Thank the musicians union, the American Federation of Musicians (AFM), for lobbying congress FOR YEARS and finally getting this pushed through. They cannot charge you an additional fee if it’s less than 165 pounds and is in a case. If you have an instrument that doesn’t fit in the overhead compartment (like a cello), you can buy a ticket for it. The DOT has finally remedied this and as of March 1st, 2015 all airlines must comply with the law. Because of this, many airlines have been routinely refusing to allow musicians on with their instruments. **Update 1-8-15 – It appears that even though this law was passed the Department of Transportation never outlined the guidelines for the airlines by the required deadline. I urge you to print this section out and carry it whenever you travel. Sometimes if the gate attendant is nice, she/he will let you board early if you ask politely (Southwest usually lets me on during family boarding). Check the other airlines to see how you can get an early boarding group.
You can check in online 24 hours in advance – set your alarm. On Southwest, boarding order is determined by when you check in. Per point B, make sure you are able to board the plane EARLY. (B) there is space for such stowage at the time the passenger boards the aircraft.” Some instruments that always pay a fee are:“An 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 (A) the instrument can be stowed safely in a suitable baggage compartment in the aircraft cabin or under a passenger seat, in accordance with the requirements for carriage of carry-on baggage or cargo established by the Administrator and.Actual taxes are displayed at time of purchase. Applies a fee of CAD $199-$226, including sales tax.Each instrument must be packed inside it's case, measuring up to 115 combined linear inches (294 cm) (high + long + wide) and weight up to 45kg.It shouldn’t obstruct the signs of not smoking, safety belt or emergency exit. Some instruments that can be carried as part of the baggage allowance are:Įxtra seat conditions: Musical instrument should be placed next to the passenger seat in a window or behind a screen or a class division.If you want to carry these instruments on board, you can choose to buy an extra seat.Fees are applied according to the baggage allowance.Each instrument must be packed inside it's case, measuring up to 62 combined linear inches (158 cm) (high + long + wide) and weight up to 23kg.These instruments are considered as part of your baggage allowance: Musical Instruments considered as checked baggage Guitar/Bass Guitar/Viola/Banjo: These instruments can be can be carried on board, even if their dimensions slightly exceed carry-on size requirements, as long as they fit in the overhead bin and there is space available in the cabin at boarding time. Some instruments that can be carried as carry on are:.Copa airlines is not responsible for damages caused to musical instruments packed in soft cases.Each instrument must be packed inside it's case, measuring up to 46 combined linear inches (118 cm) (high + long + wide), as long as they fit in the overhead bin.These instruments can be carried on board in addition to your personal item: Musical Instruments that can replace your carry-on Some instruments that can be carried as a personal item are:.Any applicable excess baggage fees will apply. If exceeds the allowed dimensions, it will be transported in the aircraft hold as checked baggage.Each instrument must be packed inside it's case, measuring up to 36 combined linear inches (90 cm) (high + long + wide).
These instruments can be carried on board in addition to your carry on: Musical Instruments that can replace your personal item In this case, the fee for an extra seat must be paid.
If you choose to carry the musical instrument onboard and it exceeds the carry-on dimensions, the musical instrument can occupy a seat. If the dimensions exceed the measures indicated in the previous categories, will be subject to oversize fee.Įxcess baggage fees will apply if the instrument exceeds the baggage allowance. Musical instrumend can be transported depending on its dimensions, replacing the personal item, carry-on or checked baggage.