Contact the airline at least one week before your scheduled flight, and ask a customer service specialist about the guidelines for transporting musical instruments. Inquire about size limitations and carry-on guidelines, as some airplanes allow passengers to bring one instrument aboard plus an additional carry-on bag, while others do not.
Pack brass instruments, such as a trombone or french horn, in your checked baggage. You can bring any stringed instruments, such as a guitar or violin, as a carry-on item. Regardless of the where you place the item, it must meet the airline's size and weight requirements.
Plan to arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes prior to the airline's recommended arrival time, to allow extra time if needed.
Attach a note to the checked baggage that contains your instrument. Include information about how to properly handle the instrument and instructions that detail how to repack the item, as airport security guards will inspect it. TSA encourages musicians to remain with their instruments while a guard screens the item, to ensure the agent repacks the instrument correctly.
