Traveling on Southwest Air with Guitar

[NavyChap]

Not sure this the correct form - please move as needed.
I head out tomorrow to Orlando/Disney World -- and can check 2 bags.  Just had a Lesson this morning an date next lesson is day after I return.  I am thinking of taking one of the guitars with me to practice while I am away.  Has anyone had  experience with traveling on Southwest air with a Guitar?  Should I check it or try to carry on board???
Thanks in advance for an input.
Jim

[timfitz63]

The guidance from the FAA on this is that the carriers must let you carry the instrument on board IF there is cabin storage space; otherwise, they can (at their discretion, not yours) require you to check it.  I would go with the intent of carrying it on, but be prepared to check it (i.e., have it inside a hard-shell case).

I've not traveled on Southwest with a guitar, but did so once on American.  I carried the guitar on board, and the crew was actually very accommodating; they let me board with the first group so I had a better chance of finding cabin storage.  As I recall, they let me stow it in the crew closet rather than an overhead bin.

[NavyChap]

The guidance from the FAA on this is that the carriers must let you carry the instrument on board IF there is cabin storage space; otherwise, they can (at their discretion, not yours) require you to check it.  I would go with the intent of carrying it on, but be prepared to check it (i.e., have it inside a hard-shell case).

I've not traveled on Southwest with a guitar, but did so once on American.  I carried the guitar on board, and the crew was actually very accommodating; they let me board with the first group so I had a better chance of finding cabin storage.  As I recall, they let me stow it in the crew closet rather than an overhead bin.

Thanks -- I have handicap boarding so I should be ok - hopefully the crew will be as accommodating!!!

[DDG]

Simply require that the instrument travel with you.  As has been stated already, FAA regulations require that they accomodate your guitar.  There will be room in a closet or some crew area for the guitar in its case.  Do not let them buffalo you into signing a damage waiver and checking it.  The dollar amount may have changed but it's still likely a lot lower than the guitar would cost to replace.  Besides, I don't like giving them permission to see how far they can drop or kick it.:/

[NavyChap]

DDG, the trip went very smoothly!  No questions at all -- even on a FULL plane.  The  guitar went into an overhead bin.  One passenger even got it down for me in the confusing rush to get off the plane!!

[donlyn]

Just in case you didn't see it, "United Breaks Guitars":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YGc4zOqozo

[NavyChap]

Donlyn -- LOVE IT!  Sent to my Guitar Teacher as well!!!

[deepermagic]

I have traveled on Southwest with my guitar and was able to carry on and store it in the overhead bin. No one gave me any guff. And even if there isn't any overhead space (and to be honest the overhead is more roomy than I thought it would be) I'd be willing to be the good folks at Southwest would store it up front like they do strollers and such. Southwest is good people.

[Guitars44me]

This is nice to know!  Yay SW air

Cheeers

Paul

[Hippy]

Good to know!
I just recently took a vacation via SW Air & I was too scared to take my main Taylor, thinking they might force me to check it. SO I took my Baby and it of course fits in the overhead no problem. Next time I think I'll take the real one.
Thanks for the info.
Eric

[SDTaylorman]

As noted, it doesn't matter WHO you fly with.  The Federal law requires that IF (big if sometimes) there's room on the plane at the time of boarding then you can keep it with you. If not then you're S.O.L. and you'll have to check it. I've never actually had that problem but it's been close a few times (luckily flight crews usually take pity and stuff it in their private closet area).

[NavyChap]

Good to know!
I just recently took a vacation via SW Air & I was too scared to take my main Taylor, thinking they might force me to check it. SO I took my Baby and it of course fits in the overhead no problem. Next time I think I'll take the real one.
Thanks for the info.
Eric

Eric,when I flew I also did not take my Taylor - and went with my  Seagull - which I think is about the same size and fit in the overhead no problem.
Jim

[zeebow]

at one time, bob taylor provided a link to the regulations and suggested that you print it out prior to flying

navychap, you are dedicated! what a motivation!

[NavyChap]

at one time, bob taylor provided a link to the regulations and suggested that you print it out prior to flying

navychap, you are dedicated! what a motivation!

"Dedicated" -- or just doesn't know any better??

[SDTaylorman]

at one time, bob taylor provided a link to the regulations and suggested that you print it out prior to flying

Well I'm definitely NOT Bob but here you go:

We are discussing section 403 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (Pub. L. 112-95, 49 U.S.C. §41724). You can see the text of it here:
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/49/41724

And here's the DOT Rule on that statute (included in a handy guide to traveling with a musical instrument):
https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/air-travel-musical-instruments (click on "final rule")


NOTE: None of the above is intended to be legal advice and only points you to official sources of information. To be used for informational purposes only.