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Flying with Musical Instruments on Southwest
Musical Instruments as Carry-On on Southwest Airlines
If your musical instrument (including case or covering) exceeds the sizing requirements for carryon items (10"x16"x24"), it can be carried onboard if it will fit in an overhead bin or under a seat onboard the aircraft and there is space available when you board the aircraft for the instrument. [AMZ asins='B0CMR5YLMN,B01BGX82G8,B083TJQ1XN,B000T07XFG']
In the event you are traveling with a musical instrument that will not fit in an overhead bin or under a seat onboard, you may purchase a seat for the instrument and carry it in the cabin under the following conditions:The instrument must fit in the seat without blocking aircraft signage and be secured with a seatbelt. The instrument must be placed in the first row and in a seat closer to the window than any other Customer in that row. Reservations must be made and a ticket must be purchased at a charge no greater than the Child's Fare. Musical instruments cannot be transported in place of a free companion under any fare promotion.
Musical Instruments as Checked Baggage on Southwest Airlines
A musical instrument may be checked in substitution of one piece of the free Checked Baggage allowance for each Passenger at no charge on a one-item-for-one-bag basis.
Instruments that are transported in a soft-sided case or other packaging that is not strong enough to protect the instrument under normal baggage handling conditions will be subject to limited release, which means that Southwest assumes no liability for any damage sustained to the item during transport.
Carrier will not accept any musical instrument if the sum of the length, height, and width of the outside linear dimensions of the instrument (including case or covering) exceeds 150 inches, or the weight of the musical instrument exceeds 165 pounds (including case or covering).
Please Note: Some musical instruments (e.g. double bass, cello, etc.) cannot be secured in a seat and must be transported as checked baggage. Oversize or overweight charges will apply if the instrument is between 62-150 inches in size (outside length plus width plus height including case or covering) or if the instrument weighs between 51-165 pounds (including case or covering).
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