Special Oversized Carry-On Items e.g. Instruments
 

Hi guys!

As we know, the maximum dimensions of carry-on baggage is 56cm x 36cm x 23cm (22 x 14in x 9in) including wheels, handles and side pockets, regardless of cabin class or status.

However CX also allows for the provision of special cabin baggage:
e.g. for musical instruments,
"You can bring small musical instruments such as like flutes or violins onto the aircraft as part of your cabin baggage allowance...
For all travelling classes, dimensions of carry-on musical instruments must not exceed 93 x 39 x 24cm or 36 x 15 x 9in (height x width x depth) including the case."
https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_...struments.html

Has anyone tried bringing an oversize instrument / item with CX as carry-on before?
Any problems? & how to ensure that gate staff are willing to let the item through?

Not sure if it qualifies as oversize but I brought a guitar back from SFO to HKG a few months ago. Was met with resistance at every step of the way from check-in to the gate. All staff wanted the guitar to be checked into the hold. I was warned repeatedly that I could try to bring it on board but the cabin crew had the final right of refusal if they couldn't find somewhere suitable to store it. At each step of the way I said that I would take my chances with the cabin crew as I really didn't want to check it into the hold. Eventually got onboard and after some discussion with the crew managed to store it safely in an overhead bin.

Thanks Horizon360 for your anecdote - it nicely encapsulates my concern w.r.t. ground staff

Coincidentally today at one of the HKG lounges a staff member mentioned that at the check in counter you can present your musical instrument and have it 'exemption-tagged', if the instrument conforms to the requirements on their website

Wonder if, as in your case, it may be more difficult at an outport since ground staff who may handle multiple airlines may be less familiar with CX's rules

Yes, I would imagine that it would be slightly easier at HKG as staff would be more familiar with the rules. Also, I expect that other factors such as class of travel and load factor would also impact your chances.