These rules were last checked on 10 Nov 2026, more than 100 days ago. Confirm on the airline's own page before you fly.
United rules
A violin, guitar or other small instrument may be carried on in a hard case. In the bin it counts as your carry-on bag; under the seat, as your personal item.
US federal rule: the airline must accept it if it can be stowed and there is space when you board. There is no priority over other bags.
A seat can be bought for an instrument under 165 lb (75 kg). Call 1-800-864-8331; an agent must approve the item.
The instrument seat must be next to yours and the item stays belted in for the whole flight.
United Express flights use smaller aircraft with smaller bins.