According to the law—specifically Subchapter 1 of Chapter 417 for the transport of musical instruments, the Department of Transportation and the TSA,
you are allowed to bring your guitar on-board, provided it meets these requirements: The instrument is in a case to avoid injury among other passengers.
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.
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
.
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.
Can guitar go in cabin baggage?
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 …
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.
Will an acoustic guitar fit in overhead bin?
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.
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 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 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.
How do people travel with guitars?
- Book seats towards the rear of the plane. …
- If you're given a gate-check tag, take your guitar on the plane anyways. …
- Politely ask the attendants if your guitar can be stored in the coat closet up front. …
- Consider the pros and cons of hard-cases vs.
