Travelling with instruments

Company policies… Please note the following information is accurate at time

of writing. Check with Airline before Travel

AIRCRAFT
Department of Transport
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Publictransport/AirtravelintheUK/DG
_078179

As of April 2010, the Department for Transport no longer sets a maximum size for
items of hand baggage. Airlines may also have their own rules about the number of
bags you are allowed to take on the aircraft. It's best for passengers to contact them
with any questions. There are no Government restrictions on the carriage of musical
instruments and their accessories in the cabin of an aircraft.

The Department for Transport advises passengers that it's best to contact the
individual airlines before booking as they may need to make special arrangements
such as buying an extra seat for large instruments. Charges and fees imposed for
the carriage of instruments are commercial decisions for the individual airlines
concerned. Musical instruments will be screened separately.

Airlines in Alphabetical order

Air Canada

http://www.aircanada.com/en/news/150925.html

What's New!

Enhancements to Policy on Musical Instruments

September 25, 2015

We are happy to introduce a few enhancements to our carry-on baggage policy that will be of great interest to
you if you travel with a musical instrument.

In addition to our current policy that ensures items which meet our carry-on size requirements * can be brought
on board and stored in the overhead bins or under the seat in front of you, we now offer a 50% discount off any
fare, including the lowest available one, to customers who would like to purchase a seat to accommodate their
musical instrument in the same cabin that they are booked in.

And if you’re traveling with a musical instrument as carry-on, you will now be invited to board the plane during
pre-boarding in advance of general boarding so you’ll have a little more time to store your precious possession
in an overhead bin close to your seat. If you need help with this, our flight attendants will be happy to assist.

We take every care when transporting all of our customers’ belongings. But please remember that, because of
their fragile nature, musical instruments should always be properly packaged in a rigid and/or hard shell
container . This is especially important in the event that your musical instrument needs to be checked at the gate
if it is not possible to accommodate it on board because of passenger loads, aircraft limitations or insufficient
storage space.

Read our complete policy on travelling with a musical instrument.

* String instruments (e.g. guitars, violins and violas) can be carried on board - even if their dimensions slightly
exceed our carry-on size limits.

BMI BABY - UK
http://www.bmiregional.com/en/top-menu/travel-information/baggage

Musical instruments can be carried as hold baggage, free of charge, as long as the
instrument(s) remains within your allocated size and weight allowance. Excess
baggage rates apply if the allowance is exceeded.

Certain instruments, such as cellos, can be carried in the cabin, subject to an

additional seat being purchased, as follows:

• One item per passenger permitted

• Charge the same fare for the instrument as the passenger excluding tax)
• Choose two adjacent seats - one for the passenger and one next to the
passenger for the cello
• Cello to be secured by the safety belt with extension if necessary
• Maximum weight of the item - 75kgs with the centre of the mass no more than
30cms above the top of the seat cushion
• No seats adjacent to an emergency exit may be used

Please Note: Double Bass must be carried in the hold of the aircraft at all times.

BRITISH AIRWAYS - UK
http://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/information/baggage-essentials/sporting-goods-
and-musical-instruments
‘We know there's more to packing than t-shirts and flip-flops. Your musical
instruments and sporting equipment are just as important to us as any regular bag,
which is why we accept most items as part of your free baggage allowance. Some
large or heavy items may incur an additional charge. Whether your equipment is
required for professional or just recreational use, you can be confident that your
valuable items are safe in our skilled hands.’

Musical instruments on British Airways

Musical instruments can be taken on board as part of your free hand baggage
allowance providing they fit within the maximum bag dimensions. Where possible,
we'll also try and accommodate instruments that are slightly larger.

What's my free hand baggage allowance?

Larger instruments can be carried as part of your free checked baggage allowance
or as part of an additional purchased allowance if required. We'll even carry
instruments larger and heavier than the standard checked baggage limits, up to 45kg
(99lb) and 190cm x 75cm x 65cm (75in x 29.5in x 25.5in), providing you notify us at
least 24 hours before your flight. (A double bass will be accepted even above these
dimensions.) Instruments over 23kg may incur a heavy bag charge.

It may also be possible to purchase an extra seat for your instrument, depending on
availability. You'll need to call us to discuss your requirements as extra seats cannot
be booked online.

http://www.baworldcargo.com/products/bags.shtml?site=%2Fproducts%2Fbags.shtm
l

Delta Airlines – U.S

http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/baggage/before-your-
trip/special-items.html

Musical instruments and/or equipment are accepted as checked baggage, carry-on

baggage or cabin-seat baggage — depending on its size and shape — on Delta and
Delta Connection® carriers flights¹. Please help us to keep your instrument safe by
bringing it in a hard-shell case.

What Instruments Can I Check?

Musical instruments or equipment can be checked if the total linear dimension

(length + width + height) does not exceed 150 inches (381 cm), and provided the
weight, including the case, does not exceed 165 lbs. (75 kg).

See standard rules and fees for overweight and oversized baggage.

What Instruments Can I Carry On?

Guitars and other smaller musical instruments, such as violins, will be accepted as
your free carry-on baggage item on Delta and Delta Connection® carriers flights¹.
These items must easily fit in the overhead bin or other approved storage location in
the cabin, based on available space at the time of boarding. Musical instruments
may be gate claimed at the discretion of the passenger and as a result of limited
overhead space.

What Instruments Might Need Their Own Seat?

You may purchase a full fare ticket for an item that you feel is too fragile to be
handled as checked baggage. You may stow the baggage in any passenger seat
with a bulkhead or divider in front of the compartment. The following restrictions
apply. The item must:

• not exceed 165 lbs. (75 kg)

• be packaged or covered in a way to avoid injury to other passengers
• be properly secured by a seatbelt to avoid shifting during flight
• not restrict access to, or use of, any required emergency or regular exits or
aisle of the cabin
• not obscure any passenger's view of seatbelt, no smoking or exit signs
• not contain dangerous goods
• be secured in a seat in the same cabin as the owner and preferably next to the
owner

For pricing information, contact Reservations.

1
Codeshare partner baggage policies may differ. Not valid for travel to and from the
United Kingdom.

EASYJET - UK
http://www.easyjet.com/planning/baggage

Musical instruments are allowed on-board as cabin baggage providing the

instrument, including its case, doesn't exceed 30 x 120 x 38cm. Instruments that fall
in this size range include:

• Violins
• Violas
• Piccolos
• Flutes
• Clarinets
• Bugles
• Mandolin
• Trumpets.

Taking these as cabin baggage is subject to available space in the overhead

lockers. Please note the instrument will be classed as one piece of cabin baggage.

When it’s not practical to combine the instrument with another item into a single
piece of cabin baggage, you may carry one small, essential, additional piece of
baggage (e.g. ladies handbag or laptop).

You can take cellos in to the cabin, but first you have to buy an additional seat.
Cellos fit into the seat and can be secured with the seat belt. You cannot, however,
buy a seat for smaller instruments like violins or guitars as they could slip out of the
seat belt restraint and fall onto the floor, which would be hazardous in an emergency.

Larger instruments than the cello, like a double bass or harp, are too bulky to go in
the cabin and you can’t buy a seat for them.

If you’ve made a booking for your cello online, please check in as normal online. If
you made the booking for your cello via Customer Services, please go to the
Customer Service or Sales desk at the airport and they will complete check-in and
print your boarding passes for you.

If you have already made your booking and wish to add a cello please call
our Customer Service Team.

It is recommended that you buy insurance to cover any instruments that you are
travelling with.
Hold luggage

Each item you check-in as hold luggage has to be under a certain size and weight.
Its total size has to be under 275cm (to find this out simply add its length + width +
height) and a standard weight of 20kg per bag, except for sporting and medical
equipment.

The easiest, quickest and cheapest way to add any hold luggage or sports
equipment to your booking is online when you're booking your flight, or via Manage
Bookings For a fee, you can put items in the hold. The fee can be paid in one of
three ways:

• Online or over the phone £12 - £22 per bag per flight, depending on the
route and flight period
• At the airport: £32 at bag drop or £45 at the gate.

Cabin baggage

What is my cabin baggage allowance?

All passengers

ONE cabin bag

Maximum size of 56 x 45 x 25cm including handles and wheels.

easyJet Plus, FLEXI fare, Upfront and Extra Legroom customers

One cabin bag as above

Plus ONE additional small under seat bag (For example a handbag or laptop)
Maximum size of 45 x 36 x 20cm which will need to be placed under the seat in front.

Our boarding priority is that easyJet Plus customers will board first followed by
passengers who need assistance, then families and finally all other passengers. So
locker space will be available for those passengers with medical needs for their flight
for items such as wheelchair parts or medicines (in line with our safety standards).

FLY BE - UK
http://www.flybe.com/baggage/exceptional-baggage.htm

Musical instruments

Musical instruments are normally carried in the hold of the aircraft, please ensure
that they are suitably packaged and are covered by adequate insurance.

Cellos
Cellos can usually be carried in the cabin if an additional seat is purchased, as they
can be secured safely in an aircraft seat. This must be booked at a fee via the
Centre

• Cellos may be carried in the aircraft cabin providing that:

 • a seat is purchased
• limited to 1 item per person
• the passenger must travel on the same flight
• must not be on a seat in an emergency exit row and must be in a seat on the
inside
• seat must be dedicated for that item only
• must not exceed 75kg in weight
• is properly secured by aircraft safety lap strap
• the centre of mass must not be more than 30cm above seat cushion

Violins

Violins may be permitted on-board Flybe operated flights as cabin baggage as long
as the instrument, including its case, doesn’t exceed 30cm x 30cm x 100cm.
Carriage as cabin baggage is subject to available space in the overhead lockers.
Please note the instrument will be classed as your one piece of cabin baggage.
Flybe recommends you have adequate insurance to cover such items.

Celtic harps
Loganair can accept Celtic harps for carriage in the hold, dimensions of which should
not exceed 1.25m x 0.25m x 0.85m and should be packed in a suitable case. Due to
aircraft restrictions, a maximum of one Celtic harp per aircraft may be carried.
Should you wish to carry a Celtic harp please contact [email protected] to
reserve this.

All other musical instruments

Other musical instruments are permitted in the cabin as long as they meet the cabin
bag requirements.

Guitars will be treated as an item of hold luggage and therefore hold luggage
charges will apply for its carriage. Excess charges will apply if the weight exceeds 20
kilos.

All other large musical instruments such as harps, double bass, drum kits, etc. will
need to be prepared and packaged for carriage in the aircraft hold. These will be
carried on a standby basis only and standard fees apply. View details of musical
instrument fees.

Fees:

Musical instruments
Charges are per instrument per sector. Pricing is dependant on instrument
size. These items are carried on a space available basis.

Essentials/New Economy/Plus

Flybe passengers on Flybe UK operated flights

Bookings made Flybe.com Call Centre Airport
via: GBP EUR CHF GBP EUR CHF GBP EUR CHF
per musical item
per sector n/a 30 40 48 30 40 48
Flybe passengers on all Loganair operated flights
GBP EUR NOK GBP EUR NOK GBP EUR NOK
per musical item
per sector n/a 10 13 100 10 13 100

Pre-booking seats

German Wings – Germany

https://www.germanwings.com/en/information/services/help/questions/can-i-
check-in-musical-instruments-in-as-luggage.html

Can I check in musical instruments in as luggage?

Yes, musical instruments can be checked in as luggage as long as they are no

bigger than a guitar and are packed in a hard case.

If your musical instrument is packed in a soft case, you must carry it as hand
luggage in the cabin.

Larger musical instruments must be carried in the cabin and placed on an extra seat.

More information on carrying musical instruments as hand luggage can be found

here.

Exceptions:
Double basses must be transported in a hard case and checked in as luggage. They
may not be carried in the cabin due to their size.

Note:
Germanwings/Eurowings accepts no liability for musical instruments carried in the
cabin. For flights operated by our partner airlines, the luggage regulations of the
relevant airline apply. Our current partner airlines are Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian
Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Condor, United Airlines, Air Canada and All Nippon
Airways.

Can I carry musical instruments in the cabin as hand luggage?

Yes, musical instruments may be carried on board as hand luggage as long as they
are no larger than a guitar and are packed in a soft case.

Larger musical instruments must be placed on an extra seat in the cabin.

The charges applicable for travelling with musical instruments can be found in this
table.

Exception:
Double basses must be transported in a hard case and checked in as luggage. Due
to their size, they may not be carried in the cabin.

Extra seat

If you book an extra seat via telephone before midnight on the same day as you
book your flight, the extra seat will cost the same as your own seat and there will be
no extra charge. If an extra seat is added later, it will be charged at the current flight
price as shown on the Internet.

Note:
Germanwings/Eurowings accepts no liability for musical instruments carried in the
cabin. For flights operated by our partner airlines, the hand luggage regulations of
the relevant airline apply.

Regular Baggage

Each passenger may carry one item of hand luggage on board with a maximum
weight of 8 kg and maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 23 cm. This excludes foldable
garment bags carried as hand luggage, which may measure up to 57 x 54 x 15 cm.

Due to the limited space available in the cabin, larger or heavier pieces of luggage
must be checked in at the airport counter and will be carried in the hold. This is not
only for your own safety and the safety of your fellow passengers, but also for your
comfort.

Please ensure that medication and valuable items such as laptops, mobile phones,
PDAs, documents, ID and jewellery are removed from any bag which is to be carried
in the hold.

Note:
For flights operated by our partner airlines, the hand luggage regulations of the
relevant airline apply. Our current partner airlines are Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian
Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Condor, United Airlines, Air Canada and All Nippon
Airways.

https://www.germanwings.com/en/information/services/help/questions/can-i-
check-in-musical-instruments-in-as-luggage.html

Jet2 - UK
http://www.jet2.com/new/answers/baggage

If your musical instrument is within the permitted hand baggage dimensions of

56x45x25cm and weighs less than 10kg, it can be carried onto the aircraft with you.
Always check the prevailing airport hand baggage restrictions at your departure
airport(s) as these can vary. Depending on the occupancy of the aircraft, strictly at
our discretion, we may permit a slightly larger instrument to be carried on board,
provided it will fit into the overhead lockers and the prevailing charge for carriage of
this item is paid. Alternatively, we will accept such an item as checked baggage
provided it is within a strong, protective case and you understand it is carried by us
strictly on a “limited release” basis. We strongly recommend that you have
comprehensive insurance cover in place to cover any loss, damage or delay as the
airline’s liability is limited. You will also be required to pay the prevailing rate for
carriage of this item, the weight of which will be limited to 20kgs per item, thereafter
you will be required to pay the current excess baggage charge per kilo up to a
maximum weight of 32kgs per single item.

Larger instruments such as a guitar or cello, may be carried in the cabin on a

dedicated seat but this extra seat must be paid for. A non-emergency exit window
seat will be allocated. For safety reasons the item must weigh less than 65kg, be
restrainable in the seat and must not extend above the top of the seat by more than
30cms.

KLM - Dutch

https://www.klm.com/travel/gb_en/prepare_for_travel/baggage/exceptional_ba
ggage/index.htm#p3

Musical instruments

You can bring your musical instrument in one of 3 ways:

1.Instead of a suitcase, or instead of an extra suitcase

Your musical instrument may weigh max 23 kg / 50.5 lbs and must be packed in a
hard case. Please make sure that your instrument is properly packed, as we are not
liable for any damage. You do not need to reserve for transportation of a musical
instrument, unless it is larger than 158 cm / 62 in (l + h + w).

If your instrument weighs more than 32 kg (70.5 lbs) or measures more than 200 cm
/ 79 in (l + h + w) you need to reserve for its transportation via KLM Telephone
Reservations, and receive confirmation at least 48 hours before departure.

2.As hand baggage

A smaller musical instrument, such as a violin or smaller instrument, you can bring
instead of a piece of hand baggage. It needs to fit in the overhead baggage
compartment.

3.On an extra seat

Larger instruments which do not fit in the overhead baggage compartment or under
the seat can be taken into the cabin to be transported on a seat. This seat needs to
be booked in advance via KLM Telephone Reservations

MONARCH
http://www.monarch.co.uk/faq/flights/baggage/other-baggage-faqs

Can I travel with my musical instrument?

If you wish to take your musical instrument onboard the aircraft for storage in the
overhead locker, it can be carried as hand baggage, but not in addition to your
standard hand-baggage allowance. You must ensure that it complies with our weight
and size restrictions for hand baggage – explained within our hand-baggage
guidelines and your instrument should be safely housed in its own carry case.

Larger instruments may be transported in the hold of the aircraft in a suitable case –
excess charges and baggage fees may apply. Alternatively, you may purchase an
extra seat for your musical instrument, provided it fits comfortably into the
dimensions of a single, standard aircraft seat and can be strapped in using a normal
seatbelt. For further information regarding carriage of musical instruments please
contact one of our reservations team. Additional seats for musical instruments will
need to be purchased via reservations or your tour operator – pre booked seat fees
may apply.

RYANAIR - UK
http://www.ryanair.com/en/terms-and-conditions/regulations-cabinbaggage/

CABIN BAGGAGE

One cabin bag weighing up to 10 kg with maximum dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x

20cm, plus 1 small bag up to 35 x 20 x 20 cms may be carried per passenger*.

There is no cabin bag allowance for an infant (aged 8 days to 23 months) travelling
on an adult’s lap; however a baby bag up to 5kg may be carried by the
accompanying adult in addition to their own cabin bag allowance

Due to cabin space limitations only 90 large cabin bags (55 x 40 x 20 cms) can be
carried in the cabin, any remainder will be carried free of charge in the aircraft hold.
Passengers who have purchased Priority Boarding will not be asked to place their
cabin bag in the aircraft hold, unless necessary due to operational reasons.

Oversized cabin baggage will be refused at the boarding gate, or where available,
placed in the hold of the aircraft for a fee of £50/€50 (fee subject to VAT on domestic
flights at applicable government rates). If you are unsure, check at the Bag Drop
desk before going through security.

* A baby bag up to 5kg may be carried by the accompanying adult in addition to their
own cabin bag allowance when an infant (aged 8 days to 23 months) is travelling on
an adult’s lap.

Smaller musical items such as a cello, guitar, violin or viola which exceed our cabin
baggage dimensions may be carried in the cabin if a seat for it has been reserved
and the appropriate fare paid. There is no checked or cabin baggage allowance
associated with the purchase of an extra seat.

To book an extra seat for an item the word "ITEM SEAT" must be entered as the
surname and "EXTRA" must be entered at the first name. EXTRA ITEM SEAT will
then be displayed on the reservation and online boarding pass. The accompanying
passenger's travel document details must be entered during the online check- in
process. Spanish Resident and Large Family Discount is not applicable on EXTRA
seats.

Reserved seating in emergency rows 1,16 and 17 may not be purchased if you have
purchased an extra seat for item/comfort/broken leg.

You must also fully comply with Article 8 of our Terms & Conditions of Carriage

SAS – Scandinavian Airlines

http://www.flysas.com/en/uk/travel-info/baggage/special-baggage/

• Simple rules. SAS always allows you to take at least one bag (up to 23 kg/51
lbs.) with you, plus one item of cabin baggage (up to 8 kg/18 lbs.) completely
free. If you are traveling in SAS Plus or SAS Business, you can take even
more. Check the baggage rules that apply for your ticket

• If you are traveling with only a golf bag, ski equipment or a musical
instrument – and no other baggage – there will be no additional charge. One
piece of baggage is always included!

• Musical instruments
o Musical instruments can be taken in the cabin if the instrument does
not exceed the dimensions for cabin baggage (55 x 40 x 23 cm/22 x 16
x 9") and the maximum weight of 8 kg/18 lbs.
o If you check in your musical instrument, it must be packed in a hard
case.

Click here for more information

o The cello is the only instrument that exceeds the SAS weight and
dimension measurements for cabin baggage that we accept in the
aircraft cabin. Book and pay for an extra seat for your cello at the time
of booking by calling the SAS Customer Contact Center, or through
your travel agent. These bookings cannot be made at flysas.com.
o Double bass. You must always register your double bass in your
booking prior to departure. If you have booked direct with us at SAS,
please complete the form via the link below. If you have booked
through a travel agent, please contact them. Register special baggage
here

Smart Wings – Czech Republic

http://www.smartwings.com/en/

There is no information on the Smart Wings website specific to Musical

Instruments and members have reported that they expect a second seat to be
bought for a guitar.
How many baggage can I have / How much is the overweight?

 One piece of cabin baggage (up to 5 kg) with max. dimensions of 56 x 45 x 25

cm and one checked-in baggage (up to 15 kg) are included in the price of the
ticket.

 In case of an overweight, a fee of 6 EUR per each 1 kg is charged. The total

weight can not exceed 32 kg. In case of a cabin baggage 5 kg can not be
exceeded at all.

 Different fees may apply on flights operated by other carriers.

THOMPSON - UK

http://www.thomson.co.uk/editorial/extras/travel-options.html#excessbaggage

If your instrument is larger than the maximum hand baggage dimensions, you’ll need
to check it in for an extra charge. We recommend you mark the instrument as fragile
and advise check-in staff to handle with care. See our Conditions of Carriage for full
details.

Charges are per passenger, per sector. Prices may vary by route

Virgin – UK
http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/travel-information/baggage/hand-
baggage.html

Musical instruments

If you’re planning on bringing a musical instrument with you, bear in mind it may not
fit within your hand baggage allowance.

If it exceeds the hand baggage allowance measurements, you’ll need to check it in

(and pay an additional baggage fee, if it takes you over your check in allowance).

However, rather than checking it in on the spot we’ll still ask you to carry it through to
the airport security checkpoint (subject to relevant Airport Security approval). As
instruments are especially fragile, this ensures safer carriage. It will be taken at the
departure gate for loading into the hold of the aircraft, so please make sure it’s
suitably protected when you pack it.

Alternatively, you can carry a maximum of two instruments onboard if you book a
seat for each one. Each instrument cannot exceed 75kg (165 lb) and its centre of
mass should be no more than 30cm (12 inches) above the top of the seat cushion.

For any questions about bringing a large musical instrument, please contact us in
advance of your flight.
Little Red (UK domestic) flights

Musical instruments are not permitted as hand baggage on Little Red (UK domestic)
flights and must be checked in as check in baggage.

WIZZ – Hungarian

https://wizzair.com/en-GB/useful_information/baggage

Please note that Wizz air make the following statement:

‘Damaged, Fragile, Bulky, Inadequately Packed, Late Check-in and Oversized

Baggage will only be accepted for carriage with a "Limited Release" Baggage Tag
and Wizz Air will not accept liability for such items’.

a) Fragile and bulky items, musical instruments

An additional seat at the adult fare available at the time of booking should be
purchased for items cannot be stowed under the seat or in the overhead
compartment. Reservation can be made online, entering “EXST” in the first name
field and the passenger’s surname in the last name field. Please note that for
instruments larger than a cello (e.g. double bass, harp, etc.) must be checked in with
a limited release tag. These instruments are too large and heavy to fit into a seat. If
the instrument including its carry case does not exceed the dimensions 56x45x25 cm
and 10 kg can be carried as a cabin baggage. Please note that the musical
instrument can be your only cabin baggage.