I need help witha guitar traveling on Southwest airlines in a soft case.?

Question

IT is an acoustic epiphone DR-100

I have a soft backback nylon case. I just need it to end up with me in New Mexico, from phoenix, without being checked.

Answer 1

You can bring it on as a carryon, and are allowed one other smaller item. Just try to make sure you check in early for your boarding pass. If you end up one of the last people onboard on a full flight, you might end up checking it if there's no overhead bin space left.

Answer 2

If you want  to carry it on the plane, they will probably make you buy an extra seat.

This is from Southwest's website:

Carryon Baggage

Per TSA regulations, carryon items are limited to one bag plus one smaller, personal-type item.

Personal-type items include purses, briefcases, cameras, food containers, or laptops (case included).

Southwest Airlines limits carryon bag dimensions to 10x16x24 inches.

All Customers and Employees and their items are subject to a thorough, physical search.

The following items are not considered carryon bags or personal-type items and are not counted against the “one-bag plus one personal-type item” limit:

A child restraint device for a child who has been ticketed, who has a seat reserved, or for which complimentary, available space exists.

Assistive/mobility devices for individuals with a disability. There is no limit to the number of assistive/mobility devices a Customer can bring onboard the aircraft.

Outer garments or other wearable articles of clothing.

Food for consumption during flight contained in disposable packaging.

Walking canes or umbrellas.

Musical Instruments

If your musical 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.