Can I Fly With This?
Can I bring musical instrument on a plane?
Quick rules for flying with musical instrument in carry-on and checked baggage. Verdicts and conditions across the major aviation regions below.
🇺🇸 United States (TSA)
Allowed as carry-on if it fits in the overhead bin or under the seat. Airlines must accept instruments as carry-on (FAA rule) when space allows. Otherwise check or buy an extra seat.
🇪🇺 European Union (EASA)
Small instruments OK in cabin on most EU carriers (may count as your carry-on). Guitars: typically accepted in overhead bin if soft case; LCCs may charge oversize. Large (cello, bass): buy seat or check. EU CITES paperwork required for ivory / rosewood / tortoiseshell parts.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom (CAA)
Small instruments OK in cabin on BA / Virgin. Guitars accepted in overhead bin. Large: seat purchase or checked. UK CITES paperwork for protected components.
🌎 Latin America
Small instruments OK on LATAM / Aeroméxico / Avianca. Guitars OK in overhead. Large: seat or checked. CITES paperwork for protected wood.
🌏 Asia (ICAO / IATA baseline)
Small instruments (violin, flute, ukulele): cabin OK on most Asian carriers — may count as your one carry-on. Guitars: most Asian airlines accept in overhead bin if soft case; some LCCs charge oversize. Large instruments (cello, double bass): buy a seat or check (CITES paperwork required for ivory / rosewood / tortoiseshell parts in Japan, Singapore, China).
🇦🇺 Australia & Pacific (CASA)
Small instruments: cabin OK on Qantas / Virgin AU / Air NZ. Guitars: usually accepted in overhead bin. Large: seat purchase or checked. Australia + NZ: CITES paperwork required for protected wood / shell / ivory components.