Musicians can now carry on instruments on planes

Posted by on March 2, 2015

Good news if you’re a musician that’s somehow rich enough to be able to afford to fly. As of yesterday, March 1, it became mandatory for all U.S. airlines to allow musicians to carry on their instruments when they fly. Now, as long as there’s space in an overhead bin or under a seat, they can bring their instrument with them. The somewhat unfortunate news is that this is happening three years later, thanks to congress. An investigation found that a law was supposed to have been passed three years ago, but the D.O.T. guidelines weren’t written before the February deadline. As a result, many musicians were forced to check their instruments, which routinely caused damage to them.

“On behalf of the AFM and the Nashville Musicians Association, we are very glad to see that the DOT has followed up with the final rules for carrying instruments on planes, so that the FAA Modernization Act that was passed almost 3 years ago can finally be enforced in a consistent fashion,” the President of the Nashville Musicians Association said. “No doubt there will be a bump or two as airlines, and especially their employees, learn to comply with the FAA rules, but this is a huge step forward for musicians who need to be able to travel safely with the tools of their trade. I am very pleased to have been a part of this important process, and appreciate everyone involved for their efforts on this important issue for musicians.”

[via Gawker]

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