Can you bring a guitar on a plane? One of the most important things to remember is not to break the airline’s regulations, or you might get into some trouble.
Even though there are no guidelines on the subject of taking guitars on planes, it is recommended that you consult with your airline before packing up your guitar for your trip.
Traveling With a Guitar
If you are a guitarist, traveling with your instrument can be inconvenient at best. If you plan to fly, you need to check with the airline to see what their policies are.
You may have to pay an oversized baggage fee, or that may not even be allowed. It might also be difficult to find space for it in the overhead compartment.
Some methods of traveling involve checking it as luggage, but this requires certain lengths of time and is more likely to damage it.
Can You Bring a Guitar on a Plane?
Can You Bring a Guitar on a Plane?
Are You Allowed to Bring Guitars on Planes? It depends on the type of guitar you have, the airline you’re flying with, and the size of your guitar.
Generally speaking, airlines allow passengers to bring guitars onto planes as carry-on items if they are able to fit them in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of them. However, there are some exceptions.
For example, Delta Air Lines prohibits passengers from bringing guitars as carry-on items if they are larger than 26 inches in length, 14 inches in width, and 6 inches in height.
United Airlines has a similar policy, stating that guitars must be smaller than 26 by 16 by 8 inches.
If you have a larger guitar, you will need to check it. Airlines usually require passengers to pay extra fees if they are checking large items like guitars.
Some airlines might not charge extra fees, but we do recommend that you reserve your spot for the item in advance because there are often limited spaces available. Guitars are sometimes subject to further inspection by security personnel.
If you need to check your guitar, it is a good idea to remove your instrument from its case and carry it with you through the metal detector so that authorities can get a clear look at the guitar and run their hands along any unusually shaped areas or compartments.
As long as there are no loose or dangerous objects inside, guitars are usually allowed through airport security without any additional screening.
So, can you bring a guitar on a plane? It depends on the airline, the type of guitar, and its size. If you’re not sure whether your guitar is allowed as a carry-on item, it’s best to check with the airline directly.
How to Fly With a Guitar?
Many musicians dread the idea of traveling with their instruments. This is because mishandling an expensive guitar can equate to thousands of dollars lost, not to mention the fact that your prized guitar could be damaged beyond repair.
This means that traveling with a guitar should never be taken lightly, which makes it all the more frustrating when there are restrictions on certain airlines that make it difficult to bring a guitar on-board.
However, with a bit of preparation and some common sense, traveling with your guitar can be a breeze. Here are a few tips to help you get through airport security without any issues:
Make sure your guitar is packed in a hardshell case.
This will provide the most protection, although some musicians feel it makes them look suspicious. If you have a softshell case, consider purchasing a universal travel guitar case cover to make your instrument blend in with the other luggage on-board.
Be prepared for airport security screenings.
Before boarding your flight, you should expect at least one patdown and bag screening by airport security.
Make sure your guitar is packed in a way that allows for a quick and easy inspection: remove all the strings, loosen the tuning pegs, and take out the electronics if possible.
Check with your airline ahead of time to see if there are any restrictions on guitars.
Certain airlines do not allow guitars to be brought on-board during certain times of the year, particularly when they are expecting a large number of passengers.
However, there are a few airlines that have restrictions on bringing guitars on-board at all times:
Air New Zealand
Only one guitar is allowed per customer, and it must be in a hardshell case.
British Airways
There is a weight limit of 23 kg (50 lbs) for all musical instruments.
Jet Blue
There is a size limit of 62 linear inches, which is the total length + width + height of the instrument.
If your guitar is too large to fit in your checked luggage, you may be able to purchase a seat for it. This is not always an option, as there are a limited number of seats available on each flight, but it is worth checking into if your airline allows it.
While the process of traveling with a guitar can seem daunting at first, with a bit of organization and preparation, you’ll be on your way to your next gig in no time!
What airlines allow guitars on board?
Can you bring a guitar on a plane?
If you’re a musician who likes to bring your guitar with you when you travel, you’ll want to know which airlines allow guitars on board. Here is a list of some of the major airlines and their policies on guitars:
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines allows passengers to bring one guitar per person in the cabin, as long as the instrument fits in the overhead bin or underneath the seat in front of you.
American Airlines
American Airlines allows guitars on board as long as they are packed into a hard-shell case that meets FAA regulations for carry-on luggage.
The airline will allow one guitar per ticketed passenger. If the instrument cannot fit safely and securely inside your carry-on luggage, you will need to check it as baggage and pay the associated checked baggage fees.
Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines allows passengers who want to bring their guitars on board to purchase a seat for their instrument for an additional fee of $150 each way.
If there is no extra charge, your guitar may be allowed as carry-on baggage as long as it fits in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
If your guitar is too large to fit in these areas, it will need to be checked as baggage and you will pay the associated fees.
JetBlue Airlines
JetBlue Airlines allows each passenger to bring one guitar on board, as long as it can safely and securely fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat.
In order to bring a guitar on board, JetBlue requires passengers to purchase a ticket for their instrument with an accompanying seat reservation.
Customers who only have a reservation for themselves do not need to purchase a ticket for their guitar.
Southwest
Southwest Airlines allows guitars on board as long as they can fit in either the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. If your guitar is too large to fit in these areas, it will need to be checked as baggage and you will pay the associated fees.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines does not allow any musical instruments on board its flights. The airline suggests that musicians pack their guitars in their checked baggage.
United Airlines
United Airlines allows passengers to bring one guitar on board, as long as the instrument can fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
If your guitar is too large to fit in these areas, it will need to be checked as baggage and you will pay the associated fees.
WestJet Airlines
WestJet allows passengers to bring one guitar on board as carry-on baggage. The instrument must be able to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
If your guitar does not meet these requirements, it will need to be checked as baggage and you will pay the associated fees.
As you can see, each airline has different policies when it comes to bringing guitars on board their flights.
Be sure to check with your specific airline before you travel to see what their policies are. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the airline’s customer service department.
How to Prepare Your Guitar to Be Checked
Can you bring a guitar on a plane?
If you fly on an airplane with your guitar, there are several things to consider. First of all, while some airlines do allow guitars in the cabin, it is recommended that you disassemble your instrument and check it as baggage.
If this is not possible, you will need to know how to pack your guitar so it is not damaged in transit.
When packing your guitar, always use a hard case specifically designed to protect guitars. If you have a soft case, it is a good idea to put the guitar in a box for extra protection.
If you are checking your guitar as baggage, make sure to remove the strings and loosen the truss rod. This will prevent your guitar from shifting during transport.
If you cannot remove the strings, use masking tape to hold the neck in place and pack it so it does not shift around. Check with your airline before flying, as some airlines require guitars to be packed in a specific way.
When transporting your guitar on an airplane by hand, always use the overhead bin. Do not try to check it as baggage.
If you are traveling with an electric guitar, remember to bring your amplifier and cables.
You will also need to notify the airline in advance if you are bringing a large item like this. There may be restrictions on the number and size of items you can bring on the plane.
Alternative Ways to Bring Your Guitar on a Plane
There are other ways to bring your guitar on a plane without having to check it as luggage.
If you have a smaller guitar or one that does not have a hardshell case, you can pack it in a soft-sided case and check it as luggage. You’ll want to make sure that the instrument is well padded and that nothing is sticking out that could get damaged.
Another option is to take your guitar on board as a carry-on item. This is the best option if your guitar is small enough to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Make sure to notify the airline in advance that you will be carrying an instrument on board. You may also need to purchase an extra seat for the guitar.
And be prepared for people to make comments about your guitar while you are waiting in the boarding area.
Conclusion
Safety comes first. You should always pack your guitar properly and make sure you know the airline’s policies before trying to fly with it!
The decision of whether or not to bring a musical instrument on an airplane can be difficult, but there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration when making this decision.
When choosing how you would like to transport your guitar by plane, think carefully about which will best suit its size and shape, as well as how much space it takes up in the overhead compartment (or under-seat).
Also, take note of any other baggage restrictions such as weight limits or luggage fees; these may change depending on the airline and frequent flyer status you have.
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