A Guide to Southwest Airlines Guitar Policy
For musicians on the move, navigating airline policies with precious instruments can be stressful. But fret no more! We are here with the details Southwest Airlines guitar policy, ensuring a smooth journey for you and your beloved instrument.
Southwest Airlines Guitar Policy: Carry-On vs. Checked Bag
Southwest Airlines offers two options for bringing your guitar on board: carry-on luggage or checked baggage. Understanding the Southwest Airlines carry-on rules is crucial for making the best choice.
Carry-on Option:
- Size Matters: If your guitar case, including any padding or gig bag, fits within Southwest’s standard carry-on dimensions (24″ x 16″ x 10″), you can bring it on board as a carry-on free of charge. This is the ideal scenario, allowing you to keep your instrument close throughout the flight.
- First Come, First Served: Boarding on Southwest follows a unique boarding process. Since overhead bin space is limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, there’s a chance there might not be enough room for your guitar. Consider packing a thin, soft case to maximize your chances of fitting it in the overhead compartment.
Checked Baggage Option:
- Larger Instruments: If your guitar case exceeds the carry-on size restrictions, you can check it as a musical instrument with your free checked baggage allowance (up to two bags) on domestic flights (excluding Hawaii).
- Packing for Protection: When checking your guitar, invest in a sturdy hardshell case and pack it with padding to ensure maximum protection during handling. Consider detuning your strings slightly to reduce tension.
Musical Instrument Policy: Beyond Guitars
Southwest Airlines’ musical instrument policy extends to various instruments beyond guitars. Violins, cellos, and other instruments can be brought on board under the same guidelines as guitars. However, due to size limitations, larger instruments like drums or upright basses might require special arrangements and fees. Always contact Southwest Airlines directly if you have any concerns about oversized instruments.
Guitar Travel Tips for Smooth Sailing
Here are some additional guitar travel tips to ensure a stress-free experience with Southwest Airlines:
- Double-check dimensions: Carefully measure your guitar case with all padding or gig bag included to ensure it meets the carry-on size requirements.
- Pack a backup plan: If your guitar doesn’t fit in the overhead bin, consider gate-checking it with the flight attendant. This allows you to bypass baggage claim upon arrival.
- Prepare for security checks: Loosen the straps on your guitar case for easier inspection during security screenings.
- Bring documentation: If your guitar is particularly valuable, consider having a document stating its worth for insurance purposes.
Southwest Airlines Baggage Policy: Understanding the Fees
While Southwest offers a generous free checked baggage allowance for most domestic flights, some exceptions exist. For Hawaii flights specifically, Southwest operates under a different baggage policy with checked bag fees. It’s essential to review Southwest’s baggage policy in detail before your trip to avoid unexpected charges.
Guitar Check-in Policy: What to Expect at the Airport
- Check-in counter: During check-in, inform the agent that you’ll be checking your guitar as a musical instrument. They’ll likely attach a fragile tag to your case for special handling.
- Gate-checking: If your guitar doesn’t fit in the overhead bin and you opt for gate-checking, a flight attendant will issue a claim check for baggage claim retrieval upon arrival.
Musical Instrument Fees Southwest Airlines: Avoiding Extra Charges
Southwest Airlines generally doesn’t have specific fees associated with bringing a musical instrument like a guitar on board, as long as it adheres to the carry-on size restrictions or qualifies as one of your free checked bags. However, oversized instruments might incur additional fees. Always check with Southwest Airlines for the latest information on oversized instrument handling and any potential charges.
By understanding Southwest Airlines guitar policy and these helpful tips, you can confidently travel with your instrument, ensuring a harmonious journey for you and your music. Remember, planning and preparation are key to a smooth experience. So pack your guitar, grab your boarding pass, and get ready to take flight with Southwest Airlines!
FAQ’s
Yes, you can bring your guitar on Southwest Airlines as a carry-on if it fits within the standard carry-on size limits (24″ x 16″ x 10″) including the case. However, overhead bin space is limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so there’s a chance it might not fit.
If your guitar case doesn’t fit in the overhead bin, you can gate-check it with the flight attendant. This allows you to bypass baggage claim upon arrival.
Southwest Airlines generally doesn’t have specific fees associated with bringing a guitar on board as long as it meets the carry-on size restrictions or qualifies as one of your free checked bags (up to two on domestic flights excluding Hawaii). However, oversized instruments might incur additional fees.
1. Double-check dimensions to ensure your guitar case meets carry-on size requirements.
2. Invest in a sturdy hardshell case if checking your guitar.
3. Pack padding around your guitar for extra protection.
4. Loosen the straps on your case for easier security checks.
