Special Oversized Carry-On Items e.g. Instruments
Jun 19, 2025 | 3:46 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2024
Programs: Agoda VIP DM; Booking Genius L3; Trip Plt; ... (smirk!) // ALL Accor GO; Ascott ASR SL
Posts: 621
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?
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?
Jun 20, 2025 | 8:19 am
#2
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 29
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?
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?
Jun 20, 2025 | 10:24 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2024
Programs: Agoda VIP DM; Booking Genius L3; Trip Plt; ... (smirk!) // ALL Accor GO; Ascott ASR SL
Posts: 621
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
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
Last edited by pf007; Jun 20, 2025 at 10:55 am
Jun 25, 2025 | 5:47 am
#4
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 29
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
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