How to register musical instruments on a flight

Traveling with a load of instruments and musical equipment is a common task for those who dedicate themselves to this profession, but when someone in common decides to transport their guitar, amplifiers, a violoncello or any other instrument to another country, doubts arise about their transportation. Which ones can go as hand luggage? Which ones in the cellar? What can I transport ?. In .com we clarify the panorama so that you know how you register musical instruments in a flight

Hand luggage

Instruments considered small, such as guitars, violins, etc., may be billed as carry-on baggage as long as they fit comfortably in the compartment for this type of suitcase or, failing that, enter the storage compartment located in the cabin, otherwise must register as additional baggage and assume the corresponding charges

In warehouse

Normally when a musical instrument weighs 32 kilos or more, or when it exceeds dimensions close to 158 centimeters in length + width + height, it must be registered as additional baggage to be transported in the hold. The space for this type of instruments is subject to reservation in many companies so you must inform when purchasing the ticket that you will be traveling with this type of luggage

In cabin

If you travel with a musical instrument too large to be hand luggage and too delicate to go in the hold, you can take it in the cabin under certain circumstances: you must pay a ticket to occupy a seat, preferably next to you, the instrument can not weigh more than 46 kilos with the case included or measuring more than 290 centimeters in length, it must also be packed in a way that it can not hurt any passenger, does not contain dangerous objects, does not obstruct the view or the passengers' journey and can travel with the safety seat placed

Rules of each company

In addition to these guidelines each company may have its own rules and rates for the transportation of this type of luggage, so it is advisable to inform you before purchasing the ticket

recommendations

Whenever you make a trip with musical instruments that you can not include in your carry-on baggage, it is advisable to arrive at the airport in advance because the registration process could be delayed, in the same way if it is a bulky object you must inform of your transfer, measures and weight when buying the ticket so that the company can offer you the best option

Contacts

Always know before buying the ticket, below we provide the customer service numbers of the main airlines: Iberia is 902.100.988, TAP Portugal 901.116.718, Air France Monday to Friday 0800.2000, Saturdays and Sundays 0900.1730, Air Europe 902.401.501, Lufthansa 902.883.882 and Delta Airlines 902.810.872