Can I Bring A Guitar On United Airlines?

If you’re planning to travel with your guitar on United Airlines, you’re probably wondering if it’s allowed. The good news is that United Airlines does allow passengers to bring guitars on board, but there are a few rules and restrictions to keep in mind.

Before you pack up your prized instrument and head to the airport, take a few minutes to read through United Airlines’ policies on musical instruments and learn what you need to do to ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience with your guitar.

Can I Bring a Guitar on United Airlines?

United Airlines Carry-On Policy for Guitars

United Airlines allows passengers to bring a guitar on board as a carry-on item, subject to certain size and weight restrictions. The guitar must fit within the airline’s carry-on size limit of 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches (including the case or bag). Additionally, the weight of the guitar and its case or bag must not exceed 50 pounds. If the guitar and its case or bag exceed these limits, they must be checked as baggage.

It’s important to note that United Airlines considers a guitar to be a fragile item, so it’s recommended that passengers take additional steps to protect it. Passengers may bring a hard-shell case or a padded gig bag to protect the guitar during travel. Additionally, passengers are advised to inform the airline staff that they are traveling with a guitar so that appropriate care can be taken.

Checking a Guitar on United Airlines

If a passenger’s guitar exceeds the carry-on size and weight limits, it may be checked as baggage. United Airlines allows musical instruments as checked baggage as long as they are properly packed and meet the airline’s weight and size restrictions. The checked baggage fee for a guitar will depend on the passenger’s destination and fare class.

It’s important to note that passengers who choose to check their guitar as baggage assume responsibility for any damage that may occur during transport. To help prevent damage, passengers should take extra care when packing their guitar. This may include removing the strings or loosening them to relieve tension on the neck, and using a sturdy guitar case or bag.

Benefits of Bringing a Guitar on United Airlines

One of the main benefits of bringing a guitar on United Airlines is the convenience of having your instrument with you at all times. This is especially important for musicians who are traveling for gigs or performances. By bringing their guitar on board, they can ensure that their instrument is available and ready to play at a moment’s notice.

Another benefit of bringing a guitar on United Airlines is the peace of mind that comes with knowing your instrument is being well cared for. United Airlines considers guitars to be a fragile item, which means that they are handled with extra care during transport. Additionally, by informing the airline staff that you are traveling with a guitar, you can ensure that appropriate precautions are taken to protect your instrument.

Bringing a Guitar on United Airlines vs. Other Airlines

When it comes to bringing a guitar on a flight, each airline has its own policies and procedures. Some airlines may allow guitars as carry-on items without any size or weight restrictions, while others may require them to be checked as baggage. It’s important to check with your airline before traveling to ensure that you understand their policies and procedures.

Compared to other airlines, United Airlines’ policy for carrying a guitar is fairly standard. The guitar must meet the airline’s size and weight restrictions, and it may be checked as baggage if it exceeds these limits. However, United Airlines does consider guitars to be a fragile item, which means that they are handled with extra care during transport.

Conclusion

In conclusion, United Airlines allows passengers to bring a guitar on board as a carry-on item, subject to certain size and weight restrictions. If the guitar exceeds these limits, it may be checked as baggage. Passengers are advised to take additional steps to protect their guitar during travel, such as using a hard-shell case or padded gig bag. By bringing a guitar on United Airlines, musicians can enjoy the convenience of having their instrument with them at all times and the peace of mind that comes with knowing it is being well cared for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding bringing a guitar on United Airlines:

What is United Airlines’ policy on bringing musical instruments on board?

United Airlines allows passengers to bring musical instruments on board as carry-on or checked baggage, as long as they meet the airline’s size and weight requirements. Musical instruments that are too large to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat must be checked in.

For a guitar, it can be brought as a carry-on, as long as it fits in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. If it doesn’t fit, it must be checked in.

What are the size limitations for a guitar to be considered as a carry-on?

According to United Airlines’ policy, a guitar is considered a carry-on item. Its dimensions must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm). If your guitar is larger than these dimensions, it must be checked in as baggage.

Keep in mind that if you bring a guitar as a carry-on, it will count towards your carry-on allowance. You are allowed one personal item and one carry-on item, so make sure to plan accordingly.

Can I bring my guitar as checked baggage?

Yes, you can bring your guitar as checked baggage on United Airlines. However, you must make sure that it is properly packed to avoid any damage during transit. It is recommended to use a hard-shell case or a padded gig bag. You may also want to consider purchasing additional insurance to protect your instrument.

When checking in your guitar, you will need to inform the United Airlines agent that it is a musical instrument. They will most likely place a fragile tag on it and handle it with care.

What are the fees for bringing a guitar on United Airlines?

If your guitar meets the carry-on size requirements and you bring it on board, there is no additional fee. However, if you need to check it in as baggage, you will need to pay United Airlines’ standard checked baggage fee. The fee depends on your destination and fare class, so make sure to check United Airlines’ website for the most up-to-date information.

If your guitar is valuable, you may want to consider purchasing additional insurance or paying for a special handling fee to ensure that it is properly cared for during transit.

What if I have multiple instruments to bring on board?

If you have multiple instruments to bring on board, you will need to make sure that they all meet United Airlines’ size and weight requirements. You are only allowed one carry-on item and one personal item, so you may need to check in some of your instruments as baggage.

It is recommended that you contact United Airlines ahead of time to inform them that you will be traveling with multiple instruments. They may be able to provide you with additional information or assistance in packing and checking in your instruments.

United Breaks Guitars

In conclusion, if you’re planning to travel with your guitar on United Airlines, it’s important to do your research beforehand. United Airlines does allow passengers to bring guitars on flights as either carry-on or checked baggage, but it’s important to note that there are specific requirements and fees associated with each option.

If you choose to carry your guitar on the plane, be sure to select an appropriate case that meets United Airlines’ size requirements and can fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. You’ll also need to be prepared to pay the standard carry-on baggage fee.

Alternatively, if you prefer to check your guitar as baggage, you’ll need to purchase a special checked baggage fee and make sure your guitar is properly packed in a hard-shell case. It’s important to keep in mind that United Airlines may not be liable for any damage that occurs to your guitar during transit.

Overall, traveling with a guitar on United Airlines is definitely possible, but it’s important to plan ahead and make sure you’re aware of all the necessary requirements and fees. With a little preparation, you’ll be able to bring your guitar along for the ride and enjoy making music wherever your travels take you.