Southwest Airlines Guitar Policy : Guide For Beginners

Why Southwest Airlines for Traveling with Your Guitar?

Southwest Airlines is known for its musician-friendly policies. They’re one of the few airlines that understand the importance of treating musical instruments with care. Whether you’re heading to a gig, a recording session, or just traveling with your guitar for fun, Southwest’s policies offer flexibility and peace of mind.

Here’s why Southwest stands out:

1. Two Free Checked Bags: Unlike most airlines that charge hefty fees for checked luggage, Southwest allows two free checked bags. This can be a lifesaver if you’re traveling with multiple instruments or equipment.
2. No Change Fees: Plans can change, especially for musicians with dynamic schedules. Southwest’s no-change-fee policy makes it easier to adjust your travel plans.
3. Friendly Guitar Policies: Southwest permits guitars as carry-on items, provided they meet certain requirements. This is a major relief for those worried about their instruments being mishandled as checked baggage.

Southwest Airlines’ Guitar Policy: Key Details

Let’s break down Southwest Airlines’ guitar policy step by step so you’ll know exactly what to expect:

1. Guitars as Carry-On Items

• Cabin Storage: Guitars can be carried on board if they fit in the overhead bins or under the seat in front of you. Since most standard acoustic or electric guitars won’t fit under a seat, securing overhead bin space is your best bet.
• Size Limits: Southwest’s standard carry-on dimensions are 10 x 16 x 24 inches. However, guitars are an exception to this rule and are allowed even if they exceed these dimensions, as long as they fit safely in the overhead bin.

2. Purchasing a Seat for Your Guitar

If you’re worried about limited overhead space or have a particularly valuable guitar, you can purchase an additional seat for your instrument. Here’s what you need to know:

• Booking the Seat: When booking online, list the guitar as “Musical Instrument” under the passenger’s name.
• Seat Requirements: The guitar must fit in a window seat to avoid blocking the aisle. It also needs to be secured using a seatbelt extension, provided by Southwest.

3. Checking Your Guitar as Luggage

While carrying your guitar on board is ideal, you can also check it as luggage if necessary. Here are the guidelines:

• Packing Tips: Use a hard-shell case to protect your guitar from potential damage. Add extra padding around the headstock and neck for additional safety.
• Liability Limitations: Southwest’s liability for checked baggage, including guitars, is capped at $3,800 for domestic flights. Consider purchasing additional insurance for high-value instruments.

Pro Tips for Flying with Your Guitar on Southwest Airlines

From my own personal experience, a little preparation goes a long way when traveling with a guitar. Here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure a smooth journey:

1. Board Early

• Why It Matters: Overhead bin space fills up quickly, especially on full flights. Southwest’s open seating policy means your boarding position determines your access to storage space.
• How to Board Early: Check in exactly 24 hours before your flight to secure a good boarding position. Alternatively, purchase EarlyBird Check-In to increase your chances of boarding early.

2. Choose a TSA-Friendly Case

Invest in a case that’s sturdy, lightweight, and TSA-approved. Features like lockable zippers and reinforced edges can provide extra protection and peace of mind.

Go shop for these essentials Now

• Soft Gig Bag
• Hard Case
• Hybrid Case    
• Bubble wrap
• TSA-Friendly Case
• Hard-shell case
• Portable guitar humidifier
• professional-grade flight cases

3. De-Tune Your Guitar

Changes in cabin pressure can cause your guitar’s strings to tighten, potentially damaging the neck. Loosen the strings slightly before your flight to prevent this.

4. Use a Humidifier

Airplane cabins tend to be dry, which can affect the wood of your guitar. Place a small, portable guitar humidifier in your case to maintain proper moisture levels.

5. Communicate with Flight Crew

Let the gate agent and flight attendants know you’re traveling with a guitar. They can often help you find a secure spot for it in the cabin.

Variations and Substitutions

For Budget Travelers

If purchasing an additional seat isn’t feasible, arrive early at the gate to ensure overhead bin space is available. Alternatively, consider using a compact travel guitar that’s easier to stow.

For High-Value Guitars

For instruments that are irreplaceable, look into specialized travel insurance and consider professional-grade flight cases. These cases are built to withstand rough handling and extreme conditions.

Advanced Tips for the Frequent Traveler

1. Understand Southwest’s Open Seating Policy

Southwest does not assign seats, so your boarding group (A, B, or C) determines your choice of seat and access to storage space.

• How to Optimize: Frequent travelers can benefit from a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, which includes perks like priority boarding and bonus points for free flights.

2. Pack Additional Accessories Separately

Pack items like capos, tuners, and extra strings in your carry-on bag or checked luggage rather than inside your guitar case. This minimizes the risk of damage during inspection.

3. Check the Weather at Your Destination

Extreme temperatures can impact your guitar. If you’re traveling to a particularly cold or hot destination, take extra precautions with humidity control and padding.

4. Have a Backup Plan

In case your guitar must be gate-checked at the last minute, carry a lightweight, padded gig bag as a backup to minimize the risk of damage during handling.

Go shop for these essentials Now

• Soft Gig Bag
• Hard Case
• Hybrid Case    
• Bubble wrap
• TSA-Friendly Case
• Hard-shell case
• Portable guitar humidifier
• professional-grade flight cases

What to Expect When Flying with Your Guitar

Based on my overall experience, here’s what you can typically expect when flying with a guitar on Southwest Airlines:

• Ease of Boarding: With proper planning, boarding with your guitar is generally hassle-free.
• Storage Challenges: On full flights, overhead bin space can be tight. Be prepared to check your guitar if necessary, so always pack it in a durable case.
• Friendly Staff: Southwest’s staff are usually accommodating and understanding of musicians’ needs.

FAQs About Southwest Airlines’ Guitar Policy

1. Can I bring my guitar as a carry-on without purchasing an extra seat?

Yes, as long as it fits in the overhead bin and space is available.

2. What happens if there’s no room in the overhead bins?

If no space is available, you may need to gate-check your guitar. Ensure it’s packed securely in a hard-shell case.

3. Are there additional fees for traveling with a guitar?

No, unless you purchase an extra seat or check it as oversized luggage exceeding the weight limit.

Encouragement for Beginners

Traveling with your guitar for the first time can feel daunting, but it’s also an exciting milestone. Remember, preparation is key. With Southwest Airlines’ musician-friendly policies and the tips shared here, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of flying with your instrument.

Share Your Thoughts!

Have you traveled with your guitar on Southwest Airlines? From my own personal experience, every journey brings its own unique lessons. I’d love to hear about your experiences, challenges, and tips! Drop a comment below and let’s keep the conversation going. Your feedback helps fellow musicians navigate their travel journeys more confidently.

By preparing ahead and understanding Southwest Airlines’ guitar policy, you can ensure a smooth, stress-free experience. Happy travels and even happier strumming!