American Airlines have some changes to their music equipment policy that they promise will be “music to the ears of musicians”.

American Airline’s have changed their policy regarding sports and music equipment. Whereas before it was common for large pieces of music equipment to be checked into hold luggage with an oversize bag fee.

Now large music equipment and sports equipment won’t be charged extra to be put into the hold storage of the plane. American Airlines have changed their policy in preparation for the busy summer period where people will be travelling lots more with additional luggage for activities.

What you should know

  • Based on feedback from our customers and American team members, American is eliminating the charge for common oversize sports and music equipment — up to the maximum size we accept for these items. The change is effective for travel on or after May 21.
  • American will accept these oversize items as a standard checked bag without an additional oversize charge.
  • The checked oversize bag counts toward a customer’s normal baggage allowance. For example, customers traveling within the United States, who used to pay $150 to check one oversize item such as a surfboard, will now pay $30 — the cost of a standard first bag — if the weight is less than 50 lbs. Customers traveling with skis or a snowboard will now be able to check in an equipment bag with the skis or snowboard as one bag (up to 50 lbs./62 in.).
  • Due to special handling requirements, oversize items such as antlers, hang gliders, scuba tanks and kite/windsurfing items will continue to incur a flat $150 fee.
  • Additional allowances/restrictions may apply based on destination, class of service, elite status, active U.S. military members or AAdvantage® cardmembers (on domestic American-operated itineraries). For more information, visit aa.com/checkedbags.