CONTENTS
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
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).
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 |
|
|
|
Southwest Airlines |
|
|
|
United Airlines |
*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. |
|
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
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.