Musical instruments are permitted as carry-on or as checked baggage. To assist passengers traveling with instruments the TSA partnered with musical organizations around the country to understand the challenges of transporting musical instruments. The following recommendations result from these partnerships and are provided to assist musicians:
General Recommendations:
- It is always important to check with your air carrier prior to transporting your instrument. TSA is concerned with screening the instrument while the air carrier determines whether an instrument meets the size requirements for their aircraft.
- Horn instruments are best transported as checked baggage.
- String instruments, within carrier size limitations, are best transported as carry-on items.
- Checked items that are fragile or need special handling should have short written handling and repacking instructions placed within the case where a screener will take notice. Such instructions should be very clear and understandable to someone with no musical background.
Carry-on Instruments and Screening Checkpoints:
- You may carry one (1) musical instrument in addition to one (1) carry-on and one (1) personal item through the screening checkpoint. This is a TSA Screening Policy. Air carriers may or may not allow the additional carry-on item on their aircraft. Please check with your air carrier prior to arriving at the airport.
- Musical instruments must be x-rayed, or physically screened, before transport on an aircraft.
- Musical instruments will be handled very carefully and screeners will allow the owner to be as involved as possible in any physical screening.
- If the instrument cannot be cleared through the security checkpoint as a carry-on, the owner should make arrangements to check the item.
Instruments as Checked Baggage:
- Musical instruments are allowed as checked baggage as long as they fit within the size/weight scope of the transporting air carrier and that said air carrier accepts the item(s).
- Owners are encouraged to remain with their instrument during screening to ensure they are repacked properly and protected, if opened for physical screening.
- Owners should be present when an instrument is removed from its case for screening. For this reason, musicians are advised to add at least 30 minutes to the airline's recommended arrival window when checking their instrument.
