New Rules For Flying With Instruments

Musicians, engineers and anyone traveling with expensive gear can rejoice, since the restrictions on airline travel with instruments has finally been eased a bit. Earlier this month Congress finally saw the light and passed The FAA Air Transportation Modernization And Safety Improvement Act of 2012, which should lead musicians that travel to throw a party.

Here's the deal:

• Musical instrument will now be treated exactly the same as any other luggage, for better or worse.

• If it fits, an instrument can be stored in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

• Instruments can be checked as excess baggage at the same fee as luggage if the size and weight requirements of 150 linear inches and 165 pounds are met.

• Musicians can purchase an extra seat for that beloved instrument that's either too large or too fragile to be set in the cargo hold.

So musicians lucky enough to do fly-dates put your hands in the air, your job has just gotten just a little easier. If you want to read more about traveling with your gear, read this excerpt from The Touring Musician's Handbook.

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