Musical instruments
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” ― Plato
Here’s what you’ll need to know to take your show on the road:
Small musical instruments
Instruments that fit in an overhead bin or under the seat in front can be taken in the cabin for your flight as a carry on item. In addition to your instrument, you will be able to bring one personal item.
Carry on baggage size requirements: 53 cm x 23 cm x 38 cm (21 in. x 9 in. x 15 in.)
During the flight, your instrument must remain stowed in the overhead bin, under the seat or in other approved locations. Seats cannot be purchased for instruments.
The cabin crew may accept an irregular-sized musical instrument in the cabin and carry-on baggage is subject to space limitations, so come prepared to check your instrument if necessary.
Checking your musical instrument
You may need to check instruments that do not fit in the cabin, WestJet strongly recommends that musical instruments be in a hard-sided case and checked baggage fees will apply.
Baggage fees are charged based on fare bundle and WestJet Rewards benefits.
Your cello or xylophone may be subject to excess, overweight or oversize baggage fees.
In the event of an aircraft downgrade
Sometimes with delays due to weather or unexpected maintenance, we need to do a little juggling. So, it’s possible that the plane that you booked is not the plane you will board. When this happens and you’re on a smaller plane, we’ll provide you with options if there is not sufficient space to stow your instrument in the cabin.
Taking a guitar with you?
You will need to loosen the strings on your guitar or cello—or any stringed instrument—before you travel to reduce the risk of the headstock cracking or snapping off with the changes in temperature and pressure of air travel.
Flying with a WestJet partner?
Musical instrument policies can be different between airlines. So, if you’re travelling on a flight operated by any carrier other than WestJet, we recommend that you visit the airline’s website to learn about their policies, fees and terms and conditions of carriage.