American Airlines: flying with a musical instrument
American publishes a full policy: cabin carry-on, a paid adjacent (non-exit-row) extra seat up to 165 lbs, and checked up to 150 linear inches.
Cabin / carry-on
Small instruments as carry-on, first come first served, must fit an overhead bin or under the seat.
Extra seat
Extra seat costs the adult fare plus taxes; not in an exit row; directly next to yours; ≤165 lbs (75 kg).
Checked
Checked instrument max 150 in (381 cm) and 165 lbs; larger/heavier must ship via Cargo.
Source
American — Specialty and sports baggage
Small instruments as carry-on, first come first served, must fit overhead bin or under seat. Extra seat costs the applicable adult fare plus taxes; is not in an exit row; is directly next to yours; weight limit 165 lbs / 75 kg. Checked instrument max 150 in / 381 cm (L+W+H), max 165 lbs / 75 kg (larger must ship via Cargo).
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/baggage/specialty-and-sports.jsp — American Airlines, accessed 2026-07-09 · last reviewed 2026-07-09
Per instrument
How each instrument fares on American Airlines
| Instrument | Verdict | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 61-key portable keyboard | Gate-check risk | A 61-key portable keyboard in its case often fits a mainline overhead bin but is a real gate-check risk on full flights and regional jets. Board early; if the bin is full it may be gate-checked. |
| Alto saxophone | Cabin likely | A alto saxophone in its case is small enough to stow in an overhead bin or under the seat. US federal law (49 U.S.C. §41724) gives you the right to carry it on if it fits and space is available at boarding. |
| Banjo | Gate-check risk | A banjo in its case often fits a mainline overhead bin but is a real gate-check risk on full flights and regional jets. Board early; if the bin is full it may be gate-checked. |
| Cello (4/4) | Extra seat | A cello (4/4) is too large for an overhead bin. On American Airlines the standard path is a purchased extra seat (the statute's cabin-carriage right, up to 165 lb, where the airline sells one) — see the airline's seat-position and weight rules. It may also be checked within the 150-linear-inch limit. |
| Dreadnought acoustic guitar | Gate-check risk | A dreadnought acoustic guitar in its case often fits a mainline overhead bin but is a real gate-check risk on full flights and regional jets. Board early; if the bin is full it may be gate-checked. |
| Electric guitar (gig bag) | Gate-check risk | A electric guitar (gig bag) in its case often fits a mainline overhead bin but is a real gate-check risk on full flights and regional jets. Board early; if the bin is full it may be gate-checked. |
| Parlor / travel acoustic guitar | Gate-check risk | A parlor / travel acoustic guitar in its case often fits a mainline overhead bin but is a real gate-check risk on full flights and regional jets. Board early; if the bin is full it may be gate-checked. |
| Trumpet | Cabin likely | A trumpet in its case is small enough to stow in an overhead bin or under the seat. US federal law (49 U.S.C. §41724) gives you the right to carry it on if it fits and space is available at boarding. |
| Ukulele (concert) | Cabin likely | A ukulele (concert) in its case is small enough to stow in an overhead bin or under the seat. US federal law (49 U.S.C. §41724) gives you the right to carry it on if it fits and space is available at boarding. |
| Viola | Gate-check risk | A viola in its case often fits a mainline overhead bin but is a real gate-check risk on full flights and regional jets. Board early; if the bin is full it may be gate-checked. |
| Violin (4/4) | Cabin likely | A violin (4/4) in its case is small enough to stow in an overhead bin or under the seat. US federal law (49 U.S.C. §41724) gives you the right to carry it on if it fits and space is available at boarding. |
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