Smaller wind instruments such as a flute, clarinet or oboe should be packed it its typical hardbacked carrying case and brought on as carry-on. Likewise, small string instruments like a violin or ukulele or can usually be brought as carry-on. Ideally, an instrument should always be carried on, but due to size restrictions, many cannot. The general rule is that an instrument must fit in the overhead compartment or airline seat in front of you. To do so, the carry-on item can be no more than 45 inches when adding the length, width and height. If an instrument exceeds this, it must be checked in.
It is wise to include detailed instructions for repacking an instrument properly. All baggage is subject to inspection, making the repacking of an instrument by a layperson possible. Therefore, repacking directions should be detailed, simplified and if possible, diagrammed. This applies to checked and carry-on baggage.
TSA allows travelers to carry an instrument alongside the allotted one carry-on bag and one personal item, thereby granting musicians the ability to carry three carry-on items on board. However, this is a TSA policy; airlines can refuse to permit this. Carriers in general tend to be less restrictive in regard to a single extra personal item, and in the case of a full flight, when they might have to impose a two carry-on limit more severely. There is always the option of checking-in a personal item at the gate. It might be in a musician's best interest in this scenario to check-in their carry-on bag or personal item during a full flight so that they might keep their instrument within sight.
Instruments packed as checked baggage may or may not incur additional penalties for not adhering to size and weight limitations. These items must absolutely be packed in a hard-shell case and include instructions in the event that they are opened. Delta allows musical instruments and equipment as baggage if the outside linear dimensions (length + width + height) do not exceed 120 inches (305cm) and the weight, including the case, does not exceed 100 lbs. Other airlines have similar restrictions, but it is worthy to note that few accept liability for damages. Therefore, many recommend that musicians purchase a second plane seat for large instruments.
