

Per the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (thanks, Obama!), airlines have to let you bring your guitar on board as a carry on if it fits in a closet or in an overhead bin when you board.Īn air carrier providing air transportation shall permit a passenger to carry a violin, guitar, or other musical instrument in the aircraft cabin, without charging the passenger a fee in addition to any standard fee that carrier may require for comparable carry-on baggage, if. And yes, you do have real-deal legal rights when flying with a guitar in the United States (flying abroad is a different story). Your best bargaining chip when it comes to flying with a guitar is knowing your rights.

There are steps you can take to minimize the likelihood that you’re going to need to beeline to a repair shop when you land. The truth is, you have rights when flying with a guitar. After all, when you fly, you’re putting your guitar in the airlines’ hands. Chances are, you’ve seen a headline or watched a video which perfectly embodies one of your worst fears (see: “ United Breaks Guitar.”) Every musician who’s ever even thought about flying with a guitar has had anxiety about all the things you can’t control when traveling with your instrument.
