Delta Air Lines: flying with a musical instrument
Delta publishes a full instrument policy: cabin carry-on for small instruments, a paid extra seat for larger ones up to 165 lbs, and checked up to 150 linear inches.
Cabin / carry-on
Small instruments (violin, flute, guitar) accepted as a free carry-on if they fit an overhead bin or approved cabin storage, space permitting.
Extra seat
Buy a 'fragile item' seat; instrument + case ≤165 lbs (75 kg); secured in a seat in the same cabin, preferably next to the owner.
Checked
Checked if total linear dimensions ≤150 in (381 cm) and weight incl. case ≤165 lbs.
Source
Delta — Musical instruments
Guitars and smaller musical instruments like violins or flutes will be accepted as your free carry-on bag item ... [extra seat] not exceed 165 lbs (75 kg) ... secured in a seat in the same cabin as the owner and preferably next to the owner. [Checked] total linear dimension (length + width + height) does not exceed 150 inches (381 cm) ... weight, including the case, does not exceed 165lbs (75 kg).
https://www.delta.com/us/en/baggage/special-items/musical-instruments — Delta Air Lines, accessed 2026-07-09 · last reviewed 2026-07-09
Per instrument
How each instrument fares on Delta Air Lines
| 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 Delta Air Lines 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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