Musical instruments are large and bulky baggage, but performers need to travel with these instruments to different countries. In the past, instrumentalists find their fragile cargo mishandled by many airline staff. In 2012, the American Congress passed the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, which gives airline personnel guidelines for handling musical instruments properly. Here are a few things to remember to keep your instruments safe with airlines based on the new bill.
1. Size
Up to Guitar-sized instruments could be carried on-board a passenger airplane at no extra cost. The instrument must be safely stored in a baggage compartment or under the passenger’s seat. Violinists do not have to worry much about their instruments and guitarists might want to consider more subtle and softer cases.
2. Excessive Size
Instruments such as Basoons and large percussions are allowed on-board, but the passenger must purchase an extra ticket for the seat of the instrument. If the instrument does not weigh more than 165 pounds including its case and does not exceed 150 inches circumference, it can be carried on board free of charge.
3. Responsibilities
Until the final regulations are issued, all airlines have no liability with damaged instruments brought on-board. However, it is important that passengers report instrument damage to airline authorities regardless of claiming compensation to inform them of their mishandling and shortcomings.