Flying With An Instrument On Southwest Airlines | Musician Travel Hacks

Flying on Southwest and worried about getting your instrument on board? Learn the tricks used by frequent flyers and carry your instrument on the plane with confidence.

Southwest is known for being the most instrument-friendly airline. They allow you to check two bags in the cargo hold, as well as bring a carry on (your instrument) and a personal item (a small bag or item that fits under the seat in front of you).


What you need to know:

Carriers must allow a passenger to carry into the cabin and stow a small musical instrument, such a violin or a guitar, in a suitable baggage compartment, such as the overhead bin or under the seats in accordance with FAA safety regulations.

It is important that you take time to read and understand the rules.

Here’s some tips and resources:

• FAA – Traveling with Musical Instruments: https://www.transportation.gov/aircon...
• FAA Final Rule regarding instruments as a carry-on (print this out and keep it with you): https://www.transportation.gov/aircon...
• Remember that not every gate agent and flight attendant will be aware of and/or understand these rules. Educate yourself so you can effectively advocate for yourself when boarding an aircraft.
• Keep in mind that to bring your instrument as a carry-on, your instrument must fit in the overhead bin, and there must be bin space available at the time you board the aircraft. These things are your responsibility.
• Note: These rules apply to US domestic travel.


Southwest check in and boarding process:

• Check in 24 hours before boarding and get your alphanumeric boarding number. If you check in manually you will probably be in the B or C.
• Use EarlyBird check in, which automatically checks you in up to 36 hours before boarding. This costs $15 - $25 and usually gets you in the A boarding group. EarlyBird Boarding is essential to getting your instrument on the aircraft.
• Get upgraded Boarding at the ticket counter or boarding gate. This gets you in the A1 – A 15 boarding group. Ask a Customer Service Agent at the departure gate or ticket counter for availability. Cost: $30 - $50.
• Get the right Southwest co-branded credit card to get four Upgraded Boardings FREE each year, through a statement credit. Apply here: https://www.referyourchasecard.com/22... (using this affiliate link really helps out this channel. Thank you!)


Boarding the plane:
• Carry your instrument on your shoulder, opposite the gate agent and angle it so it’s doesn’t look huge and won't call attention to it your instrument. If your personal item is a backpack, carry it on the shoulder closer to the gate agent so that it partially covers the size of the instrument.
• Don’t ask the gate agent for permission to carry your instrument on the plane. You are allowed to carry it on. Asking permission or asking questions about it may cause the gate agent to doubt themselves and might lead to them telling you that you have to check your instrument. Carry your instrument on with confidence, like it’s your job!
• Be nice! Smile and greet the gate agent as they scan your boarding pass.
• If asked to gate check your instrument, take the gate check tag and then pocket it as soon as you’re out of sight and board the plane with your instrument.
• Look for an overhead bin near your seat. It doesn’t make sense to put your instrument in a bin in the back and then sit up front.
• Don’t break the rules by trying to carry on a personal item that doesn’t fit under the seat in front of you.
• Stand up for yourself if another passenger tries to move your instrument. If a flight attendant wants to move your instrument to another bin, let them. They know what they are doing. Remember that the flight attendant’s primary job is SAFETY, not to be your waiter.
• Don’t bump anyone with your instrument when walking down the narrow airplane aisle. Be extra careful not to hit anyone in the head when putting your instrument in the bin, and especially when taking it out of the bin since other passengers will probably be standing up.
• If you have a small instrument, try to put it on top of other baggage to save bin space for other passengers, and to make sure that nobody puts their stuff on top of your instrument.

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