Good News For Travelling Musicians

In a time when seats are getting smaller, we’re getting charged more for checking in our baggage and meals are no longer offered, it seems like travelers can never gain a victory with the airline industry.

Now, we—especially musicians—finally have a reason to celebrate! The U.S. Department of Transportation recently ruled that musical instruments are considered carry-on luggage, which means that they can be stored in the overhead bin. Those who play a large instrument, such as a cello, now have the option of storing it in the seat next to them if they are willing to pay for the second seat.

The policy change—which takes effect on March 6—means a lot to musicians who previously had to check-in their instruments. Given the throwing and banging that happens to all luggage, using the check-in option seemed like a risky proposition. Just ask musician Dave Carroll whose guitar was broken after a United Airlines flight in 2009. He spent a year without success trying to get reimbursed for his damaged instrument.  Carroll was finally compensated after his viral music video called “United breaks guitars” became popular and embarrassed United Airlines.

 More information: Traveling With a Musical Instrument | US Department of Transportation 

Happy travels! 

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