Transporting a classical guitar (approximately 100×40×15 cm) by plane varies considerably depending on the airline. This comparative report analyzes the policies of major airlines to help you plan your next trip with your instrument.
1. Major airlines policies
Iberia
Instruments up to 30×120×42 cm are considered free carry-on baggage. If there's no space in the cabin, they go to the hold. It's possible to reserve an extra seat by contacting the reservations center. In the hold, the maximum is 190×75×65 cm and 23 kg (32 kg with excess fee).
Vueling
Applies its extra seat and oversized baggage policy. In extra seat, instruments over 136×47×25 cm or 75 kg are prohibited. Without available space, the guitar must be checked as special baggage.
Air Europa
Guitar up to 55×35×25 cm (115 linear cm) and ≤10 kg travels in cabin as carry-on. If it exceeds these limits, it can travel in cabin by purchasing an extra seat. In the hold, it enters as checked baggage: ≤158 cm (sum) and ≤23 kg free (up to 32 kg paying excess).
Ryanair
Allows small instruments free if they fit in the standard hand baggage franchise (40×20×25 cm) or Priority (55×40×20 cm, ≤10 kg). If it doesn't fit, there are two options: buy an extra seat (reserve "EXTRA ITEM SEAT") or check the instrument with a charge. In the hold, it charges a fixed fee of ~€60 per segment (up to 20 kg) if booked online, or €75 at the airport.
easyJet
Allows instruments up to 30×117×38 cm (case included) in cabin as large carry-on baggage. Larger instruments require an extra seat. The extra seat is purchased by adding passenger "Mr Musical Instrument".
Lufthansa
Small instruments (≤125 cm sum of dimensions and ≤8 kg) enter free in cabin using the carry-on baggage allowance. Larger instruments require an extra seat. In the hold, they can be checked with normal baggage (23 kg) or as excess paying a fee.
Air France / KLM
Instruments up to 115 cm (sum) are considered normal carry-on baggage. Larger ones require approval 48 hours in advance and extra seat (up to 45 kg). In cabin, instrument is allowed if it fits as carry-on: up to 55×35×25 cm and ≤12 kg (econ) / ≤18 kg (business).
British Airways
Instruments up to 80 cm (case) can go in cabin as part of carry-on baggage. Between 80 and 140 cm, they must be checked or reserve an extra seat. A hard case is required: BA doesn't accept soft cases in the hold.
Emirates
Instruments are handled as normal baggage (cabin or hold) or with a paid extra seat. They must fit within standard cabin limits or be checked. A hard case is always recommended.
Turkish Airlines
Applies standard carry-on baggage (≤8 kg, ≤118 cm sum). Offers, with prior reservation, to transport instruments "as paid carry-on" up to 75 kg and 140×42×25 cm. Also checks large instruments in the hold.
American Airlines
Small instruments that fit in overhead bins or under the seat are free as carry-on. If they don't fit, an extra seat can be purchased. In the hold, allows instruments up to 381 cm and 75 kg.
2. Carry-on vs checked baggage
Dimensions and weight
Most set different rules for cabin and hold. In cabin, they usually require a maximum similar to normal carry-on (55×40×23 cm, 8-12 kg), while in hold they accept up to ~158-190 cm combined and 23 kg.
Advance reservation
Some airlines require pre-reserving the space (KLM, BA: notify 48h in advance; Turkish: book 48h in advance). Others (Ryanair, easyJet, Turkish) require purchasing the extra seat when making the reservation.
Fees
- Ryanair: €60 online / €75 at airport (up to 20 kg)
- Vueling: €45-75€ as special baggage
- Iberia: free if it fits in carry-on, or normal ticket price for extra seat
- EasyJet: normal flight fare for extra seat
Hard case vs soft case
Almost all airlines require using a hard case if the guitar goes in the hold. Soft cases are prohibited in most cases.
3. Traveler's checklist
- Check dimensions and weight allowed by the airline
- Book extra seat in advance if it fits in cabin
- Bring hard case + extra padding. Label with name/phone
- Print or save extra seat reservation confirmation
- Take photo of instrument before traveling
- Arrive early: notify special baggage at check-in
- Bring insurance policy (instruments/travel) and document copies
4. Comparative fees
| Airline | Cabin (dimensions) | Extra seat | Hold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iberia | ≤30×120×42 cm | ~50-100€ | 23 kg free |
| Ryanair | 55×40×20 cm (Priority) | 30-70€ | €60/€75 |
| EasyJet | 30×117×38 cm | 50-100€ | By weight |
| Lufthansa | 55×40×23 cm, ≤8 kg | 70-120€ | 23 kg free |
| BA | ≤80 cm (case) | ≥100€ | 23 kg + excess |
| American | Overhead/under seat | Adult fare | 23 kg free |
5. Risks and recommendations
In cabin, airlines are only responsible for their own negligence. In the hold, the Montreal Convention applies: limited liability to ~1,300-1,500€. Having additional insurance is key.
For professional musicians
- Purchase specific insurance for instruments during travel
- If possible, always carry in cabin using extra seat
- Verify the airline covers damages when instrument is in cabin
- Duplicate instrument documentation (serial number, valuation)
6. Applicable regulations
Montreal Convention (1999): International regime applicable to air transport. Establishes that the carrier is responsible for damage to checked baggage. Liability is limited to 1,288 SDR (~1,300€) per passenger.
EU Regulation (EC) 889/2002: Incorporates the Montreal Convention into the EU.
Need a definitive solution?
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