggage, then went aboard to a window seat. I watched the luggage train make its way across the tarmack to the plane and noticed my gear was at the far end of the cars. I observed them start at the other end loading the luggage into the plane. When they finally got to the end and only my gear was left on the train, they got back in a drove away with my stuff. I immediately went to the Captain's cabin, knocked on the door and told them what happened. They said they'd make a call. Finally after about 10 or 15 minutes they returned and, I imagine, reluctantly loaded the gear in the plane. It was outright attempted theft, and if I had not seen them do it I never would have seen those guitars again and nobody would have known what happened to them. Anyway, my girlfriend is a musician too, and when they tell her she has to check her guitar in she cries and it always works.
I'm not a big traveler but was obliged to fly to Grand Rapids 2-3 times a year and being that it was for work we had to take cheap flights which meant going through Chicago and four trips in a row I had my luggage lost. The place I worked sold all manner of goods and the destination in Grand Rapids was the main warehouse so after I arrived for trip #3 with a single change of clothes in my carry on the warehouse staff presented me with several emergency outfits which would be classified in the tie-dye / fleece categories. I looked like a business Dead Head, but it was one of the sweetest things folks have ever done for me at work. Not to mention very comfy.
I'm soooo happy you got your guitar back.Ive never had a guild D35 again. I have no money, and I've had 2 heart attacks and I'm on ss now .so sad I am.
Flew to Germany some years back with Ryanair and took my banjo on the plane no problem,two weeks later when i was returning to Ireland, guy at check told it was totally against company rules to bring my instrument onto the plane, had to pay extra for it to ride with all the other luggage and it was in a soft case, so when i was going onto the plane there was nobody there to take my instrument so it was next to me for the flight and nobody working on the plane said anything to me,so happy to hear you got it back
An SKB Flight case didn't stop the TSA from opening the case upside down and dropping my son's SG. When it was dropped the neck broke at the nut. Then they tried removing a pickup. I suppose they were checking for drugs or some sort of contraband. He now travels with a Reunion Blues soft travel case and carries his guitar on flights. If he's forced to gate check the guitar he will. So far when he has had to gate check the guitar has been handed to him at the gate when he leaves the plane. Gate checking his carry-on with his travel pedal board rig hasn't been without damage though.
We are thanking our Good Lord over here in America for you, Mr. Gibbs! We miss and appreciate you so much! Hope to see you back in North Carolina one day!
Thank God you got that baby back. Oh man, these are the stories that will probably prevent me from ever seeing Europe. I don't like flying anyway. I'm 43 and the guitar I'll be buried with is the first guitar I got as a Christmas present when I was 13 - it's a Yamaha FG 401 - a total beginner guitar that was probably 2 or 300 bucks brand new - but I've played it every single day for the last 30 years - and I love it - and it sounds like me - and no other guitar will ever replace it. It's basically fretless at this point, but no matter how many other guitars I play - my electric Gibsons and Fenders - when I pick that guitar back up - it feels like home. If it got lost today, maybe I'd get over it if I lived to be 100, but I can't swear to it.
I’m relieved you got your beloved instrument back. A few years ago I purchased one of those cheap Martin acoustics and a Made in Mexico Fender Telecaster, perfect for fly dates, if broken or lost no sleepless nights. Leave my vintage guitars at home.
Your approach of being super nice when dealing with stressful situations is really on point. It took me a while to fully appreciate it in my life - if anything, to save the anger for the execs that make policy choices that cause the root issue! So glad you got it back!!!
Man Otis my guts were in a knot listening to this. Same exact thing happened to me, only it wuz stateside in Philly, American Airlines. I know that relief you felt when you got yer axe back in one piece.
My heart was in my mouth until I saw your guitar in the frame! I don’t know how you could be so nice? I would have been raising cane! But I’m so glad for you that you got your guitar back! I would have been sick had I been in your situation. You are kind, kind man!
Otis, happy for you, it ended well. I once had an Epi dread that I put down in a parking lot after a gig. Didn't notice the car next to me backing out over it... somehow, it stayed intact, thanks to its hard case. I decided right there to name it Lazarus! Love your cool videos, best wishes from Maryland
Otis - my man! You lucky and/or blessed bugger - you WON. I was holding my breath all the way thru your story. Good Lord, a D-28! Unreal. I will not fly with an instrument - ever. I had a Fender Villager 12 string when I was in the Navy in '72. Those weren't known as fabulous guitars, but this one was - like the old Student Prince Kottke sings about. It was a gem. In the military, you flew standby, and it got on the plane, but I didn't. It was stolen off the carousel in Philly. Broke my heart 10X over, and I've never found another like it. I have 37 guitars now - some vintage and expensive - most just good players between 1 - 3K $ in value. But that doesn't matter - they're like my children - and unless they're going to be in my hands or by my side, they stay home. For traveling and playing, I use a few trusty old beaters. If I have to fly and play, I call ahead and rent. So happy your Baby came home!
Wow, what a roller coaster ride. I am so glad you got the guitar back!! It was a good you flew KLM. They usually take care of their customers. FWIW, Martins prices in Europe are really high. A new D-28 is €3500.
if that was me there would have been a small mushroom cloud over Schipol Airport within the first minute as the top of my head blew off. I take my hat off (no pun intended) to this man, anymore laid back and he'd be horizontal.
You are far more patient and calm than I am, and I am glad it worked out. I would have used words like theft, sue, priceless, antique, and those are just the nice words. You made me sweat with this story. I hope you have the guitar insured and never have to check it again.
Otis: My wife and I were in that airport on the 14th of last month. We saw several mountains of lost luggage as large as houses . It was obvious that the luggage had been there for some time. The airport seemed to be working at over capacity and was a very chaotic environment. You are fortunate to have been reunited with your guitar. Our flight back to the US was cancelled. We sat in Amsterdam from 9 am to 9.45 pm only to end up flying to Munich, staying in a hotel overnight and then back to the US the next day. Hope your remaining time on tour goes smoothly.
Otis, I am so appreciative of the teaching you do. Being kind and accepting is something we all need to practice. We have no control over what comes at us in life we do have control over how we respond to it. Thank you. I am glad that you and your guitar were ultimately reunited. “Let there be songs to fill the air”
I had a mini bass stolen off a flight coming home through JFK here in NY. Glad you got yours back. This was a tiny bass that was perfect for travel and practice on trips and they still made me check it. Got back and I'm waiting for it to come down with the luggage.. waiting waiting and nope. Never comes. So I go to an office they had set up at JFK for missing luggage/items. There's a bunch of people in there already and they say if I don't hear from them in a few days I have to fill out a claim form to get reimbursed. I'll be honest...I paid about $100 for this bass. It was only for keeping my fingers warm. But I was bummed and I'm sure it was stolen by one of the baggage workers cause JFK was notorious for that. So I got a friend to write a letter that I purchased the now fender jazz bass from him for $1000 and they paid me. This was around 20-25 years ago. Nowadays I'd be hesitant to lie about the value but back then I was pissed and felt like 1000 bucks was fair compensation for the stress and trauma they caused. I really would have rather had the bass. I think I did purchase a nice bass with the money but it was still a bummer losing the mini bass.
In 1973, I flew from Michigan to Florida and airlines lost my Ovation Legend. I wrote it off for gone and began the mourning process. A day later the airlines found it and delivered to where I was staying. Still have it today and God is Good cuz it made it with a soft case and duct tape!
I saw Guy and Townes at the Ark. Townes opened and it was clear he was in decline. It was very dark. Guy and Travis (on bass) came out and blew the room away. That was in October. Townes passed on New Year's Day. Great songwriters in my book.
I once flew from Portland to S.F. with my Jazzmaster in a cardboard and fake leather (orig Fender) case padded with shag carpeting(I was poor then) .Talked them into putting it in the forward coat closet...But on the return flight they refused and my mate and I took the dog(Greyhound) home...ah yes..So glad you got the Martin back .Safe travels my friend!
I once checked a guitar (a cheap one) that was in a soft case. While we were waiting on the tarmac at O'Hare, I watched a baggage handler literally throw the guitar into the baggage compartment. I figured I would have a case full of toothpicks when I arrived at my destination. Much to my surprise, there was not a scratch and the thing was still in tune. It is a testament to the durability of a $150 Alvarez.
First guitar I ever had on flight from Austin to Midland, was made to check at the gate, in the older style past board case. Asked them to treat as fragile, saw it coming off the plane with several suitcases on top. Thankfully the guitar was not damaged but the case had rip in one side!
So I bought myself a travel guitar a Taylor GS Mini and put a JJB UST pickup in it and swapped pins to ebony. It sounds pretty amazing and gets the job done for a travel axe. Never had an issue cuz of the size always travels on the plane with me. Not like my Gibsons but she does the trick and never has to leave me.
Otis I get the feeling you're a the glass is half full kind of person. I'm glad there was a happy ending to guitar gate. Safe travels over there thanks for keeping us in the loop.☮❤🎸
wow glad you got it back. Ive been there a lot too over the years. I always try the same approach to carrying it on. Last time I traveled with a nice guitar, I took a special old 50s j-45 cause I had to play at a funeral (I knew the departed liked that guitar so i wanted to use it), but they made me check it at the door. when sitting down later I look out the window and I watch the baggage guys throw my og 50s case onto the belt from like 5 feet away. Somehow nothing happened but I prob should get one of those super cases for it. I remember a guy in Nashville showing me a case in the 90s, where he claimed he put his d-28 in it and threw it off a parking garage and then pull it out and its still in tune. I once also had a 335 that left perfect and arrived with a popped headstock. Huge drag at the time, but I ended up getting a fabulous guitar out of that situation that I never travel with.
I've only had my luggage lost once and it was also going to Schipol. My first time in Europe in the 90s. They told me it ended up in Bologna. I only had my carry on stuff in Amsterdam. I got it back, they delivered it to my friend's apartment the next day I think, maybe 2 days later. Luckily I haven't had a problem since then. I'm glad you got your Martin back! That was a big scare for sure!
Wow.. what a horror story, Otis. You’re kindness and patience are to be rewarded, my friend. Whoa… that was close. The ending helped me pull a tear back into my eye duct.
I gotta call bullshit on klm. There’s no reason for you to have to check it. I’ve had this happen to me only as I came down the runway to the plane I ripped off the gate check sticker and carried the guitar right on the plane and didn’t check it. I’ve had it lost once long ago and it sucks. So glad you got it back but I am unhappy you even had to deal with all the BS. Have a great tour
Whew… I was flying back from a private New Years eve gig in Barbados in 2004, and the airline managed to misplace my beloved Fender Strat. For 24 hours. I was beside myself. Happy it worked out for you! Btw Otis, I love your channel.
Wow Otis! That’s awful! You must have been stressed to the max! I came back from Nashville in 93 with my Les Paul Deluxe that I’d taken out there with me. Customs accused me of buying it in the US. Luckily I managed to get the proprietor of my local music shop to speak to Customs and confirm I’d purchased it from him! They reluctantly let me through! Not a pleasant experience! Glad you got your guitar back!
The fact you remained calm and nice likely made this all work easier for you....watching other people getting mad and yelling, seems to never work out for them....and like you said, not person x's fault...but man, the people on these airlines should have a better capacity to deal with and take guitars! I read that Tommy Prine had one of his dad's guitars and an airline broke it (after John's death)....absolutely ridiculous.
At first i didn't want to watch this because i knew it would anger me ( having a bad day) but i'm glad i did cause the outcome was just fantastic and it turned my day around as well so thanks for that Otis and really happy it turned out well for you.
I hope you get it back, my friend. This is a painful story to hear! In 1988, summer between my 5th and 6th grade year, my great uncle in California gave me two banjos. We lived in Kentucky. Anybody remember TWA? We packed those banjos through the airport at San Jose, St.Louis, and Louisville and stuffed them in the overhead compartments with no problems. My shoulders were about to break as a kid packing them home, but we made it and I still have one of them. Glad I never had to check them, because unbeknownst to me at the time, the one still have was pretty special. Ever heard of a Bruno banjo?
Man! I just needed to watch longer! This story just got happy! Dude, you have the coolest temper...I can only imagine that "darker side of me" coming out.
Love what you do from up in Canada ,what a talent you share with your music before you share all the amazing interviews and deep knowledge of our music ,thanks man
Wow!!! You are one of the most understanding/ passive people walking. I understand you not wanting to cause a row at the airport for something that petty. But to get to the other end and the guitar not be there would be such a let down. But you calmly went through hell and got it back. I have a few guitars and they aren’t that expensive, one is a Gibson ES335 that my paid about 5000 for but I couldn’t imagine losing it like that. You are an inspiration in keeping your cool. Good luck with the rest of the tour. I’m still watching for a show in Oklahoma. God bless
I have been fortunate to have had no issues on the few instances that I’ve traveled with my guitar. I want to suggest using AirTags. I haven’t done so yet, but I’m heard their praises more than once. Congratulations and good luck with the tour.
Hey Otis, I had a similar situation. I play the Highland Bagpipes, and was bringing them with me to Scotland. They were in a pipe case, about 30" X 12". At the ticket desk I was told I could not bring them into the plane cabin, but would have to check them at the gate, to be put into the cargo hold. The agent put a long bar-code sticky tape through the handle of the case, and told me to give the case to the flight attendant at the gate. I wrapped that bar-code tape around the handle and covered it with my hand, and took my pipes onto the plane as carry-on luggage...no problem. Coming back from Scotland to America I simply carried them onboard, with nobody telling me I had to check them at the gate. So like you said, the rules are quite inconsistent. :)
I bought this one way back when thinking it would be one I wouldn't have to worry about traveling with. Now after all these years I'm thinking I should maybe leave it at home. Damndest thing. : )
That's so frustrating man but glad you got it back. You should throw an apple air tag or the android equivalent in your guitar case and you can pin point where it is if it doesn't turn up at the other end
Glad you got your D-28 back! As a side note, if you are every near Nazareth, Pennsylvania, the Martin factory tour and museum is definitely worth a visit! All the best!
Ugh man that sucks so bad. I would've been a lot more angry than you were, especially the fact that they didn't acknowledge that you checked it. I'm so glad that they found it in the aftermath, but what an absolute headache!
Hi Otis, yep been there a few times over the years so feel for you !!! - before I retired I worked for an international Scandinavian owned company, flew many many miles for my job over 18 yrs - My first couple weeks at work I had to visit the big boss in Finland - it was a 3 flight journey from Newcastle & yes you guessed right my case was lost so I rocked up to the management meeting in my casuals clothes I had traveled in & the bosses shook hands & said we like your Scandinavian style of dress for the meeting normally you British wear suits & ties for meetings :) - suitcase arrived that evening safe & sound - hope tour goes well Otis cheers Steve
I would have lost it, truly, if this had happened to the flute I saved every penny for, waited for two years to be made, and that was put into my hands in 1975. A flute is small though ~ I can carry it over my shoulder! [or put it with my purse in a reusable grocery bag airplane carryon tote ~ LOL!] I worry tho, that I might forget it somewhere, sometime, you know. Your instrument is like family. So glad you got it back ~~ some baggage handler clearly had second thoughts and brought it back to the airport ~~ or was persuaded to do so by the airline. I’m so glad it seems OK.
1967 Lost my Gibson J 200 on flight from Nashville to Toronto .Some how it ended up in Chicago and 3 days later it was delivered by taxi to me in Hamilton Ont Canada in Toronto area .All I got left of that baby is the original hard case .Yes I traded it in after 25 yrs not knowing of Brazilian Rose Wood at the time
Glad you got your guitar back Otis. I had to check an electric guitar on a flight years ago...It came out on the luggage belt and thank goodness I had a hard shell case. The guitar was fine but the case had a deep 2 foot long scratch down the front face and was beaten up perty good.
I’m glad you got it back, what a terrible experience. I have a D-28 so I really can relate. I guess I won’t be travelling on a plane with it anytime soon. Would love to hear you play it and I hope you don’t find anything wrong with it .
I'm glad they were able to get it back to you! Did they give you an explanation of why it never showed being scanned,or where they found it? I hope they gave you some kind of compensation for all the trouble you were put through! Hopefully this doesn't happen again!❤👍
Some of my friends travel quite a bit and I’m always hearing about the luggage locks being ripped off and things missing . As for guitars I’d just hide a AirTag -so glad you got that back .
Oh, Otis! Your guitar is everything! I haven’t viewed your whole video yet, but I sure hope there’s a happy ending. Smart about the checking where the guitar had been scanned. Oh my.
I'm so sorry for you Otis.. I hope you have a better time for the rest of your tour in Europe.. Sending some good vibes your way. Life's a roller-coaster and things can turn around real quick
I have a minor collection of Martin guitars with two D-28's. I can almost guarantee that either one of them would disappear if I were to take a guitar with me on an airplane. I'd be terribly upset if one of them were to be lost. Airports are known for losing baggage and musical instruments but everybody knows that. I'm glad that you got your guitar back.
Glad to see you holding the Martin again, KLM should have hired a taxi to transport your guitar over to you, stories such as this remind me of the Dale Watson song "Tiger Airways ".
Dude, ... not even my guitar & I felt sick inside. Awfulness. .... So happy that it showed up 🎉. ... Patience tis indeed a virtue. Nice that it paid off 😃
Many years ago I knew a guy that said he had worked as a baggage handler. He told me all about a time he came across a nice guitar at work and how he got away with stealing it. That’s always made me think twice about flying.
Man I am glad you got it back. I thought that it possibly got stolen, and I also have seen them get damaged, even in the hard case. I would insist that I be able to take it on the plane with me, or I would get a decent guitar to bring instead to do my gigs. God Bless
Great to hear you got it back Otis. Sorry I couldn't make San Sebastian, just a lil too far for me. Hopefully Barcelona next time. Much love to you Otis, hope the tours a good one! Martin
Not an airline story - but last year I had to ship my custom built Kenny Hill classical guitar across the US for some work on it. I’ve had it since 2020 and have played a couple thousand gigs, taught several thousands of lessons and recorded with that instrument. It’s become an appendage. FedEx lost it. After a few weeks it was found buried in the back of a subcontractor’s facility. FedEx is non union, and uses subcontractors to cut costs. Call me FedUp with FedEx. It came home without incident in a timely manner via UPS (which is unionized).
I carried on all my Camera gear on flights all around the world. I TOTALLY understand. But, believe me, I have made some scenes in the 20 years I did it. For the most part, people were VERY accommodating (you know, their job).
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Upcoming Tour Dates
09/09/22 -San Sebastien, Spain
09/11/22 -Amen, Netherlandsde
09/15/22 -Utrecht, Netherlands
09/16/22 -Westwoud, Netherlandsde
09/18/22 -Rotterdam, Netherlands
09/20/22. -Groningen, Netherlands
09/22/22 -Gladsaxe, Denmark
09/23/22. -Frederikshavn, Denmark
10/28/22 -Kansas City, Missouri
10/29/22 -Omaha, Nebraska
10/30/22. -Des Moines, Iowa
10/31/22. -Eau Claire, Wisconsin
otisgibbs.com/tour-dates/
Lucky Break OG
Wow,you're gonna be one busy man!
OMG. Pretty sure you had a vintage with Brazilian rosewood
They left my guitar on the conveyor about three meters outta reach I had to climb into the conveyor and crawl to my guitar shchipol airport . Joke they also dropped it I saw from the window of the plane . I had to check it in fir an extra fee
Thanks for all the kind words. I'd slept four hours the night before and then had a long travel day and then found out they'd lost the guitar. I'm not one to throw fits, but I was probably too tired to throw a fit anyway. You can probably tell I'm a bit beat up in the video, but I'm glad the story had a happy ending.
Happy this ended well for you. Yes, I’ve had problems with luggage not showing up . They delivered it later.
OTIS, hell that is not surprising. But your grace under pressure is stellar. Character counts when the going gets rough. You are the perfect gentleman as always. Yeah in Amsterdam terminal and elsewhere I am the one in the line asked to go aside for a random check. Guitar in hand (cheap soft nylon bag as skinny single carry on item), I ALWAYS get those random checks. Additionally my Harley t-shirt and/or cheetah print small backpack stimulate security folk. At a NY airport the police detained me for 15 min. after using the excuse they didn't see me pick up an additional bag at the belt. While they took my passport and viewed a computer screen, they said they saw several identical names but not my passport number. Not funny their bully bluffing. I dispelled stress by discussing my latest ride with one of them: 2007 Softail Custom, all original. "They don't make them like that anymore" --Riley Green song. He's in Alabama and another one of my top 5 heroes. Much love to you, my good man. Keep on truckin!
I played the Martin "You Are My Sunshine" was recorded on at a guy`s house in 2016. A couple of guys high on drugs got it out of the case without permission and broke the neck up near the headstock. Man that guitar played well. I didn`t feel right even holding such an expensive instrument.
Couldn’t get the measurements done in time for a Carlton Case ended up with a CrossRock case for my Emerald X-30-12 with a Casadillio cover. I knew I’d never be able to board with my jumbo carbon guitar, had fragile stickers placed by the baggage attendant and baggage check it to Hawaii for my daughter’s wedding. Went well. But I’d not do it with my D-35!
You looked calm and professional as usual!
I can’t imagine even owning a D 28 martin let alone having a D 28 Martin and losing it. You probably have one of the best attitudes a person could have. I’m really glad you got your guitar back.
Sending you some Cosmic Energy... sounds like you deserve a d28.... 🤞🤞🤞🎵🎶🎵
Got a buddy with a 1960 or 61 Les Paul black beauty. It’s been stolen twice and found it’s way back to the owner. Once from a neighboring state pawn shop, when it was spotted by a collector friend of his and purchased back!
And amazingly the last time he got it back from an addict who lived next door. He robbed the house. After hearing my friends plea to help find it, the fellow returned it for free! It’s a magic guitar apparently.
I can't remember the comedian's name but the joke goes like this. He walks up to the baggage counter with three suitcases and says I want to send this bag to Miami, this one to los Angeles and this one to Honolulu. The baggage clerk says we can't do that sir and comedian says why not? You did it yesterday! So glad you got it back... Great stories!
Oh my God, my heart sank when I saw the thumbnail title. I'm so happy you got your guitar back.
@@jessesguitars6316 same!!!😎
Oh he got it back. Now I don’t need to watch the video. When I read the thumbnail I figured it was still missing. Thank you.
Otis, your story made me so nuts. I am using the Apple air tags and you can track your bags in real time from your phone. Best 100 bucks for 4 of them. Well worth being able to tell these folks exactly where your guitar is at. Peace of mind brother! Stay well.
I did. Dropped my guitar off at tech for re-fret. What an amazing journey it went on while being held hostage. A long Strange Guitar trip
Oh that’s a great idea. I’m going to do that with my babies. (guitars)
@@bayougtr I’m actually curious about this story now, did you track the guitar tech just taking your guitar all over? Did he try to steal it and you tracked him down? The suspense..
Last 2 times I took my 2 different guitars to different shops for tech work there were significant damages. I'm just doing my own tech work going forward.
Not airline, but have a good little tale that's close enough to the topic. .... I have this ring that was given to my dad from his dad. If people ask I say it's like the watch in Pulp Fiction 😉. ... I also have a crucifix necklace.
Took care of my dieing father back at the end of '08/early '09. He wanted to die at home, so I moved in with him back then. ... When he was getting really bad/not himself anymore I found the necklace in his nightstand drawer, put it on him, & removed it after he passed on May 8, 2009. ... Wear it daily since. ... Means a lot to me.
Anyhow, back in the 2015 area I ran a leadership program called Youth In Progress for teens in foster care & mental health services here in Cape Cod MA. ... Took the group swimming at a local pond one afternoon & left both the family ring & necklace behind. ... Went back that night to look for it & no luck. Was devastated. Can even feel the inner sickness it brought as I'm typing this now. SUCKED.
About three months later on a Saturday afternoon I was feeling extra guilty/horrible about it & thought of a last ditch effort. ... I'm not the most tech savvy dude, so asked my better half to put up a craigslist add on it. ... When she went to do so there was an add just recently posted already on there with a lady talking about her husband finding a ring & a necklace with a metal detector on the very same shore of the pond I had lost em at ✨🎉. ... They had posted their add that same exact morning we checked. ... The odds?!?!?!?!?
Couldn't believe it!! Was SO excited & relieved. ... The people were super nice as well. ... Tried to give them like $40 or $50 & they refused to take it.
To this day I'm still very much grateful for their efforts & kindness 🎉😃🙏. .... Have been extra careful with both items evvah since.
Fortunate to say the least.
So glad for the happy ending Otis!
This happened to me on a Delta flight from SFO to their hub in ATL, Memorial day weekend 2005. SFO gate-checked my Collings (in a Calton). It felt safe enough, and I already knew the plane would be full.
When I got off the plane it wasn't waiting for me by the strollers and I was seriously panicked. I was traveling to a dear friend's wedding. I did not raise my voice, but I was shaking when I inquired at the bottom of the jetway. The gate agent was super kind and had a golfcart waiting for me outside the train area to hastily drive me to the oversize baggage section. I could see the bright school bus yellow fiberglass from a long distance away. Whew!
The wedding was beautiful, and my friend was the most gorgeous bride!
And when I flew home the gate agent remembered me. She was thrilled to see my guitar, she upgraded me to First Class AND walked me on the plane before all the fancy passengers boarded. My guitar went in the crew closet for the flight home.
Hey Otis, love your story’s. I always fly with my guitar. Usually, everyone with the airline is usually nice and allows me to carry it on. But, when boarding one fight the flight attendant checking the tickets said, I have to check my guitar. She handed me a strap for the guitar and a ticket and told me to check it. When walking down the ramp, I put the strap and ticket in my pocket and walked right in with my guitar and boarded, no questions asked. I brought a GS Mini and it fits in the overhead, I didn’t see any harm.
Flew my old Tele 3 times in 90s to L. Coast - heavy duty hard case with whole roll of Gorilla Tape wrapped around it. Seen too many baggage handlers literally throw em' from the cart into the plane. Least they didn't steal it, as so much obvious precaution sure let's somebody know there's something of value there. 1 trip, case was beat to hell in matter of few hrs. boarding and flight, but the old Tele was fine.
By way, that case looked like somebody buried an axe blade into it; how in hell did that happen?
Thering around everybody lost luggage...glad you got it back ...you was patient and courteous
My second time flying was in 1986 (first time also). When I arrived at Greenville airport in South Carolina my guitar was missing. They told me that it went on another plane and was somehow in NYC. They told me that it would be delivered to my hotel in Spartanburg on Monday (this was Sunday). Monday comes and I go into the office and still no guitar. Tuesday comes and there is a message in my room that my guitar was in the office and to come and pick it up. When I get to the office and see the case I know that it's not my guitar. My guitar was electric and this was a soft shell acoustic. So I called the airline, told them it was the wrong guitar which was a cheap classical guitar and had them come and pick it up. Two days later the motel office tells me that my guitar is in the office again. And lo and behold it's the right guitar.
I had insurance on my guitar and I had the case wrapped and taped with wooden strapping as a precaution. The classical that they tried to give me was probably worth less than $200 whereas my guitar was one of Bernie Rico's handmade B.C. Rich Koa Mockingbirds that I ordered in 1979 and waited a couple of months to have made.
Hi Otis, very worrisome story. You had me on the edge of my seat! My story: About 1986, I was flying from Harrisburg PA to Boston, thinking I would start a band up there with a friend. I had two guitars and an amp. Hardshell cases, plus wrapped in cardboard. A 1980 Les Paul goldtop standard and a 1981 "The Strat", lake placid blue. I checked them into luggage, then went aboard to a window seat. I watched the luggage train make its way across the tarmack to the plane and noticed my gear was at the far end of the cars. I observed them start at the other end loading the luggage into the plane. When they finally got to the end and only my gear was left on the train, they got back in a drove away with my stuff. I immediately went to the Captain's cabin, knocked on the door and told them what happened. They said they'd make a call. Finally after about 10 or 15 minutes they returned and, I imagine, reluctantly loaded the gear in the plane. It was outright attempted theft, and if I had not seen them do it I never would have seen those guitars again and nobody would have known what happened to them. Anyway, my girlfriend is a musician too, and when they tell her she has to check her guitar in she cries and it always works.
a video of otis crying when they try that the next flight would be priceless:)
I'm not a big traveler but was obliged to fly to Grand Rapids 2-3 times a year and being that it was for work we had to take cheap flights which meant going through Chicago and four trips in a row I had my luggage lost. The place I worked sold all manner of goods and the destination in Grand Rapids was the main warehouse so after I arrived for trip #3 with a single change of clothes in my carry on the warehouse staff presented me with several emergency outfits which would be classified in the tie-dye / fleece categories. I looked like a business Dead Head, but it was one of the sweetest things folks have ever done for me at work. Not to mention very comfy.
Man, as a Martin guy myself, so glad you got your 28 back. Love the feel of the volute on the 28 in the first position. Whew! That was a close one !
I'm soooo happy you got your guitar back.Ive never had a guild D35 again. I have no money, and I've had 2 heart attacks and I'm on ss now .so sad I am.
Flew to Germany some years back with Ryanair and took my banjo on the plane no problem,two weeks later when i was returning to Ireland, guy at check told it was totally against company rules to bring my instrument onto the plane, had to pay extra for it to ride with all the other luggage and it was in a soft case, so when i was going onto the plane there was nobody there to take my instrument so it was next to me for the flight and nobody working on the plane said anything to me,so happy to hear you got it back
You were a lot more understanding and calm than most of us would have been. I need to be more like Otis. Glad it worked out.
An SKB Flight case didn't stop the TSA from opening the case upside down and dropping my son's SG. When it was dropped the neck broke at the nut. Then they tried removing a pickup. I suppose they were checking for drugs or some sort of contraband. He now travels with a Reunion Blues soft travel case and carries his guitar on flights. If he's forced to gate check the guitar he will. So far when he has had to gate check the guitar has been handed to him at the gate when he leaves the plane. Gate checking his carry-on with his travel pedal board rig hasn't been without damage though.
We are thanking our Good Lord over here in America for you, Mr. Gibbs! We miss and appreciate you so much! Hope to see you back in North Carolina one day!
Thank God you got that baby back. Oh man, these are the stories that will probably prevent me from ever seeing Europe. I don't like flying anyway. I'm 43 and the guitar I'll be buried with is the first guitar I got as a Christmas present when I was 13 - it's a Yamaha FG 401 - a total beginner guitar that was probably 2 or 300 bucks brand new - but I've played it every single day for the last 30 years - and I love it - and it sounds like me - and no other guitar will ever replace it. It's basically fretless at this point, but no matter how many other guitars I play - my electric Gibsons and Fenders - when I pick that guitar back up - it feels like home. If it got lost today, maybe I'd get over it if I lived to be 100, but I can't swear to it.
I’m relieved you got your beloved instrument back. A few years ago I purchased one of those cheap Martin acoustics and a Made in Mexico Fender Telecaster, perfect for fly dates, if broken or lost no sleepless nights. Leave my vintage guitars at home.
Your approach of being super nice when dealing with stressful situations is really on point.
It took me a while to fully appreciate it in my life - if anything, to save the anger for the execs that make policy choices that cause the root issue!
So glad you got it back!!!
Man Otis my guts were in a knot listening to this. Same exact thing happened to me, only it wuz stateside in Philly, American Airlines. I know that relief you felt when you got yer axe back in one piece.
My heart was in my mouth until I saw your guitar in the frame! I don’t know how you could be so nice? I would have been raising cane! But I’m so glad for you that you got your guitar back! I would have been sick had I been in your situation. You are kind, kind man!
Otis, happy for you, it ended well. I once had an Epi dread that I put down in a parking lot after a gig. Didn't notice the car next to me backing out over it... somehow, it stayed intact, thanks to its hard case. I decided right there to name it Lazarus! Love your cool videos, best wishes from Maryland
Otis - my man! You lucky and/or blessed bugger - you WON. I was holding my breath all the way thru your story. Good Lord, a D-28! Unreal. I will not fly with an instrument - ever. I had a Fender Villager 12 string when I was in the Navy in '72. Those weren't known as fabulous guitars, but this one was - like the old Student Prince Kottke sings about. It was a gem. In the military, you flew standby, and it got on the plane, but I didn't. It was stolen off the carousel in Philly. Broke my heart 10X over, and I've never found another like it. I have 37 guitars now - some vintage and expensive - most just good players between 1 - 3K $ in value. But that doesn't matter - they're like my children - and unless they're going to be in my hands or by my side, they stay home. For traveling and playing, I use a few trusty old beaters. If I have to fly and play, I call ahead and rent. So happy your Baby came home!
Wow, what a roller coaster ride. I am so glad you got the guitar back!! It was a good you flew KLM. They usually take care of their customers. FWIW, Martins prices in Europe are really high. A new D-28 is €3500.
Otis, you are the man! You kept your cool, stayed focused, and were respectful to the people. Way to go!
Geez Otis, you think _you_ were worried? Halfway through the story I was half out of my mind! Glad you got your guitar back.
if that was me there would have been a small mushroom cloud over Schipol Airport within the first minute as the top of my head blew off. I take my hat off (no pun intended) to this man, anymore laid back and he'd be horizontal.
You are far more patient and calm than I am, and I am glad it worked out. I would have used words like theft, sue, priceless, antique, and those are just the nice words. You made me sweat with this story. I hope you have the guitar insured and never have to check it again.
Otis: My wife and I were in that airport on the 14th of last month. We saw several mountains of lost luggage as large as houses . It was obvious that the luggage had been there for some time. The airport seemed to be working at over capacity and was a very chaotic environment. You are fortunate to have been reunited with your guitar. Our flight back to the US was cancelled. We sat in Amsterdam from 9 am to 9.45 pm only to end up flying to Munich, staying in a hotel overnight and then back to the US the next day. Hope your remaining time on tour goes smoothly.
Otis, I am so appreciative of the teaching you do. Being kind and accepting is something we all need to practice. We have no control over what comes at us in life we do have control over how we respond to it. Thank you. I am glad that you and your guitar were ultimately reunited. “Let there be songs to fill the air”
I had a mini bass stolen off a flight coming home through JFK here in NY. Glad you got yours back. This was a tiny bass that was perfect for travel and practice on trips and they still made me check it. Got back and I'm waiting for it to come down with the luggage.. waiting waiting and nope. Never comes. So I go to an office they had set up at JFK for missing luggage/items. There's a bunch of people in there already and they say if I don't hear from them in a few days I have to fill out a claim form to get reimbursed. I'll be honest...I paid about $100 for this bass. It was only for keeping my fingers warm. But I was bummed and I'm sure it was stolen by one of the baggage workers cause JFK was notorious for that. So I got a friend to write a letter that I purchased the now fender jazz bass from him for $1000 and they paid me. This was around 20-25 years ago. Nowadays I'd be hesitant to lie about the value but back then I was pissed and felt like 1000 bucks was fair compensation for the stress and trauma they caused. I really would have rather had the bass. I think I did purchase a nice bass with the money but it was still a bummer losing the mini bass.
In 1973, I flew from Michigan to Florida and airlines lost my Ovation Legend. I wrote it off for gone and began the mourning process. A day later the airlines found it and delivered to where I was staying. Still have it today and God is Good cuz it made it with a soft case and duct tape!
My heart was continually sinking through this whole story. So glad it turned out ok. Man oh man, Otis, man oh man.
So glad you were able to get your guitar back, that has to be one of the biggest nightmares of a traveling, performing musician.
So happy to hear you got your guitar back! What a cliff hanger! I thought it was doomed!
Man, so happy it turned up.
I saw Guy and Townes at the Ark. Townes opened and it was clear he was in decline. It was very dark. Guy and Travis (on bass) came out and blew the room away. That was in October. Townes passed on New Year's Day. Great songwriters in my book.
I once flew from Portland to S.F. with my Jazzmaster in a cardboard and fake leather (orig Fender) case padded with shag carpeting(I was poor then) .Talked them into putting it in the forward coat closet...But on the return flight they refused and my mate and I took the dog(Greyhound) home...ah yes..So glad you got the Martin back .Safe travels my friend!
I once checked a guitar (a cheap one) that was in a soft case. While we were waiting on the tarmac at O'Hare, I watched a baggage handler literally throw the guitar into the baggage compartment. I figured I would have a case full of toothpicks when I arrived at my destination. Much to my surprise, there was not a scratch and the thing was still in tune. It is a testament to the durability of a $150 Alvarez.
First guitar I ever had on flight from Austin to Midland, was made to check at the gate, in the older style past board case. Asked them to treat as fragile, saw it coming off the plane with several suitcases on top. Thankfully the guitar was not damaged but the case had rip in one side!
Dude. What a story. Glad you got it back.
Consider slipping an Air Tag into the case so there might be SOME traceability if all else failed.
Bless you brother. Your kindness rewarded.
Missed you in San Sebastián by one freaking day. Glad you got your guitar back!
So I bought myself a travel guitar a Taylor GS Mini and put a JJB UST pickup in it and swapped pins to ebony. It sounds pretty amazing and gets the job done for a travel axe. Never had an issue cuz of the size always travels on the plane with me. Not like my Gibsons but she does the trick and never has to leave me.
Your Guitar is One Of One.......
You are Really Dedicated to Music Otis!!! My head would have Blown Up!!! Carry On Brother!!! 🇺🇸🎩🇺🇸
Otis I get the feeling you're a the glass is half full kind of person. I'm glad there was a happy ending to guitar gate. Safe travels over there thanks for keeping us in the loop.☮❤🎸
My favorite saying is I'm a glass half full person but that means that the other half is empty
wow glad you got it back. Ive been there a lot too over the years. I always try the same approach to carrying it on. Last time I traveled with a nice guitar, I took a special old 50s j-45 cause I had to play at a funeral (I knew the departed liked that guitar so i wanted to use it), but they made me check it at the door. when sitting down later I look out the window and I watch the baggage guys throw my og 50s case onto the belt from like 5 feet away. Somehow nothing happened but I prob should get one of those super cases for it. I remember a guy in Nashville showing me a case in the 90s, where he claimed he put his d-28 in it and threw it off a parking garage and then pull it out and its still in tune. I once also had a 335 that left perfect and arrived with a popped headstock. Huge drag at the time, but I ended up getting a fabulous guitar out of that situation that I never travel with.
I've only had my luggage lost once and it was also going to Schipol. My first time in Europe in the 90s. They told me it ended up in Bologna. I only had my carry on stuff in Amsterdam. I got it back, they delivered it to my friend's apartment the next day I think, maybe 2 days later. Luckily I haven't had a problem since then. I'm glad you got your Martin back! That was a big scare for sure!
Wow.. what a horror story, Otis. You’re kindness and patience are to be rewarded, my friend. Whoa… that was close. The ending helped me pull a tear back into my eye duct.
I gotta call bullshit on klm. There’s no reason for you to have to check it. I’ve had this happen to me only as I came down the runway to the plane I ripped off the gate check sticker and carried the guitar right on the plane and didn’t check it. I’ve had it lost once long ago and it sucks. So glad you got it back but I am unhappy you even had to deal with all the BS. Have a great tour
Whew… I was flying back from a private New Years eve gig in Barbados in 2004, and the airline managed to misplace my beloved Fender Strat. For 24 hours. I was beside myself. Happy it worked out for you! Btw Otis, I love your channel.
Wow Otis! That’s awful! You must have been stressed to the max! I came back from Nashville in 93 with my Les Paul Deluxe that I’d taken out there with me. Customs accused me of buying it in the US. Luckily I managed to get the proprietor of my local music shop to speak to Customs and confirm I’d purchased it from him! They reluctantly let me through! Not a pleasant experience! Glad you got your guitar back!
That's rough!
The fact you remained calm and nice likely made this all work easier for you....watching other people getting mad and yelling, seems to never work out for them....and like you said, not person x's fault...but man, the people on these airlines should have a better capacity to deal with and take guitars! I read that Tommy Prine had one of his dad's guitars and an airline broke it (after John's death)....absolutely ridiculous.
At first i didn't want to watch this because i knew it would anger me ( having a bad day) but i'm glad i did cause the outcome was just fantastic and it turned my day around as well so thanks for that Otis and really happy it turned out well for you.
Oh, Man. Was swallowing my tongue until you got to the happy ending! THANK YOU!!!
I hope you get it back, my friend. This is a painful story to hear! In 1988, summer between my 5th and 6th grade year, my great uncle in California gave me two banjos. We lived in Kentucky. Anybody remember TWA? We packed those banjos through the airport at San Jose, St.Louis, and Louisville and stuffed them in the overhead compartments with no problems. My shoulders were about to break as a kid packing them home, but we made it and I still have one of them. Glad I never had to check them, because unbeknownst to me at the time, the one still have was pretty special. Ever heard of a Bruno banjo?
Man! I just needed to watch longer! This story just got happy! Dude, you have the coolest temper...I can only imagine that "darker side of me" coming out.
I'm so glad you got that guitar back!
Love what you do from up in Canada ,what a talent you share with your music before you share all the amazing interviews and deep knowledge of our music ,thanks man
Wow!!! You are one of the most understanding/ passive people walking. I understand you not wanting to cause a row at the airport for something that petty. But to get to the other end and the guitar not be there would be such a let down. But you calmly went through hell and got it back. I have a few guitars and they aren’t that expensive, one is a Gibson ES335 that my paid about 5000 for but I couldn’t imagine losing it like that. You are an inspiration in keeping your cool. Good luck with the rest of the tour. I’m still watching for a show in Oklahoma. God bless
I have been fortunate to have had no issues on the few instances that I’ve traveled with my guitar. I want to suggest using AirTags. I haven’t done so yet, but I’m heard their praises more than once. Congratulations and good luck with the tour.
Hey Otis, I had a similar situation. I play the Highland Bagpipes, and was bringing them with me to Scotland. They were in a pipe case, about 30" X 12". At the ticket desk I was told I could not bring them into the plane cabin, but would have to check them at the gate, to be put into the cargo hold. The agent put a long bar-code sticky tape through the handle of the case, and told me to give the case to the flight attendant at the gate. I wrapped that bar-code tape around the handle and covered it with my hand, and took my pipes onto the plane as carry-on luggage...no problem. Coming back from Scotland to America I simply carried them onboard, with nobody telling me I had to check them at the gate. So like you said, the rules are quite inconsistent. :)
So glad you got it back. It is so stressful flying with guitars!!! You want to take your favorites, but then things like this happen.
I bought this one way back when thinking it would be one I wouldn't have to worry about traveling with. Now after all these years I'm thinking I should maybe leave it at home. Damndest thing. : )
That's so frustrating man but glad you got it back. You should throw an apple air tag or the android equivalent in your guitar case and you can pin point where it is if it doesn't turn up at the other end
Glad you got your D-28 back! As a side note, if you are every near Nazareth, Pennsylvania, the Martin factory tour and museum is definitely worth a visit! All the best!
I'm so happy they found it and you got it back safely
Ugh man that sucks so bad. I would've been a lot more angry than you were, especially the fact that they didn't acknowledge that you checked it.
I'm so glad that they found it in the aftermath, but what an absolute headache!
Hi Otis, yep been there a few times over the years so feel for you !!! - before I retired I worked for an international Scandinavian owned company, flew many many miles for my job over 18 yrs - My first couple weeks at work I had to visit the big boss in Finland - it was a 3 flight journey from Newcastle & yes you guessed right my case was lost so I rocked up to the management meeting in my casuals clothes I had traveled in & the bosses shook hands & said we like your Scandinavian style of dress for the meeting normally you British wear suits & ties for meetings :) - suitcase arrived that evening safe & sound - hope tour goes well Otis cheers Steve
Lucky you!
I would have lost it, truly, if this had happened to the flute I saved every penny for, waited for two years to be made, and that was put into my hands in 1975.
A flute is small though ~ I can carry it over my shoulder! [or put it with my purse in a reusable grocery bag airplane carryon tote ~ LOL!] I worry tho, that I might forget it somewhere, sometime, you know.
Your instrument is like family. So glad you got it back ~~ some baggage handler clearly had second thoughts and brought it back to the airport ~~ or was persuaded to do so by the airline. I’m so glad it seems OK.
I'm certainly glad that this story had a good ending! I'm sorry that you had to worry about it, though, for a day (and night) or so.
Really glad you got your guitar back!!
Thank God it turned up. No one needs stress like that. Peace and Good Vibes to you Otis .
1967 Lost my Gibson J 200 on flight from Nashville to Toronto .Some how it ended up in Chicago and 3 days later it was delivered by taxi to me in Hamilton Ont Canada in Toronto area .All I got left of that baby is the original hard case .Yes I traded it in after 25 yrs not knowing of Brazilian Rose Wood at the time
Otis, Glad you got your baby back. Peace Man!
Glad it turned out O.K.
Blessings to you Otis! 🎸
Glad you got your guitar back Otis. I had to check an electric guitar on a flight years ago...It came out on the luggage belt and thank goodness I had a hard shell case. The guitar was fine but the case had a deep 2 foot long scratch down the front face and was beaten up perty good.
I’m glad you got it back, what a terrible experience. I have a D-28 so I really can relate. I guess I won’t be travelling on a plane with it anytime soon. Would love to hear you play it and I hope you don’t find anything wrong with it .
I'm glad they were able to get it back to you! Did they give you an explanation of why it never showed being scanned,or where they found it? I hope they gave you some kind of compensation for all the trouble you were put through! Hopefully this doesn't happen again!❤👍
Some of my friends travel quite a bit and I’m always hearing about the luggage locks being ripped off and things missing . As for guitars I’d just hide a AirTag -so glad you got that back .
I've had my Martin D-28 longer then any girlfriend and a marriage. You can't say losing it wouldn't be heartbreaking.
Oh, Otis! Your guitar is everything! I haven’t viewed your whole video yet, but I sure hope there’s a happy ending.
Smart about the checking where the guitar had been scanned. Oh my.
Get that a little bit but you're not gonna be able to put your guitar in your casket and you can make good music on almost anything if you can play
Thank you for sharing the story, I’ve been learning from your experiences.
I'm so sorry for you Otis.. I hope you have a better time for the rest of your tour in Europe.. Sending some good vibes your way. Life's a roller-coaster and things can turn around real quick
I felt sick for you. So glad you got it back, Otis!
So glad you got your guitar back, you get used to playing certain stuff and it makes a difference....nice ending!
I have a minor collection of Martin guitars with two D-28's. I can almost guarantee that either one of them would disappear if I were to take a guitar with me on an airplane. I'd be terribly upset if one of them were to be lost. Airports are known for losing baggage and musical instruments but everybody knows that. I'm glad that you got your guitar back.
Glad to see you holding the Martin again, KLM should have hired a taxi to transport your guitar over to you, stories such as this remind me of the Dale Watson song "Tiger Airways ".
Dude, ... not even my guitar & I felt sick inside. Awfulness.
....
So happy that it showed up 🎉. ... Patience tis indeed a virtue. Nice that it paid off 😃
Many years ago I knew a guy that said he had worked as a baggage handler. He told me all about a time he came across a nice guitar at work and how he got away with stealing it.
That’s always made me think twice about flying.
I'm so glad you got it back, I would hate to have to replace mine.
Man I am glad you got it back. I thought that it possibly got stolen, and I also have seen them get damaged, even in the hard case. I would insist that I be able to take it on the plane with me, or I would get a decent guitar to bring instead to do my gigs. God Bless
Great to hear you got it back Otis. Sorry I couldn't make San Sebastian, just a lil too far for me. Hopefully Barcelona next time. Much love to you Otis, hope the tours a good one! Martin
Dear Otis, it took some start and stops to hear your full story of loss...trying to will "no loss"...Much love*
Not an airline story - but last year I had to ship my custom built Kenny Hill classical guitar across the US for some work on it. I’ve had it since 2020 and have played a couple thousand gigs, taught several thousands of lessons and recorded with that instrument. It’s become an appendage. FedEx lost it. After a few weeks it was found buried in the back of a subcontractor’s facility. FedEx is non union, and uses subcontractors to cut costs. Call me FedUp with FedEx. It came home without incident in a timely manner via UPS (which is unionized).
Man, made me nervous just thinking about it. Good on you for not having “that kind of attachment” I’m not yet that mature.
I carried on all my Camera gear on flights all around the world. I TOTALLY understand. But, believe me, I have made some scenes in the 20 years I did it. For the most part, people were VERY accommodating (you know, their job).