Originally Posted by AppleApe

Aren't those two conflicting answers?

In fact, that's the kind of conflicting answers I've gotten after speaking with three AA agents on the phone.

(1) violin + 21" carry-on, not allowed, because both are counted as carry-ons

(2) violin + 21" carry-on, allowed, because violin is a personal item and the 21" carry is carry-on

Actually, the third agent(who took position 1) suggested that it was up to the airport agent and flight attendants because they have the discretion.

Under no circumstance can I check a $450,000 violin.... so I guess I'll have to check the 21" carry-on.

The violin case is just a standard one-violin case measuring appx 29" x 9" x 5" in size.