Can You Take A Travel Guitar On A Plane?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The rule states: “An air carrier providing air transportation shall permit a passenger to carry a violin, guitar, or other musical instrument in the aircraft cabin, without charging the passenger a fee in addition to any standard fee that carrier may require for comparable carry-on baggage, if (A) the instrument can be …

Can you take a guitar through airport security?


Musical instruments must undergo screening when transported as carry-on or in checked bags

. Musical instruments transported as carry-on require a physical inspection at the security checkpoint. Inform the TSA officer if your instrument requires special care and handling. Pack brass instruments in your checked bags.

How much does it cost to bring a guitar on a plane?

49 U.S. Code § 41724.

Guitarists have a legal right to travel with their instrument on a plane IF there is space available either under the seat or in the overhead bin at the time of boarding. The air carrier has the duty to allow you to bring your guitar on the plane and

they can't charge you an extra fee for it

.

Is a guitar a checked bag or carry-on?

In other words, take your guitar with you all the way to the gate, just as you would any

carry-on bags

. Don't check it at the main luggage/check-in point. If you must go to the luggage-check counter (to check other luggage, for example), have your airline's musical instrument policy with you–just in case.

Will guitar fit in overhead compartment?

At about 46 inches (117 cm) long,

a standard acoustic guitar case takes up about as much overhead bin space as three regulation-size carry-on suitcases

, each about 14 inches (about 36 cm) wide. Nor will a standard hard violin case (32 inches – 81 cm – in length), fit easily alongside suitcases in an overhead bin.

How do you travel with a guitar?

  1. Check with the Airline Instrument Policy. …
  2. Loosen the Strings. …
  3. Invest In a Guitar Case. …
  4. Consider a Smaller Body Shape for Traveling. …
  5. Book Your Seat in the Front or Rear Depending on Boarding Policy. …
  6. Know the Laws.

Which airlines allow guitars as carry ons?

Whenever someone gives you a hard time about flying with your guitar, just understand that the law does permit you to carry your guitar on an airplane. You'll be able to travel with your guitar with any of the major airlines such as

American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Delta

without any issues.

Can you take a guitar as a carry-on American Airlines?

Carry-on instruments

You can travel with small musical instruments as your carry-on item on a first come, first serve basis as long as it: Fits in the overhead bin; or. Fits under the seat in front of you.

What makes a guitar case TSA approved?


The case has an easy to open latches with TSA-approved locks

, a useful feature considering guitar cases tend to undergo more scrutiny than other baggage. The latch has a protective housing to keep it safe from impact. The case comes with 2 keys, so in case you lose one, you will have a backup.

Can guitar strings go through TSA?

Whether you can fit your guitar in the overhead bin or have to nervously watch as it slips out of sight on the luggage belt,

you should always loosen your strings before you go flying with a guitar

. Taut guitar strings have over 300lbs of tension – you don't want that to work against you.

Can I take a musical instrument on a plane?

Musical instruments or equipment can be checked if the total linear dimension (length + width + height) does not exceed 150 inches (381 cm), and provided the weight, including the case, does not exceed 165lbs (75 kg).

Can I take my acoustic guitar on a plane?

The rule states: “An air carrier providing air transportation shall permit a passenger to carry a violin, guitar, or other musical instrument in the aircraft cabin, without charging the passenger a fee in addition to any standard fee that carrier may require for comparable carry-on baggage, if (A) the instrument can be …

How do I take my guitar on an international flight?


Guitars are usually carried as in the hold of the aircraft and therefore they must be packed in a hard case

. If there is space available, guitars may sometimes be taken to the cabin. Unfortunately, this cannot be confirmed until you arrive at the check-in desk.

How do I fly my guitar on United?

You can carry a violin, guitar or other small musical instrument on board if it's in a hard case.

These instruments will count as a carry-on bag if placed in the overhead bin

. If placed in the seat in front of you, they'll count as a personal item.

Can I carry a guitar on Southwest?

Re: Carry-on luggage

This rule requires that carriers must allow a passenger to carry into the cabin and stow a small musical instrument, such as violin or guitar, in a suitable baggage compartment, such as the overhead bin or under the seats in accordance with FAA – approved carry-on baggage program.

How much does it cost to check a guitar?

American/Delta/United Domestic checked baggage fees:

$30 for first checked bag, $40 for the second, $150 for the third

.

Can a guitar be a carry-on Delta?


Guitars and other smaller musical instruments, such as violins, will be accepted as your free carry-on baggage item on Delta and Delta Connection flights

. These items must easily fit in the overhead bin or other approved storage location in the cabin, based on available space at the time of boarding.

Where do you put a guitar on a plane?


Book seats towards the rear of the plane

If you're flying a commuter plane, your guitar is most likely going in the hold (unless you can talk the attendants into letting you take up the whole coat closet); but if it's a bigger plane, there's a chance you can take it on as a carry-on item.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.