Does a full size cello fit in the overhead bin?
Dec 16, 2014, 8:50 am
#31
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Virginia
Posts: 1,558
Does a full size cello fit in the overhead bin?
You have to buy a seat for it. You can't use it as a carry on as it far exceeds carry on allowance and you are limited as to which seats in can be placed so you would need preboarding. Buy a seat or buy a hard case and check it. As others have said, those are your options.
Dec 18, 2014, 9:06 am
#32
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: PHX (live by CHD and work next to DVT)
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The policy itself does not state that a cello will not fit in an overhead bin, it just states that it can be used as the carry-on allowance. Until we have concrete measurements or a proven test of someone attempting to fit a cello in an overhead bin, we do not have proof that a cello will not fit in the overhead bin.
Dec 18, 2014, 9:10 am
#33
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: PHX (live by CHD and work next to DVT)
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This is specifically covered in the CoC:
And then there is this from the web site with cellos specifically mentioned:
Quote:
Musical Instruments
If your instrument does not meet the sizing requirements for carryon items (10"x16"x24"), it will be handled as checked baggage provided you do not wish to purchase a seat for the instrument.
In the event you are traveling with a musical instrument that is larger than our sizing requirements for carryon luggage and is fragile in nature, you may purchase a seat for the instrument and carry it in the cabin under the following conditions:
The instrument must fit in the seat without blocking aircraft signage and be secured with a seatbelt.
The instrument must be placed in the first row and in a seat closer to the window than any other Customer in that row.
Reservations must be made and a ticket must be purchased at a charge no greater than the Child's Fare. Musical instruments cannot be transported in place of a free companion under any fare promotion.
Instruments that are transported in a soft-sided case or other packaging that is not strong enough to protect the instrument under normal baggage handling conditions will be conditionally accepted, which means that Southwest assumes no liability for any damage sustained to the item during transport.
Please Note: Some musical instruments (e.g. double bass, cello, etc.) cannot be secured in a seat and must be transported as checked baggage. Oversize or overweight charges may apply.
And then there is this from the web site with cellos specifically mentioned:
Quote:
Musical Instruments
If your instrument does not meet the sizing requirements for carryon items (10"x16"x24"), it will be handled as checked baggage provided you do not wish to purchase a seat for the instrument.
In the event you are traveling with a musical instrument that is larger than our sizing requirements for carryon luggage and is fragile in nature, you may purchase a seat for the instrument and carry it in the cabin under the following conditions:
The instrument must fit in the seat without blocking aircraft signage and be secured with a seatbelt.
The instrument must be placed in the first row and in a seat closer to the window than any other Customer in that row.
Reservations must be made and a ticket must be purchased at a charge no greater than the Child's Fare. Musical instruments cannot be transported in place of a free companion under any fare promotion.
Instruments that are transported in a soft-sided case or other packaging that is not strong enough to protect the instrument under normal baggage handling conditions will be conditionally accepted, which means that Southwest assumes no liability for any damage sustained to the item during transport.
Please Note: Some musical instruments (e.g. double bass, cello, etc.) cannot be secured in a seat and must be transported as checked baggage. Oversize or overweight charges may apply.
Dec 18, 2014, 9:42 am
#34
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,286
The policy itself does not state that a cello will not fit in an overhead bin, it just states that it can be used as the carry-on allowance. Until we have concrete measurements or a proven test of someone attempting to fit a cello in an overhead bin, we do not have proof that a cello will not fit in the overhead bin.
My friend, who travels with his cello many times a year, laughed when I asked about trying to fit his instrument into the overhead bin.
In my opinion, a cello will not fit into the overhead bin.
FYI: The policy doesn't state that a cello can be used as the carry on allowance at all; it states that the instrument should be checked.
Last edited by ursine1; Dec 18, 2014 at 1:27 pm
Dec 18, 2014, 9:45 am
#35
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,286
So if you have properly purchased the additional seat and pre-board to find that either through passengers or higher-priority pre-boarders have taken the first row, will they be moved to be in compliance with the policy? What if there are three or more passengers' instruments meeting this policy, who gets IDBed?
In theory, the passenger to be IDB'd is the last to board.
Dec 18, 2014, 10:40 am
#36
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: PHX (live by CHD and work next to DVT)
Programs: WN CP/AL, UA 1P, PC Plat, AA, DL, US, AK, HH, MR, OH, LQ, RD (thanks GSA City-Pair Prog/DTS)
Posts: 1,292
Yes. Through passengers can cause conflict, but not higher-priority passengers, since someone buying a 2nd seat for their instrument would pre-board. The only time this becomes an issue is when through passengers in the bulkhead already also have a legitimate need to be there (handicapped, or passenger with a service dog, for example).
In theory, the passenger to be IDB'd is the last to board.
In theory, the passenger to be IDB'd is the last to board.
Dec 18, 2014, 11:38 am
#37
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Chicagoland, IL, USA
Programs: WN CP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,196
Wait, from INK's post:
"Musical Instruments
If your instrument does not meet the sizing requirements for carryon items (10"x16"x24"), it will be handled as checked baggage provided you do not wish to purchase a seat for the instrument.
In the event you are traveling with a musical instrument that is larger than our sizing requirements for carryon luggage and is fragile in nature, you may purchase a seat for the instrument and carry it in the cabin under the following conditions:
The instrument must fit in the seat without blocking aircraft signage and be secured with a seatbelt.
The instrument must be placed in the first row and in a seat closer to the window than any other Customer in that row.
Reservations must be made and a ticket must be purchased at a charge no greater than the Child's Fare. Musical instruments cannot be transported in place of a free companion under any fare promotion.
Instruments that are transported in a soft-sided case or other packaging that is not strong enough to protect the instrument under normal baggage handling conditions will be conditionally accepted, which means that Southwest assumes no liability for any damage sustained to the item during transport.
Please Note: Some musical instruments (e.g. double bass, cello, etc.) cannot be secured in a seat and must be transported as checked baggage. Oversize or overweight charges may apply."
I know relying on WN's ability to write plain and straightforward English is problematic, but does this not specifically say cellos must be checked as baggage, and not strapped to a paid-for seat?
"Musical Instruments
If your instrument does not meet the sizing requirements for carryon items (10"x16"x24"), it will be handled as checked baggage provided you do not wish to purchase a seat for the instrument.
In the event you are traveling with a musical instrument that is larger than our sizing requirements for carryon luggage and is fragile in nature, you may purchase a seat for the instrument and carry it in the cabin under the following conditions:
The instrument must fit in the seat without blocking aircraft signage and be secured with a seatbelt.
The instrument must be placed in the first row and in a seat closer to the window than any other Customer in that row.
Reservations must be made and a ticket must be purchased at a charge no greater than the Child's Fare. Musical instruments cannot be transported in place of a free companion under any fare promotion.
Instruments that are transported in a soft-sided case or other packaging that is not strong enough to protect the instrument under normal baggage handling conditions will be conditionally accepted, which means that Southwest assumes no liability for any damage sustained to the item during transport.
Please Note: Some musical instruments (e.g. double bass, cello, etc.) cannot be secured in a seat and must be transported as checked baggage. Oversize or overweight charges may apply."
I know relying on WN's ability to write plain and straightforward English is problematic, but does this not specifically say cellos must be checked as baggage, and not strapped to a paid-for seat?
Dec 18, 2014, 1:28 pm
#38
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,286
Dec 18, 2014, 1:30 pm
#39
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,286
Correct. However, my friend has successfully purchased an extra seat and then carried on his cello on Southwest multiple times.
Dec 18, 2014, 1:55 pm
#40
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 33
My favorite cellist also laughed at the notion of putting a cello overhead. Something to the affect of "Has this person seen a cello and flown in the last 5 years?"
Additionally, it appears to be a case of YMMV with being able to actually use a purchased 2nd seat for a cello. It's not worth the risk of having to check it to her and she has given up traveling with hers, forcing her to borrow one from a friend when she's on the road.
Additionally, it appears to be a case of YMMV with being able to actually use a purchased 2nd seat for a cello. It's not worth the risk of having to check it to her and she has given up traveling with hers, forcing her to borrow one from a friend when she's on the road.
Jan 13, 2015, 1:52 pm
#41
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,286
A new rule, effective March 6, 2015, will require airlines to accept carried-on instruments that fit into the overhead bin (not cellos), when space is available, and not force a gate-check simply because it's an instrument and/or takes up larger space.
A Musician’s Lament? Carrying On the Instrument
Full ruling here
A Musician’s Lament? Carrying On the Instrument
Full ruling here
Jan 13, 2015, 7:31 pm
#42
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: LAS
Posts: 1,525
Jan 13, 2015, 9:30 pm
#43
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Nashville, TN
Programs: WN Nothing and spending the half million points from too many flights, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 8,043