Flying with Musical Instruments on Delta Airlines


Musical instruments and/or equipment are accepted as checked baggage, carry-on baggage or cabin-seat baggage — depending on its size and shape — on Delta and Delta Connection flights.  It is safest to bring your instrument in a hard-shell case.  [AMZ asins='B0CMR5YLMN,B01BGX82G8,B083TJQ1XN,B000T07XFG']

Instruments as Checked Baggage on Delta Flights


Musical instruments or equipment can be checked if the total linear dimension (length + width + height) does not exceed 150 inches (381 cm), and provided the weight, including the case, does not exceed 165lbs (75 kg).

Please note: Musical instruments exceeding 78.74 inches (200 cm) in length will not be accepted as checked baggage on 767-300 aircraft to/from Tokyo-Narita, Japan (NRT).

See standard rules and fees for overweight and oversized baggage.

Musical Instruments as Carry-On on Delta Flights


Guitars and other smaller musical instruments, such as violins, will be accepted as your free carry-on baggage item on Delta and Delta Connection flights. These items must easily fit in the overhead bin or other approved storage location in the cabin, based on available space at the time of boarding. Musical instruments may be gate claimed at the discretion of the passenger and as a result of limited overhead space.

Buying an Extra Seat for your Instrument on Delta Airlines Flights


You may purchase a full fare ticket for an item that you feel is too fragile to be handled as checked baggage. You may stow the baggage in any passenger seat with a bulkhead or divider in front of the compartment. The following restrictions apply. The item must:


  • not exceed 165 lbs (75 kg)

  • be packaged or covered in a way to avoid injury to other passengers

  • be properly secured by a seatbelt to avoid shifting during flight

  • not restrict access to, or use of, any required emergency or regular exits or aisle of the cabin

  • not obscure any passenger's view of seatbelt, no smoking or exit signs

  • not contain dangerous goods

  • be secured in a seat in the same cabin as the owner and preferably next to the owner


For pricing information for buying an extra seat for your instrument, please contact Delta Reservations.

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