Air Travel with a Violin: Part 2

20 November 2009 Comments Off

You are reading my three part series on my research and prep for my violin’s first trip by air anywhere in the Continental U.S. (I’m assuming that international travel might be a bit different). Please visit Part 1: Initial Research and Concerns

Part 2: Thoughts on Airlines’ instrument policies

One of the links that I posted in Part 1 contained a list of all the major airlines and their policies on musical instruments as baggage. At first I was surprised that the majority of them were standardized and even seemed to have a “boilerplate” feel to them. After all, carrying on musical instruments seems to be a specialized interest and for the airlines to all have a policy and to all be treating them roughly the same it seemed… well, odd.

However, after digging a bit further I found that the American Federation of Musicians has tasked their legislative office with working with TSA to develop a general policy for musical instruments as carry-on baggage. Even though I’m not a paid musician, I do certainly appreciate that the AFM has done their negotiation. It makes it so much easier even for the hobbiest musician to know what’s going on with your instrument.

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the major airlines that I typically fly on:

American Airlines – allows:
- 45 linear inches for carry-on instruments
- In addition to your instrument you may have 1 personal carry-on
- A seat may be purchased oversized instruments
Delta Airlines – allows:
- 45 linear inches for carry-on instruments
- They limit your one “free” carry-on item to your instrument
- You can purchase a seat but they have a whole list of requirements for oversized seat baggage.
Jet Blue - allows:
- Despite the work that the AFM has done, Jet Blue still doesn’t have a page or section dedicated to musical instruments. And furthermore they bury their carry-on baggage information in their help section, which is not easily navigated from the main page.
- Their carry-on size requirements differ depending on whether you plan to stow your carry-on under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment, and then depending on the aircraft you’re traveling under.
- Basically, you need an advanced degree to figure out what’s allowed on Jet Blue.
Southwest Airlines – allows:
- Carry-on baggage must not exceed 10″ x 16″ x 24″ (which comes out to 50 linear inches).
- You may purchase a seat and they have some provisional stipulations in order to allow this.
United Airlines – allows:
- ONE musical instrument not exceeding 45 linear inches
- In addition you can have one checked bag and one personal item.
- A seat may be purchased for oversized and bulky items.

The general consensus on most of the airlines restricts the amount of “linear inches” (width + height + length of the object) that your instrument case can be, usually 45 linear inches. If it exceeds the airline’s specified linear inches then the instrument can be checked or you can purchase a seat for your instrument.

I told my uncle Phil (graphic designer extraordinaire and “Official Tommey Family Christmas Soundtrack Director”) that I was bringing my violin with me and he sent me back the following YouTube video. I literally laughed until I cried! Enjoy. And feel for me… I think that our return trip home will be on United.