Yes, it is entirely possible to travel with your favorite musical instrument on American Airlines, but you should become familiar with the airline’s cabin policies before you head to the airport. The airline is actually very musician-friendly and will allow you to bring small musical instruments, like guitars or violins, directly into the cabin with you. Because space in the airplane is limited, there are also a few size-related rules about stocking your overhead bins with your instrument, though. Basically, if you understand these simple rules in advance, you’ll see that your instrument is perfectly safe and that you will not have any hassles when you board the plane.
What are the Types Of Musical Instruments Allowed As Carry-On?
American Airlines permits you to bring a variety of musical instruments with you on the plane as long as they will fit comfortably in the cabin. The main rule is that your instrument must be able to go inside the overhead bin or slide right under the seat in front of you. Because space fills up quickly, they let passengers bring these items on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have a very large instrument that cannot fit in these spaces, you even have the choice to buy an extra seat right next to yours so it can fly safely with you.
- Small string instruments: Transport small string instruments, such as violins, violas and ukuleles, easily on board in their usual travel cases.
- Standard Size Guitars: Standard guitar sizes are permissible, but you should board early and be prepared to get overhead space as soon as possible.
- Heavy Instruments with Paid Seat: Instruments like cellos can travel in the cabin after you purchase the ticket for an additional seat.
Why Do Musicians Prefer Carry-On Travel?
Musicians absolutely prefer to keep their instruments with them in the cabin because their instruments are incredibly valuable, fragile, and often impossible to replace. When you check a bag, it goes through a rough journey on conveyor belts and gets loaded into a cold cargo hold where it can easily get crushed or cracked. For a singer and musician, it feels like they can’t even do their job if their guitar or violin is broken. If you bring in your instrument as a carry-on, you never have to worry because you can keep an eye on it all the time and have peace of mind knowing it is safe in the overhead bin. It gives them total peace of mind knowing their prized possession won’t get lost or damaged by baggage handlers.
What are the Checked Baggage Option For Musical Instruments?
Sometimes your musical instrument is just too big to bring onto the plane, and checking it in is your only choice. American Airlines will accept large musical instruments as checked baggage, but you will need to make sure they are packed perfectly. Generally, the standard weight limit is fifty pounds and if you go over you could end up paying additional fees. Since luggage below the plane can be rough, a heavy-duty case is the best way to protect your gear and make sure it is 100% safe throughout the flight.
- Hard-shell Portable Case: Pack your musical instrument in a heavy-duty case to protect it from bumps during flight checks.
- Follow The Weight Limit: If your instrument and case is under fifty pounds then you will avoid expensive oversized luggage fees.
- Loosen Your Strings: Loosen your strings a bit slightly before checking the instrument so the changing air pressure does not cut them.
- Arrive Early For The Check-in: Since large items may need more time to screen and check off, allow extra time at the airport.
What are the Carry-On Size Rules For Musical Instruments?
When it comes to carrying a musical instrument with you on an American Airlines flight, the size rules are pretty simple and fair. Instead of forcing your instrument to match the exact dimension of a standard suitcase, American Airlines allows it as long as it can safely fit inside the overhead bin or completely under the seat in front of you. Your instrument will count as your one free carry-on bag, and you can still bring a small personal item, like a backpack, along with it.
What are the Tips For Smooth Instrument Travel?
The best thing you can do is to prepare your instrument for the trip before you even depart for the airport. Since cabin space is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, suppose the time is important when you board the plane. Politeness and double-check your packing will make sure that the instrument is kept safe from the gate for its destination.
- Print the Airline’s policy: Have a copy of the airline’s policy on your cell phone if confusion occurs during processing.
- Add Some Padding: Put soft T-shirts or bubble wrap in the empty spaces inside your instrument case.
- Talk To Flight Attendants: Make sure you ask the crew nicely if they have a closet up front where they can tuck your instrument away.
Conclusion
In the end, traveling with your musical instrument on American Airlines does not have to be scary if you follow their simple rules. The airline is very accommodating to musicians, letting you bring your bag all the way into the cabin as long as it fits in the overhead bin. By getting on early, packing your instrument in a hard case, and being nice to the flight crew, you will have no problem. Just plan and be patient and you will have a very easy and stress-free trip with your musical equipment in tow.
FAQ’S
Can I bring my instrument onto an American Airlines plane?
American Airlines carry-on policy allows many musical instruments as carry-on baggage if they can be safely stowed in the cabin storage areas.
Can I purchase an extra seat for very large instruments?
Yes. However, some larger instruments may be prohibited from being stored in standard storage spaces, so a second seat for such an instrument may be purchased.
Can I bring a violin with me on the plane?
Yes, Violins may easily fit under the seat in front of you, or in overhead compartments.
Should I use a hard-shell case for travel, or can I just use a regular case?
Hard-shell cases may provide better protection for an instrument against impacts, pressure, and accidental damage, especially over air travel.
Will my instrument fit under the seat in front of me on a plane?
Small instruments like flutes, ukuleles, and the like will fit if there is enough space in the airplane cabin.
When traveling with American Airlines internationally, can I bring my instrument?
American Airlines International flights will allow instruments, but of course you may wish to check your devices with the customs regulations of your destination country.
Is travel insurance necessary for expensive instruments?
It may be a good idea to obtain travel insurance and protect expensive instruments against loss, theft, damage, or delay.
Do musicians have early boarding privileges?
This is presumably allowed, so that musicians may be in a position to stow their instruments in overhead storage before bins become full of passenger luggage.
