Oh, planning to travel with your beloved guitar on American Airlines? That's fantastic! There's nothing quite like having your instrument with you to inspire music wherever you go. But let's be honest, flying with a guitar can feel a bit like navigating a maze, especially with airline policies. Don't worry, though, because by the end of this guide, you'll be a pro at preparing your guitar for an American Airlines flight.
Flying with Your Guitar on American Airlines: A Comprehensive Guide
Flying with a musical instrument, especially something as precious as a guitar, requires careful planning and understanding of airline policies. American Airlines, like other carriers, has specific rules to ensure the safety of both your instrument and other passengers. The good news is that the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 generally mandates that U.S. air carriers accept musical instruments on their passenger flights.
Here's your step-by-step guide to a smooth journey with your guitar on American Airlines:
 |
| How To Fly With A Guitar American Airlines |
Step 1: Decide How Your Guitar Will Travel – Carry-On, Checked, or Extra Seat?
This is perhaps the most crucial decision you'll make. American Airlines offers a few options, each with its own pros and cons regarding cost, protection, and convenience.
Carry-On (Cabin): This is often the preferred method for musicians due to the higher level of control and reduced risk of damage.
The Golden Rule: Your guitar counts as your one carry-on item and must fit safely in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Standard carry-on dimensions are typically 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) for the main carry-on and 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) for a personal item. While a standard guitar in a soft gig bag might technically fit in some overhead bins, it often exceeds these typical dimensions, so be prepared for potential challenges.
Pro Tip: Board as early as possible (consider priority boarding if available) to increase your chances of finding overhead bin space. Space is often first-come, first-served. Politely ask a flight attendant if there's a coat closet you can use.
Important Note: American Airlines states they are not liable for damage to musical instruments unless they are in a hard-sided case and the outside of the case is visibly damaged. This is particularly relevant if your guitar ends up being gate-checked.
Purchasing an Additional Seat: For larger or extremely valuable guitars, this is the safest option.
How it Works: You buy a full adult fare ticket for the seat next to yours.
Limitations: The instrument must not weigh more than 165 lbs (75 kg) and must fit within the seat size restrictions based on the aircraft type. It must be secured with a seatbelt and typically cannot be in an exit row.
Consideration: This can significantly increase your travel cost, but it provides the ultimate peace of mind.
Checked Baggage (Cargo Hold): This is an option if your guitar cannot be carried on or doesn't warrant an extra seat.
Size and Weight Limits: American Airlines accepts checked instruments up to a maximum size of 150 inches (381 cm) (length + width + height) and a maximum weight of 165 lbs (75 kg). Anything larger or heavier needs to be shipped via cargo.
Fees: Standard checked bag fees apply up to 50 lbs (23 kg) and 150 inches (381 cm). Overweight fees apply for instruments over 50 lbs (23 kg) and oversized fees if the dimensions exceed typical baggage limits, though American Airlines has eliminated separate oversize bag fees for common musical equipment (as of 2019), meaning it just counts toward your standard bag allowance, and if it's over 50 lbs, standard overweight fees apply.
Crucial Requirement: Your instrument MUST be in a hard-sided case. American Airlines is only liable for damage to checked musical instruments if they are in a hard-sided case and the outside of the case is visibly damaged.
Step 2: Invest in the Right Case for Optimal Protection
Your guitar's case is its first and often only line of defense against the rigors of air travel.
QuickTip: Focus on what feels most relevant.
For Carry-On (Gig Bag vs. Hard Case):
Gig Bags: More flexible and lighter, making them easier to maneuver and potentially fit into tight overhead spaces or coat closets. However, they offer minimal protection against impacts. Only use a gig bag if you are absolutely confident your guitar will remain in your direct control in the cabin.
Hard Cases: While bulkier, they offer superior protection. If you plan to carry on, ensure the hard case's dimensions, including wheels and handles, are as compact as possible to maximize your chances of fitting in the overhead.
For Checked Baggage (Hard-Shell Case is a MUST):
There is no debate here. If you are checking your guitar, you must use a sturdy, purpose-built, hard-shell flight case. These cases are designed to withstand significant impact and pressure changes. Look for cases with reinforced corners, secure latches (TSA-approved locks are a good idea, as TSA may need to inspect it), and a well-padded interior.
Step 3: Prepare Your Guitar for the Journey – Inside the Case
Even with the best case, proper internal preparation is key to preventing damage.
Sub-Step 3a: Detune Your Strings
Why: Changes in temperature, humidity, and pressure during a flight can cause the wood of your guitar to expand or contract, putting immense stress on the neck and bridge. Loosening the strings significantly reduces this tension, minimizing the risk of warping, cracking, or even a broken headstock. Loosen them by about a full step or two, not completely slack.
Sub-Step 3b: Provide Internal Padding and Support
Fill Empty Spaces: Use soft materials like T-shirts, towels, bubble wrap, or foam to fill any empty spaces within the case. This prevents the guitar from shifting around during turbulence or rough handling.
Secure the Headstock: The headstock is often the most vulnerable part of a guitar. Add extra padding around it to prevent it from moving or snapping.
Protect Protruding Parts: If your guitar has a tremolo bar, knobs, or a pickup selector switch, consider removing them (if possible) or adding extra padding around them to prevent them from being bent or broken.
Fingerboard Protection: Place a soft cloth or a piece of cardboard between the strings and the fingerboard to prevent the strings from leaving marks or indentations on the frets during transit.
Sub-Step 3c: Consider Humidity Control
Especially for Acoustic Guitars: Drastic changes in humidity can be detrimental to wooden instruments. A guitar humidifier placed inside the case can help regulate the moisture levels and prevent the wood from drying out and cracking.
Sub-Step 3d: Label Everything
Case and Guitar: Clearly label both the inside and outside of your guitar case with your name, phone number, email address, and flight information. This is crucial in case your guitar is misplaced. Use durable tags or paint markers.
Fragile Label: While American Airlines has policies, adding a "FRAGILE" sticker to your hard case can visually alert handlers to exercise extra care.
Step 4: At the Airport – Navigating Check-in and Security
This is where your preparation pays off.
Sub-Step 4a: Arrive Early
Extra Time: Allow ample time for check-in and security, especially when traveling with special items like guitars. This buffer will help you address any unexpected issues calmly.
Sub-Step 4b: Know the Regulations
Be Prepared: Print out or have access to American Airlines' official musical instrument policy. While most agents are familiar, having the information readily available can help if you encounter an agent who is not. You can find this on the American Airlines website under "Special items and sports equipment."
Sub-Step 4c: Security Screening
TSA Inspection: All musical instruments, whether carry-on or checked, are subject to TSA inspection. Be prepared to open your case if requested. Having your guitar packed securely but accessibly will expedite this process.
Sub-Step 4d: Boarding Strategy for Carry-On Guitars
Early Boarding: As mentioned, boarding with your group or even purchasing priority boarding can significantly increase your chances of finding overhead bin space.
Communicate with Crew: Upon boarding, politely inform a flight attendant that you are traveling with a guitar and ask for assistance in finding suitable storage. Inquire about the coat closet. Remember, airline staff prioritize safety and space for all passengers. If there's no space, they may require you to gate-check the instrument.
Step 5: Upon Arrival – Inspect and Report Any Issues
Your journey isn't over until your guitar is safely in your hands at your destination.
Sub-Step 5a: Immediate Inspection
Check Thoroughly: As soon as you retrieve your guitar (whether from the overhead bin, gate-check, or baggage claim), open the case and thoroughly inspect your instrument for any signs of damage.
Don't Leave the Airport: If you find any damage, do not leave the airport before filing a report with American Airlines. Insist that they fill out a damage report form and provide you with a copy. Get the agent's name and contact information for follow-up. Take photos of any damage to the case and the guitar.
Sub-Step 5b: Re-tuning and Acclimation
Let it Settle: After the flight, allow your guitar to acclimate to the new environment's temperature and humidity for a few hours before re-tuning it. This helps prevent sudden stress on the wood.
By following these steps, you'll significantly increase your chances of a successful and stress-free journey with your guitar on American Airlines. Happy travels and happy strumming!
Tip: Focus on one point at a time.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about flying with a guitar on American Airlines, all starting with "How to," along with quick answers:
How to pack a guitar for American Airlines flight?
Pack your guitar in a hard-shell case (essential for checked, highly recommended for carry-on), detune the strings, fill all empty spaces in the case with padding (clothes, foam, bubble wrap), and secure the headstock and any loose parts.
How to carry a guitar as a carry-on on American Airlines?
Ensure your guitar, in its case, fits either in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Board early, or consider priority boarding, and politely ask flight attendants for assistance or inquire about the coat closet. Your guitar counts as your single carry-on item.
Tip: Look out for transitions like ‘however’ or ‘but’.
How to check a guitar on American Airlines?
Place your guitar in a sturdy hard-shell flight case. Ensure it's within the maximum checked baggage dimensions of 150 inches (length + width + height) and weight of 165 lbs (75 kg). Standard checked bag fees apply, with overweight fees for items over 50 lbs (23 kg).
How to avoid damage when flying with a guitar on American Airlines?
Invest in a high-quality hard-shell case, detune your strings, pad the inside of the case thoroughly, avoid connecting flights if possible, and inspect your guitar immediately upon arrival.
How to find American Airlines' official musical instrument policy?
Visit the official American Airlines website and search for "Special items and sports equipment" or "Musical Instruments" in their baggage information section.
How to determine if my guitar fits in the overhead bin on American Airlines?
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
While there are standard carry-on dimensions, guitar sizes vary. It's best to measure your guitar in its case and compare it to American Airlines' carry-on limits (22 x 14 x 9 inches). Many guitars, even in gig bags, exceed these, making overhead bin space a challenge unless a larger space is available or a coat closet.
How to deal with gate-checking a guitar on American Airlines?
If you are required to gate-check your guitar, ensure it is in a hard-shell case. Confirm with the gate agent where you will retrieve it upon arrival (often on the jet bridge or at baggage claim).
How to get an extra seat for my guitar on American Airlines?
You can purchase an additional seat for your guitar by contacting American Airlines reservations. The guitar must not weigh more than 165 lbs (75 kg) and must fit safely in the seat next to yours, secured with a seatbelt.
How to handle disputes or damage claims with American Airlines regarding my guitar?
Report any damage before leaving the airport to an American Airlines representative. Obtain a damage report, keep all flight details and receipts, and take photos of the damage. Follow up with their customer service as per their claims process.
How to prepare for TSA inspection of my guitar on American Airlines?
Have your guitar case ready for inspection. The TSA may ask you to open it. Pack the guitar securely but in a way that allows for easy (and safe) inspection if required.
 |
