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    Guide To Flying With Musical Instruments: Complete Instructions

    Travelling with your musical instruments can be tricky, but with good preparations, you can always have peace of mind. Speaking of which, our complete guide to flying with musical instruments will provide important insights to ensure your instruments arrive safely. Use the instructions to enjoy flying most comfortably with your cellos or guitars.

    >> Learn more about what you can bring on the flight here.

    Rules On Travelling With Musical Instruments 

    Rules On Travelling With Musical Instruments

    Everything you need to know when flying with an instrument. Photo by Mirko Vitali - stock.adobe.com

    According to the Transportation Rules for Musical Instruments from the US Department of Transportation, it’s required by law that passengers can bring musical instruments to the plane as carry-on or checked baggage. However, there will be regulations on their weight and size limits, which will vary depending on the airlines.

    More Ground Rules

    The TSA states that all musical instruments (and sporting equipment) must be inspected at the security checkpoint when transported as carry-on. As checked baggage, they also have to pass through the screening.

    Most of the time, you must purchase another seat for your large instruments. Ensure the instruments can be safely stored on your extra seat and don’t exceed their weight or size limits.

    Plus, you can bring multiple instruments as your carry-on or checked baggage. Just ensure they comply with the weight and size limits of the airlines (fit inside the overhead bin or under the front seat). And usually, it’s recommended that you arrive early to allow for extra check-in time.

    At the same time, large instruments can be checked in the hold when you board the flight. But if you are concerned about their handling, you can carry them onto the plane if there is room available. Most people would agree that it’s better to carry your beloved instruments yourself than to check them in.

    If you fly your musical instruments as checked baggage, ensure they’re well protected from mishandling. Most of the time, the airlines aren’t liable for any damages to the items during transportation. So, make sure always to have your safety measurements.

    That said, there’s even a limit to how large or heavy an instrument the plane’s cargo can carry. If your instruments exceed the maximum checked baggage weight or dimensions, you may have to ship them as cargo (i.e. transported on a separate plane or flight).

    Flying With Musical Instruments

    A small Ukulele can be easily accepted as a carry-on. Photo by kikearnaiz - stock.adobe.com

    Musicians-Friendly Airlines

    Almost all airlines accept your instruments of choice. However, some provide a better experience than others. In general, most recommend flying with Southwest, United and American if you want to have a decent time. Here’s a cheat sheet for their rules regarding your violin, guitar, drums and all that jazz:

    Carry-on

    Checked

    American Airlines

    • Must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front
    • If not, you must buy an additional seat (165 lbs/75 kg limit apply).

    Southwest Airlines

    • Size restriction: 24 x 16 x 10 in/60 x 40 x 25 cm (case included)
    • When there’s space, you can carry your instruments on board even if they exceed the carry-on size limit
    • Must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front
    • If not, you must buy an additional seat (except for double bass, cello, etc. - which must always be checked).
    • Can be checked in place of one free hold baggage
    • Oversize or overweight fees apply if it is between:
      • 62-150 in/157-381 cm
      • 51-165 lbs/23-74 kg
    • Any instruments larger than 165 lbs/74 kg or 150 in/381 cm won’t be accepted.

    United Airlines

    • Must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front*
    • Can be checked for free when there is no room available to carry your instruments into the cabin
    • You can buy an additional seat if it’s too bulky to be checked (165 lbs/75 kg limit applies).

    *For Basic Economy fliers: If not, will be checked when you bring them to the gate. A $25 handling charge plus hold bag fees apply.

    • If you check on your own, standard fees apply.
    • Contact them if the total linear dimensions are over 115 in/292 cm

     

    Other airlines you should keep an eye on:

    • Air Canada
    • Alaska Airlines
    • Delta Airlines
    • Eva Air
    • JetBlue.

    Facts You Need To Know

    In the past, it was common to use ivory to make the instruments, such as piano keys, piano bows, and more. However, it’s now illegal to use this material. So, unless your ivory instruments were legally acquired before February 26, 1976, the airlines won’t accept them. Remember to check out the Musical Instrument Certificate (MIC) document or CITES legislation.

    Instruments that have Lithium batteries are accepted on aeroplanes. However, you’ll need to follow the official Lithium Battery Guidance Document. And also, be most transparent in declaring your battery specs.

    Guide To Flying With Musical Instruments

    There are many things to consider when travelling with your instruments. We highly recommend you check our following instructions and useful tips.

    Packing your instrument

    Use hard-shell cases

    Always store your expensive instruments inside hard-shell cases that are designed to negate any major impacts during the flights and from the handling process. Never use soft cases since they offer little to no protection at all.

    Remove any loose items

    During transportation, loosely attached accessories or detachable parts on your instruments can easily get lost. So, it’s better to remove and store them in a separate bag instead. Similarly, avoid packing any liquid within or close to your packed instruments.

    Avoid tightening the strings

    Tips To Flying With Musical Instruments

    Loosen the strings on your instruments. Photo by Samuel Ramos on Unsplash

    Since your instruments will go through a lot of pressure changes during the flights, it’s important to relieve the tension by loosening the strings. Always remember to do this so you can avoid potential damage. Another tip is placing a humidifier pack to better control the moisture level and prevent, say, your violin from cracking due to the dry air.

    Add extra padding