Being an art student, I too had a huge amount of stuff to take back with me. The thing to do is to send as much of your clothing, books, etc. as you can via the regular mail. If you can send things for which you can wait a few weeks, extra clothing, or say winter stuff, send it by surface mail, "via barco" and it won't cost much. That way you can reduce your baggage count. If the flight is not full, ask if you can strap your guitar (in its case of course) into the seat next to you, like a regular passenger. The thing they do not want is to have loose potential projectiles lying about the cabin (hence the "put it under the seat in front of you or in the closet").

Yeah I do have lots of sweaters here that I wont be needing within a few weeks here in Granada...about how much do you think it would cost to send 5 sweaters (I know I know I way overdid it on the packing) back home to Chicago from spain?

Just an update: Went and talked to IBERIA, they said that flying with a normal size guitar is no problem (hmmmm do I believe them?). They said they will either put it in the overhead compartments, in a closet, or under a row of seats. SO should have no problems....

Hey MM...what makes you think any of us pobres can afford business or first class? ¡Qué más quisiera yo!

CaliBasco: OH!!! I never said I thought any of you could afford business or 1st class (although I'm SURE SOME OF YOU can). I said:

Hi! My father is also planning to purchase a guitar in Mardrid during September of 2003. Will you please let me know how things work out for you?

Thanks

Just and update: I flew home ( ) with the guitar without problems. My flights were with IBERIA (Granada-Madrid-Chicago). I was able to carry on the guitar with me and it fit easily into the overhead compartment on both flights.
The only point anyone said anything was when i checked in. The lady said i needed to check it, but i just refused and she gave in rather easily.
Kelly