Can I Bring A Guitar On United Airlines?

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Chief Editor of - Elite Fly USA

Are you planning to fly with United Airlines and wondering if you can bring your guitar along? Look no further, as we have all the information you need to know. As a musician, it’s important to have your instrument with you wherever you go, and we’re here to make sure your travel experience with United Airlines is a smooth one.

United Airlines has specific guidelines for musical instruments, including guitars, and we’re here to help you understand them. Whether you’re a professional musician or just love playing music in your free time, we’ll guide you through the process of bringing your guitar on board with ease. So, pack your bags, grab your guitar, and let’s get ready for takeoff!

Can I Bring a Guitar on United Airlines?

Can I Bring a Guitar on United Airlines?

If you’re a musician, you may be wondering whether or not you can bring your guitar on a United Airlines flight. The good news is that United Airlines allows passengers to bring musical instruments, including guitars, on board their flights. However, there are some guidelines that you should be aware of to ensure that your guitar is allowed on the plane.

United Airlines Musical Instrument Policy

United Airlines allows passengers to bring musical instruments as carry-on or checked baggage, as long as they meet certain criteria. For carry-on instruments, they must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. For checked instruments, they must be properly packed in a hard-shell case or a soft-sided case with extra padding.

Carry-on Musical Instruments

If you plan on bringing your guitar as carry-on, it must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. If you have a larger guitar, such as a dreadnought or jumbo acoustic guitar, it may not fit in the overhead bin. In this case, you may need to purchase an additional seat for your guitar or check it as baggage.

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When carrying on your guitar, make sure to inform the gate agent that you have a musical instrument with you. They may ask you to gate check it if they believe it won’t fit in the overhead bin. You should also consider purchasing a seat for your guitar if you’re worried about it being damaged in the overhead bin.

Checked Musical Instruments

If you’re checking your guitar, it must be properly packed in a hard-shell case or a soft-sided case with extra padding. You can purchase a hard-shell case from most music stores or online retailers. If you’re using a soft-sided case, make sure to pack it with extra padding to prevent damage during transit.

When checking your guitar, make sure to inform the check-in agent that you have a musical instrument with you. They may ask you to sign a limited release form, which means that United Airlines won’t be held responsible for any damage that may occur during the flight.

Benefits of Bringing Your Guitar on a United Airlines Flight

Bringing your guitar on a United Airlines flight has many benefits, especially if you’re a musician traveling for a gig or a recording session. By bringing your guitar on board, you can ensure that it arrives at your destination safely and in one piece. You also won’t have to worry about the cost of renting a guitar or the hassle of finding a music store that rents guitars.

Benefits of Buying an Extra Seat for Your Guitar

If you’re particularly attached to your guitar and don’t want to risk it being damaged in the overhead bin or as checked baggage, you may want to consider purchasing an extra seat for your guitar. This will ensure that your guitar is treated as a passenger and will be strapped into a seat next to you during the flight.

Benefits of Checking Your Guitar

If you’re traveling with other carry-on items and don’t have space for your guitar, or if you don’t want to carry it around the airport, checking your guitar may be a good option. By checking your guitar, you can also avoid the hassle of going through security with a musical instrument.

Guitar vs. Other Musical Instruments

Compared to other musical instruments, guitars are relatively easy to bring on board a United Airlines flight. They’re small enough to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, and they don’t require any special handling like a cello or a double bass. However, if you’re traveling with a larger guitar, you may need to purchase an additional seat or check it as baggage.

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Guitar vs. Violin

Compared to a violin, a guitar is much larger and may be more difficult to carry on board. Violins can be easily stored in an overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, and they don’t require any special handling. However, if you’re traveling with a larger violin or a viola, you may need to check it as baggage.

Guitar vs. Trumpet

Compared to a trumpet, a guitar is much larger and may be more difficult to carry on board. Trumpets can be easily stored in an overhead bin or under the seat in front of you and don’t require any special handling. However, if you’re traveling with a larger brass instrument, such as a trombone or a tuba, you may need to purchase an additional seat or check it as baggage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, United Airlines allows passengers to bring musical instruments, including guitars, on board their flights. If you plan on bringing your guitar on a United Airlines flight, make sure to inform the gate agent or check-in agent that you have a musical instrument with you. If you’re traveling with a larger guitar, you may need to purchase an additional seat or check it as baggage. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your guitar arrives at your destination safely and in one piece.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about bringing a guitar on United Airlines.

What is United Airlines’ policy on musical instruments?

United Airlines allows passengers to bring small musical instruments, like guitars, as carry-on items or checked baggage. If the instrument is small enough to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, then it can be brought on as a carry-on item. If it is too large, it will need to be checked as baggage.

Passengers are also allowed to purchase a seat for their instrument if they do not want to check it as baggage. This can be done by contacting United Airlines directly.

What are the size restrictions for a guitar on United Airlines?

The size restrictions for a guitar on United Airlines depend on whether it is being brought on as a carry-on item or checked as baggage. If it is being brought on as a carry-on item, it must be able to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. If it is being checked as baggage, it must meet the size and weight restrictions of United Airlines.

It is recommended that passengers contact United Airlines directly to confirm the size restrictions for their specific instrument.

What is the cost to bring a guitar on United Airlines?

The cost to bring a guitar on United Airlines depends on whether it is being brought on as a carry-on item, checked as baggage, or purchased a seat. If it is being brought on as a carry-on item or checked as baggage, it will be subject to United Airlines’ standard baggage fees.

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If a passenger wishes to purchase a seat for their instrument, the cost will depend on the fare class and destination of the flight. It is recommended that passengers contact United Airlines directly for more information on the cost of purchasing a seat for their instrument.

What are the requirements for packing a guitar on United Airlines?

When packing a guitar on United Airlines, it is important to ensure that it is properly protected. If it is being checked as baggage, it should be placed in a hard-shell case and packed securely with padding or bubble wrap to prevent damage during transit.

If it is being brought on as a carry-on item, it should be placed in a soft-sided case or gig bag with sufficient padding to protect it from damage. It is also recommended that passengers notify the flight crew that they are carrying a fragile item, like a guitar, so that they can take extra care during loading and unloading.

What should I do if my guitar is damaged during a United Airlines flight?

If a passenger’s guitar is damaged during a United Airlines flight, they should report the damage to United Airlines’ baggage service office as soon as possible. The passenger should provide a detailed description of the damage and any relevant photos or documentation, including the instrument’s value.

If the damage is deemed the responsibility of United Airlines, the airline may offer compensation or repair the instrument. Passengers should contact United Airlines directly for more information on their specific case.

United Breaks Guitars


In conclusion, United Airlines does allow passengers to bring a guitar on board as either a carry-on or checked luggage. However, it is important to ensure that the guitar is properly packed and meets the airline’s size and weight requirements. Passengers should also consider purchasing a protective case for their guitar to prevent any damage during travel.

For those who are concerned about the safety of their instrument, United Airlines offers a special service known as “Musical Instrument Transportation” that provides extra care and handling for musical instruments. This service must be requested in advance and comes with an additional fee, but can provide peace of mind for musicians traveling with their instruments.

Overall, with proper planning and attention to United Airlines’ policies and guidelines, passengers can safely bring their guitars on board and continue to make beautiful music wherever their travels may take them.

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