Can I bring a guitar in as hand luggage from the states?

easyrider · 13 Feb 2013 at 16:44

Maccy said:
It's a bit of a grey area I agree, but I think 'passenger-honesty' is probs the key here.

As far as I'm concerned.The guitar is paid for is now used and is no different to me picking up at an uncles and taking it back to the UK.

Will defo be pushing for getting it on the plane though.Its nice to hear that airline staff have stored it in the wardrobes for people in the past.

Dazzy · 13 Feb 2013 at 16:50

It would probably be wise to read the information on the HRMC website on this for guidance. 'As far as i'm concerned..' comments are unlikely to have much sway should customs question what you are bringing in to the country.

easyrider · 13 Feb 2013 at 16:54

Dazzy said:
It would probably be wise to read the information on the HRMC website on this for guidance. 'As far as i'm concerned..' comments are unlikely to have much sway should customs question what you are bringing in to the country.

I would just say my uncles guitar. He is following me on in a few weeks for a Family Birthday gig and he asked me to take it to the UK for him as he is to old to carry it himself.

I would have a number for them to ring to clarify my statement.

Dave · 13 Feb 2013 at 16:55

Maccy said:
Exchange rate, a lot of popular models can be cheaper over there too. Friend of mine picked up an ESP that was £900 in the UK, $800 in the US. This was when the exchange rate was $2:£1 - go figure!

I did this too back in 2008 when the rates were high. I bought a new Fender American Tele - at the time it was $950 in the US, and over £1000 here. Quite a difference when you factor in the $2:£1 conversion!

easyrider · 13 Feb 2013 at 16:56

Dave said:
I did this too back in 2008 when the rates were high. I bought a new Fender American Tele - at the time it was $950 in the US, and over £1000 here. Quite a difference when you factor in the $2:£1 conversion!

What happened at the airport?

McGray · 13 Feb 2013 at 16:56

Don't listen to the letter of the law brigade.

Just say it was a gift/uncles and you'll be fine.

dcsarge · 13 Feb 2013 at 17:04

Docaroo said:
In fact the crew often joke and ask me to play them a song or two I might one day ...

If you do this you must be dressed as a Nun. It was in a documentary I saw many years ago.

Clav · 13 Feb 2013 at 17:32

My friend moved his guitar to and from Spain and had to buy a ticket for it both times or it would have been put in the hold.

Hope for the best, plan for the worst and all that.

Maccy · 13 Feb 2013 at 17:37

Thinking about it, I would have a search online for the specific airline you're flying with, see if anyone else has managed it or if they allow a musical instrument as additional hand luggage.

Raymond Lin · 13 Feb 2013 at 17:43

easyrider said:
I would just say my uncles guitar. He is following me on in a few weeks for a Family Birthday gig and he asked me to take it to the UK for him as he is to old to carry it himself.

I would have a number for them to ring to clarify my statement.

So we have a thread like this taking opening how to evade customs yet a certain Far East retailer is banned from the filters for the exact reason?

Consistent!

Glaucus · 13 Feb 2013 at 17:47

A lot of airlines now have set maximum size for hand luggage and a guitar case wouldn't fit that.
Best thing is when you get prices, to then go on their website and read into their hand luggage rules.

Moothead2 · 13 Feb 2013 at 17:48

I'm sorry but who the hell DOES declare goods they bought abroad :confused:

?

Surveyor · 13 Feb 2013 at 17:59

easyrider said:
As far as I'm concerned.The guitar is paid for is now used and is no different to me picking up at an uncles and taking it back to the UK.

As far as HM Revenue & Customs is concerned it is different.

You should declare it and pay Import VAT plus Customs Duty if applicable.

To do otherwise is tax evasion.

Steve2000 · 13 Feb 2013 at 18:11

I bought a guitar in the US in 2010, brought it back as a carry-on with Delta, stored in the overhead compartments. And on the little connecting plane it was put underneath in the cargo area.

No one batted an eyelid as far as customs were concerned, I never even thought about that part of it.

Dave · 13 Feb 2013 at 18:54

easyrider said:
What happened at the airport?

I took it on the plane as hand luggage. Arrived back at Heathrow at about 3.30am GMT and there was no-one manning the customs desk so walked straight through

Pudney · 13 Feb 2013 at 20:06

easyrider said:
As far as I'm concerned.The guitar is paid for is now used and is no different to me picking up at an uncles and taking it back to the UK.

Will defo be pushing for getting it on the plane though.Its nice to hear that airline staff have stored it in the wardrobes for people in the past.

What has the fact it's "used" got to do with it? It's never been in the EEA used or not. You are evading tax.

The same with your $1000 boots.

easyrider · 13 Feb 2013 at 20:53

Pudney said:
What has the fact it's "used" got to do with it? It's never been in the EEA used or not. You are evading tax.

The same with your $1000 boots.

Rubbish,

You telling me that customs want people to declare their footwear if bought in the US when coming back into the UK?

Rich_L · 13 Feb 2013 at 21:08

I don't see why it's such a difficult concept to grasp. Yes, legally you are supposed to declare goods over a certain value bought outside and brought into the EEA. Could you be asked about it at Customs? Yes. Is it likely to happen on something like the boots you are wearing? No.

It's all here: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/customs/arriving/index.htm

Other goods including perfume and souvenirs
You can bring in other goods worth up to £390 without having to pay tax and/or duty

MrMoonX · 13 Feb 2013 at 21:32

Lol to declaring goods to custom, I've never seen anyone walk down the red isle

easyrider · 13 Feb 2013 at 21:43

Rich_L said:
I don't see why it's such a difficult concept to grasp. Yes, legally you are supposed to declare goods over a certain value bought outside and brought into the EEA. Could you be asked about it at Customs? Yes. Is it likely to happen on something like the boots you are wearing? No.

It's all here: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/customs/arriving/index.htm

I get it, But in reality it just aint going to happen and posting Rules does not make it any more valid.

If everyone did what those rules said.No one would fly anywhere,The airports would be gridlocked.

So although I get the concept.Its poppycock

Its a bit like people sticking to 70mph on the motorway...People just don't do it.and if the traffic is running smoothly and the weather conditions are good.The police don't even bother unless they deem it dangerous.

If the authorities stuck to every rule the police would have to stop 99% of people on the motorway doing 75+