Can you bring musical instruments on a plane?

Traveling with a musical instrument can be a good yet hard experience. Knowing the rules surrounding air travel is important whether you are a professional musician or an enthusiastic hobbyist. The question of whether you can bring musical instruments on a plane often arises, as airline policies can differ. 

Knowing these regulations helps you get your instrument to the destination safely and also aids your process recovery at the airport. In this guide, we will look at how to travel with musical instruments through the different routes and help you find your way through the airline policies.

Can you bring musical instruments on a plane? General Airline Policies for Musical Instruments.

When deciding whether you can bring musical instruments on a plane, you need to be aware of the airline policies. Let us now examine the various airlines’ policies for transporting musical instruments:

Emirates

Emirates cannot allow many musical instruments to be checked out as luggage. Musical instruments must be checked and handled in the same way, or travel in the passenger cabin on a paid seat. Other methods will not be considered.

The equipment you check in will be treated as normal excess baggage and will be charged accordingly if it exceeds your baggage allowance.

When people depart from Mauritius, a special charge is placed on the shipping of ship models which are excluded from the regular luggage allowance.

For the first 10 kg, you will be charged EUR 150, however, for the next 10 kg it will cost you just EUR 50.

Turkish Airlines

Music instruments transportation in a cabin

The transportation of music equipment is subject to standard cabin baggage regulations. The restriction of free cabin baggage (maximum weight 8 kg) can be used for music products with a total size of more than 118 cm (width + length + height) with the carrying handle.

While transporting cellos or other small-sized musical instruments on international transit flights through Turkey and flights departing from or arriving in Türkey the following conditions must be met: 

• The transport of musical instruments can be carried out as paid cabin luggage upon the passenger’s request. 
• The instrument should not exceed a weight of 75 kg and its dimensions must be limited to a maximum of 140X42X25 cm.
• Cello can only be booked at airline sales offices at least 48 hours prior to the departure time of the flight. Also, you must buy the cabin baggage (CBBG) tickets. Extra seats must be obtained and remember, you cannot book the instruments online. 
• The total amount of cabin baggage corresponds to the tax-free net fare of the ticket purchased, with a minimum charge of USD 200 one way in Economy Class, and USD 400 for round-trip cabin baggage. For Business Class cabins, the single seat fare is USD 500 and the fare on return cabin baggage is USD 1000.
• Any refund or change requests must abide by the original ticket’s terms and conditions.

Music instruments transportation in the checked baggage

• With their checked luggage service, they can transport your heavy instruments, such as contrabasses, on board the flight.  
• By delivering them in a sturdy hard case, you can send these musical instruments through the flight’s hold. After check-in, instruments are not loaded onto the conveyor belt, and airlines use a special method for safe transportation. Note excess baggage fees may apply if the baggage allowance limit is exceeded.

JetBlue 

• Items that weigh over 99 pounds cannot be checked through as baggage. If you have a large musical instrument that weighs up to 165 pounds, you could buy a seat for it.
• In order for damage to be covered, if it happens at all, musical instruments must be checked in with other items that are allowed and in a hard-sided case made to protect their contents. Items packed in a soft-sided container will be approved, but the airline won’t be responsible in case of any damage. 
• It is important to note that no matter whether an item is commonly accepted or not, it can still be subjected to further checks or, by way of TSA’s arbitrariness, be disallowed at the checkpoint. The determination, as to whether a particular item can be brought to the checkpoint, exclusively lies with TSA.

Musical tools as a carry-on bag

• Customers traveling via the Blue Basic fares aren’t eligible for a carry-on if their travel date is before the 6th of September 2024. Otherwise, JetBlue permits you to carry a musical instrument instead of a carry-on with the condition that you must properly stow it in the overhead cabin or below the seat right in front of you. 
• Musical instruments are not limited in size by the rules for normal carry-on bags. However, if there isn’t enough room on board to store the instrument, the airlines will help you gate-check it. These things will be brought to the gate when you get there.
• The overhead bins on a JetBlue flight have dividers (full or partial) that can accommodate oversized items with their max size not exceeding 22″ x 14″ x 9″. If the item happens to be a guitar or tenor sax, which falls within the mentioned measurement limits, it can still be in a bin straight-through without obstruction from the dividers. Although airlines cannot guarantee space, their verifiers will make every effort to ensure your equipment fits.

Musical tools such as chacked-bag

• If instruments are counted as checked baggage, they will be included in the checked baggage limit and incur a checked baggage fee according to the selected fare. 
• There are no additional fees to carry instruments that are large or heavy unless their size extends 150 linear inches (381 cm), their weight exceeds 165 lbs (75 kg) or they do not comply with other criteria (for the plane). Otherwise, normal bag fees will apply. 
• Moreover, some international destinations also have specific size and weight restrictions. 

British Airways

Instruments up to 80 cm in size

• Passengers may carry any hand baggage up to 80 cm in length as carry-on. Items such as violins, violas, and small wind instruments may be brought onto the aircraft, not in addition to their complimentary hand baggage quota, i.e. if the case complies with the specifications of 80 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm [31 inches x 18 inches x 10 inches].
• So you can bring a small bag the size of a purse or laptop along with your smaller instrument case up to 80 cm long. This will be your second piece of carry-on luggage. As the airlines know that extra handling in the hold could damage musical instruments, the airlines will do everything to find room for them in the cabin.

Instruments up to 140 cm in length

• You are allowed to bring a musical instrument in a case over 80 cm long with hold luggage in the hold, or you can buy a seat for it next to you. The extra seat should be added to your ticket 48 hours before your flight.
• The larger instruments cannot be transferred as part of your hand baggage quota. Do not book a seat for your big instrument and it will be gate checked.
• To avoid damage to the instrument, it is advised to carry it inside a stiff case for the journey.

Booking a cabin seat for your instrument

• Under the condition that you are not exceeding the dimension limit of 140 x 50 x 46 cm (55 x 20 x 18 in), you are free to take small musical instruments like guitars or larger musical instruments like wind instruments or the cello into the cabin. The only way you can take the instrument onboard is if it is properly booked in a seat have specifically bought for it as part of your booking. Also, extra seats are subject to availability.
• When reserving a seat with a specific ticket, you can simultaneously reserve your flight ticket. You cannot do this on the web; thus, it is compulsory to contact British Airlines to complete your request, or you can simply ask your travel agent to arrange it for you.
• After booking your flight, if you wish to have a musical instrument that you would like to sustain or carry, you must contact the airline as soon as possible. You should also make sure that you are doing this at least 48 hours within your flight’s time limit so that they can confirm the reserve and your item be transformed along with you.

Tools that are big and heavy in the hold

• Are you in a situation where you are forced onto the less-than-a-dimension-of-the-size-limit side due to the weight limit being exceeded? In case your musical instrument exceeds 23kg (50lb), you may be charged a hefty baggage fee. The weight limit for instruments is a maximum of 45kg (99lb), not more than that. Is your musical instrument overweight but not oversized? 

You may incur a heavy luggage fee for an instrument that weighs more than 23kg (50lb). The instrument’s max weight limit for  45kg (99lb). To prepare for flying with an instrument of more than 32kg (70lb) you should contact the British Airways customer service at least 24 hours prior to when your flight departs. 

If your musical instrument exceeds the maximum limit for checked baggage then they’ll go into the cargo. 

Can you bring musical instruments on a plane? Types of Musical Instruments

Small Instruments

• Guitars: In general, they are allowed on flights as hand baggage if they are within the size limitations imposed by the airline. Guitar usage policies are usually given by different airlines along with suggested cases for protection.
• Violins: They are generally too small to be checked in. The storing of violins in overhead compartments, and spaces under seats, makes it convenient for travelers. 
• Flutes: These small instruments can easily be carried in hand luggage, and most airlines have nothing against their use without any special provisions.

Large Instruments

• Cellos: Cellos typically surpass the dimensions set for carry-on items, requiring special arrangements. Some airlines necessitate acquiring an extra seat for bigger instruments.
• Double Basses: As with cellos, the double bass is mostly taken as luggage, which however requires them not to be taken lightly as sturdy cases are needed for the job to be done properly.
• Harps: Harps are generally the most problematic due to their size. It’s best to check with the airline ahead of time to determine how best to transport a harp.

Unconventional Instruments

• Synthesizers: Many a foreign company are treating the synthesizers in their possession as common luggage in such a way that they are not taking good care of them. However, the best thing to do is to check the specific dimensions before and see if the regulations for carry-on luggage are satisfied.
• DJ Equipment: Like synths, DJ gear can usually be brought on board, but there may be some size restrictions due to the nature of the carrier, which means that some pieces could end up being checked if they are too big or even go in as cargo. 

Carry-On vs. Checked Baggage

When it comes to whether can you bring musical instruments on a plane, you have to be aware of the differences between the two categories of luggage: the hand luggage which is to be taken into the cabin and the luggage checked for the flight with the baggage. This, in other words, is a complete guide:

Carry-On Guidelines for Musical Instruments

• To the screening checkpoint, you can take one (1) musical instrument, one (1) carry-on, and one (1) personal item.   Air carriers may or may not allow extra carry-on items on their aircraft.  It is advisable to confirm the information from your air carrier before you reach the airport.
• Before being transported on a flight, all musical instruments must undergo an x-ray or physical screening.
• Owners are provided ample opportunity to attend any physical screening to ensure that the screeners handle the musical instruments with utmost care.
• Passengers should ensure the item is registered for luggage check-in if the item is unable to pass through the security screening point.

Checked Baggage Guidelines for Musical Instruments

• Musical instruments can be accepted as checked luggage when they fit within the size/weight requirements of the air carrier.
• Inviting the equipment owner to travel with their equipment during screening is critical to the successful repacking and protection of the equipment in open physical screening.
• Damage to musical equipment will only be paid for if they are checked in a hard-sided case meant to protect them and if the cases contain musical instruments that are permissible by the respective airlines, 
• All items in a soft-sided container are approved, but the liability does not apply in the case of any damage. 

Tips for Packing and Protecting Instruments in Checked Baggage

• Sturdy Cases: It is necessary to use a hard-shell case for big instruments like cellos or double basses to keep them from being damaged due to rough handling during transportation.
• Padding and Insulation: Put extra padding (like bubble wrap, or foam) in the inside of the case to stop movement and absorb shocks. When it comes to string Instruments like violins or guitars, you are advised to opt for loosening the strings slightly to reduce the tension.
• Labeling: Put a label on your instrument case showing your name, a contact number, and the address where you will be going. In case of loss of your instrument, it can be recovered easily. You may even label your instrument as “Fragile” so that people at the airport will handle it with care. 
• Opt for Travel Insurance: It is advisable to have travel insurance, especially if you are carrying a musical instrument on board. This way, your instrument will be covered in case of any damage or loss. Know the rules and regulations well of the respective airlines regarding their/ policies for lost or damaged baggage. 

Some Other Tips for Carrying Musical Instruments on a Plane 

• You must know the policies of the airlines at length to save yourself from any hassle or inconvenience.
• If you are traveling with musical instruments, particularly heavy ones, in such cases it is essential to inform the airlines beforehand to help them make necessary arrangements. 
• Ask for fragile bag tags at the airport to safeguard your baggage as much as possible from any damage. 

 Conclusion

When asking, “Can you bring musical instruments on a plane?”, it is necessary to get an idea of the respective airline’s specific policies to avoid any surprises during your trip. Different airlines have different rules regarding the size, weight, and handling of instruments, whether carry-on or checked luggage. By understanding these policies and preparing accordingly, you can ensure instrument travels safely and securely. Taking time to review the guidelines will enable smooth travel for the musician and allow you to concentrate on the music and not the logistics.

You Can Read More: Does Breeze Airways allow carry-on bags?

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