Can I bring my instrument on the airplane?

Keeping Your Musical Companion Safe: Flying with Your Instrument

Carrying your instrument on the plane is generally the safest option. For small instruments like ukuleles, airlines will likely allow them as a personal item without a hitch. But fear not, guitarists and other musicians with larger instruments! The FAA actually has regulations (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2015/01/05/2014-30836/carriage-of-musical-instruments) guaranteeing you can bring your instrument on board as a carry-on, as long as it fits comfortably in the overhead compartment or under the seat. To be extra prepared, take screenshots of both the FAA and your airline's instrument policies – this can help avoid any confusion at the gate.

Now, let's talk about cases. For carry-on instruments, a high-quality gig bag is a good option. Look for impact-resistant models from brands like Reunion Blues or MONO – they'll provide some cushion without breaking the bank (remember, a new instrument is way more expensive!). However, a hard case is always the best practice, especially for larger or fragile instruments that might get bumped around in the cargo hold.

Here's where TSA-approved cases come in handy. These cases by SKB or Gator have built-in locks that TSA agents can open with a special key, so you don't have to worry about them breaking yours if they need to inspect your instrument. You can even use TSA-approved straps to secure a standard hard case for checked baggage.

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Even if you plan to carry-on, there's a chance the overhead bins might be full. In this case, ask about "gate-checking" your instrument. This means you bring it all the way to the aircraft door before they load it into the cargo hold. This gives you more control and ensures it's loaded last and unloaded first. Flight attendants might even have space to store it onboard in a closet – perfect for keeping your precious instrument close during the flight!