Southwest Airlines: flying with a musical instrument
Southwest's extra-seat rule is unusually specific — a bulkhead window seat only — and excludes cello/double bass from cabin seating entirely.
Cabin / carry-on
Carry-on if within 24+16+10 in, or larger if it fits an overhead bin or under the seat, space permitting.
Extra seat
Extra seat must be a first-row (bulkhead) window seat with the purchaser in the adjacent seat; L+H+W ≤150 in, ≤165 lbs. Cello and double bass cannot be secured in a seat and must be checked.
Checked
Checked up to 150 linear in / 165 lbs; oversize fees waived, overweight fee 51-165 lbs; soft cases carried at limited release.
Source
Southwest — Traveling with a musical instrument
Carry-on size limit 24 (L) + 16 (W) + 10 (H); if larger, may still be carried on if it fits overhead or under seat, space permitting. Extra seat must be a first-row (bulkhead) window seat, purchaser sits in the adjacent seat; L+H+W must not exceed 150 in and weight must not exceed 165 lbs; double bass and cello cannot be secured in a seat and must be checked.
https://support.southwest.com/helpcenter/s/article/traveling-with-a-musical-instrument — Southwest Airlines, accessed 2026-07-09 · last reviewed 2026-07-09
Per instrument
How each instrument fares on Southwest 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 Southwest 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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