Flying with your guitar means one nagging worry: will it ride in the cabin with you, or get handed off to the cargo hold? You’ve probably heard the horror stories of a player turned away at the boarding door or a prized instrument tossed onto the belt like a duffel bag.
Here’s the reassuring part. The bins on most airliners take a typical case without a struggle, and you can check by comparing your aircraft’s bin dimensions to your case.
Even when it won’t fit, the crew can usually find a closet or coat space to stow it. A little prep makes the whole thing smoother either way.
A protective case built for flying helps, and so does the right travel guitar for trips you take often. Next, let’s look at what the airlines actually allow.
Are Guitars Allowed on Planes in the US and Canada?
Yes. Guitars are allowed on airplanes.
Before booking that flight, you should be certain that larger instruments like guitars are allowed on the plane or in the aircraft cabin, since laws differ in every jurisdiction. Flying around the US shouldn’t be a problem because the FAA Modernization and Reform Act, which took effect in 2012, permits small instruments as carry-on baggage.
The guitar is specifically mentioned in Section 403 as approved for the aircraft cabin free of charge, provided it’s small enough to fit in the baggage compartment or under the passenger seat.
The law also states that the instrument is subject to the availability of space at the time of boarding. Should your guitar be too large for these compartments, you’ll have to buy seat space to carry it with you instead of checking it as baggage.
So global travelers don’t need to worry if they’re flying to or across the US. They can keep their electric guitars, acoustic guitars, or classical guitars close by as a carry-on instead of declaring them as extra luggage.
That said, not every airline provides the same amount of care for instruments. Check the reviews to learn about other people’s experiences so you know which carriers to choose and which to avoid.
Here are example policies for a few well-known airlines:
Spirit Airlines: A passenger is permitted to travel with one musical instrument as checked or carry-on baggage. Instruments are subject to inspection by security personnel, and an item that sets off a metal detector may be prohibited.
Most musical instruments don’t cause metal detectors to sound off.
United Airlines: A passenger may travel with a musical instrument as long as it can be stowed in a suitable container, such as a case or gig bag, approved by the airline. Instruments are subject to inspection by the TSA and airline security before being accepted, and instruments containing metal parts or housed in a metallic or non-plastic casing may not be accepted for travel.
Southwest Airlines: A passenger may travel with one musical instrument as long as it can be stowed in a suitable container approved by the airline. Instruments are subject to inspection by security personnel, and instruments with metal parts or in a metallic or non-plastic casing may not be accepted.
Air Canada: A passenger may travel with one musical instrument as long as it can be stowed in a suitable container. Instruments often require special approval, so if you wish to bring one on board, check with your local airport as well as the specific carrier’s rules and regulations.
Can I Bring a Carry-On Guitar Traveling Abroad?
Yes. If you’re heading to Europe or anywhere else in the world, there should be no problem bringing a carry-on guitar.
It travels well because you can take it wherever you go, and a lightweight instrument is easy to carry around.
Just keep in mind that international flights mean dealing with more jurisdictions, customs officials, and airline policies than a domestic trip. Confirm each carrier’s instrument policy before you fly, especially on any connecting flights operated by a different airline.
Can a 3/4 Guitar Travel as a Carry-On?
Yes. A 3/4 guitar is smaller than a full-size instrument, so it slips into overhead bins and under seats even more easily.
For domestic trips, a soft case is usually fine. But if you’re going international, where you’ll likely deal with a lot of different regulations and customs officials, consider extra protection.
You don’t want to risk something breaking, getting damaged, or being stolen while it’s out of your hands, because the airline may not be able to help you if something does happen.
Does a Traveler Guitar Fit Under the Seat?
Traveler guitars are pretty small, so yes, many of them fit under the seat in front of you. That makes them perfect for budget airlines that don’t let you use the overhead compartment, or for flights where bin space fills up fast.
Stowing the guitar under the seat also keeps it within arm’s reach for the whole flight, so you never have to worry about another passenger crushing it with a heavy bag from above.
Traveling With Acoustic Guitars vs Electric Guitars
Acoustic guitars require more protection, and they’re also bigger and heavier than electric guitars. Their hollow bodies are more vulnerable to cracking under pressure changes and rough handling, so spending a little extra on a hard-shell case is a smart investment for an acoustic.
A hard case gives you peace of mind that your instrument should arrive in the same condition you left with. Hard-shell cases aren’t cheap, but they last for years, so the initial cost is worth it.
Electric guitars are more compact and durable, so you can often get away with a quality gig bag, though a hard case is still the safest choice for any guitar you care about.
How Will a Flight Affect a Guitar?
Air travel exposes your guitar to conditions it never sees at home. Knowing the four main threats below helps you prepare for each one before you reach the gate.
Air pressure changes. The air normally bears down on us at about 14.7 pounds per square inch (PSI), and that pressure decreases as altitude increases. Planes climb to 30,000 feet or higher, where the outside pressure drops below 4 PSI, so cabins are pressurized to stay around 11 to 12 PSI.
These pressure swings can be enough to make guitar wood snap unless you counter them, which is why loosening the strings matters.
Physical pressure. Even if you reach the overhead bin first, you’ll share it with other passengers who slide their bags in alongside yours, sometimes roughly. Your guitar can get squeezed between objects, and the pressure takes its toll when bins are packed to capacity.
Assume the worst possible scenario and prepare for it.
Accidental bumps. Airport personnel will inspect and handle your guitar, and not everyone understands how precious it’s. Some treat it as regular luggage they can toss around.
You might also see it knocked in the car on the way to the airport or in the cabin as you find a spot.
Keeping the guitar close and staying aware of your surroundings helps, but it can’t guarantee a bump-free trip, so protect against dents and scratches.
Airport theft. Airports are busy and chaotic, with thousands of people coming and going. It isn’t uncommon for passengers to lose things to theft or simple forgetfulness.
A checked guitar can also be delayed, for example if the plane is overloaded and the instrument has to follow on a later flight. This is one big reason players prefer to keep a guitar as a carry-on rather than checking it.
How to Pack a Guitar for a Flight
So you’ve decided to go for it and bring your guitar on your upcoming flight. You’ve booked your tickets and your hotel, and now you just have to make sure the instrument is as ready as you’re for the journey.
Consider the following tips for a smooth trip.
Loosen the strings. As covered above, air pressure and temperature changes can increase the tension in the strings to the point where the neck can snap or the strings themselves break. Experts recommend loosening the strings before you travel, since you won’t be playing mid-flight anyway.
Bring tuning equipment so you can make the proper adjustments once you land.
Buy a quality flight case. It can take a while to find a guitar that truly suits your proportions and playing style, so once you’ve it, protect it with a good hard case or gig bag. Travel can be hard on instruments, so invest in a high-quality hard case, or at least a solid gig bag, and seek out trusted brands.
Allow yourself to splurge in proportion to the guitar’s value.
Add lots of padding. Even inside a good case, a guitar can be knocked around by people who aren’t trained to handle instruments. Make sure there’s plenty of padding inside to cushion any blows.
Place the guitar in the case and shake it gently. Any noise indicates gaps you should fill with something soft like socks, shirts, or towels until the rattling stops.
Consider a travel guitar. If you don’t want to risk your main guitar, take a less valuable one instead, which drastically reduces stress because it can be readily replaced. You could also buy a dedicated travel guitar, a sensible move if you fly often.
Travel guitars are typically smaller and lighter, and some even fold down to fit inside a backpack or overhead bin easily.
Ship it to your destination. If you end up in a situation where you can’t carry your guitar with you, you can consider shipping it to your destination. Pack it with care to guard against rough handling, use a respected shipping company, and get insurance for peace of mind.
It isn’t the most desirable option, but it’ll do in a pinch.
Airlines That Allow a Guitar as a Carry-On
The law may be friendly toward instruments on planes, but the level of compliance differs among airlines. Some are enthusiastic about accommodating musicians and treat it as a selling point, while others aren’t as eager or clear about it in their policies.
Check official websites for any mention of guitar storage, and if you can’t find solid information online, give the airline a call to make sure.
Delta Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines are often cited as being among the best options when it comes to traveling with a guitar.
It isn’t just about saying yes to guitars, though, because each airline has specific requirements. United Airlines, for example, asks passengers to use a hard case instead of a gig bag, which protects the instrument better and shields the carrier from negative press.
Others allow soft cases or gig bags but explicitly state they won’t be liable for any damage in transit. A few carriers are so accommodating, like Air Canada, that they let passengers carrying a musical instrument board ahead of other passengers.
TSA-Approved Guitar Cases
The US Transportation Security Administration has formed partnerships with stakeholders in the music industry to look after travelers who fly with instruments, and it has approved certain guitar cases for the road. Manufacturers that market these cases typically offer hard shells with quality latches, cushions, handles, and accessory storage.
Some are built to accept a wide range of shapes and sizes, while others are targeted at the most popular models for a tighter, quieter fit.
Remember that TSA-approved doesn’t guarantee survival in case of travel hardships. It simply means the case is equipped with everything security personnel need to open it for inspection.
Approved locks carry a Travel Sentry logo that looks like a red diamond and may be cable locks, four-dial locks, or key locks. TSA staff have a special key to open these if they detect anything suspicious.
Contrary to what many people think, you don’t need a TSA-approved lock just to fly. Any lock will do, but non-approved locks can be cut off if security can’t open them, and that’s a hassle best avoided when you reach baggage claim and find a broken guitar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my guitar count as my only carry-on item?
On most airlines, a guitar brought into the cabin counts as your one carry-on item, so you may not be able to also bring a roller bag in the overhead bin. Some carriers let you keep a small personal item under the seat in addition to the guitar.
Policies vary, so check the specific airline’s carry-on rules before you fly and plan to gate-check or pay for anything extra you need to bring.
Should I loosen my guitar strings before flying?
Yes, loosening the strings is a good precaution. Cabin pressure and temperature changes can increase string tension, and in extreme cases that added stress can crack the neck or break a string.
You won’t be playing during the flight anyway, so back the tuning off a few steps and bring a tuner to set it right once you arrive.
What happens if my guitar doesn’t fit in the overhead bin?
If your case is too large for the bin, the flight crew will usually find another suitable compartment, such as a closet, to stow it safely. If no space is available and the instrument can’t be checked, you may be asked to buy a seat for it.
To avoid surprises, look up the overhead bin dimensions for your aircraft ahead of time and board early so you reach the bin before it fills up.
Is it better to buy an extra seat for my guitar?
Buying an extra seat is worth considering for a valuable instrument or a long international trip where you don’t want to risk checked baggage or full overhead bins. It guarantees your guitar travels in the cabin within arm’s reach.
For shorter domestic flights with a smaller or less expensive guitar, a carry-on in the overhead bin or under the seat is usually enough and far cheaper.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with a guitar can be nerve-wracking the first time, but a standard case fits in most overhead bins, and US and Canadian law is on your side as long as space allows. Prepare by reading up on your specific airline, loosening your strings, and packing your case with plenty of padding before you reach the gate.
Ask around to learn from other players’ experiences, and note the ways a flight can affect any instrument so you can counter those effects. Do the work in advance and you’ll board with confidence, knowing your guitar should arrive ready to play.
You’ll be glad you did.
