Airlines That Allow Guitars In Carry-On Baggage The sooner you board the plane the more chance there will still be space for your guitar. If you have an option to upgrade to priority boarding that might be a good idea. You should try to be boarding the plane as soon as possible to get access to the baggage space before it fills up. This means bringing a guitar on a plane as hand luggage is always a bit of a gamble. But, they only need to accept the guitar if there is space to stow it either in the overhead bin or under the seat at the time you board the aircraft. 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.

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. Code § 41724.Musical instruments Loophole Keep in mind that if you pack a guitar in checked luggage there is a risk or loss, delay, theft, or damage.įor that reason, I wouldn’t advise checking any guitar that has sentimental value or a high dollar value. If you are bringing a guitar as checked luggage then a hard case will probably be better than a soft case.

You might be able to pack your clothes in an under-seat duffel bag.

You should check the personal item size limits for the airline you are flying with. So you can’t also bring a carry-on suitcase. Remember that if permitted the guitar counts as your carry-on allowance. If you are bringing a guitar as carry-on luggage then a padded gig bag might be most suitable. If you are not careful the airline might refuse to accept your guitar right at the last minute. However, the TSA also advises that you should check with your airline for their policy on flying with a guitar. Guitars must undergo screening and may require a physical inspection at the security checkpoint. TSA Guitar RulesĪs far as the Transportation Security Administration is concerned the answer is “yes” you can take a guitar on a plane in carry-on bags or checked bags. So, can you take a guitar on a plane? It’s complicated. Yet a clause in the law means that airlines can refuse to take your guitar as carry-on luggage even seconds before you take your seat on the plane. Flying with a guitar was supposed to be a legal right.

Mini airline guitar