DOT updates rules for musical instruments on planes
The Department of Transportation has finally released its long awaited standardized rules for the carriage of musical instruments on planes.
The agency said Section 403 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2012 is to be ‘fully implemented.’
The rule now allows instruments to be officially taken aboard as carry-on baggage.
It states that a passenger may carry a violin, guitar, or other musical instrument in the aircraft cabin if the instrument can be stowed safely in a suitable baggage compartment or under a passenger seat as long as there is space for such stowage at the time the passenger boards the aircraft.
Airlines have long been arbitrary in their implementation of the policy.
"Airlines will now follow a consistent policy for all musicians traveling with instruments," said Ray Hair, president of American Federation of Musicians.
The DOT ruling also allows for larger instruments such as tubas to be carried in the cabin provided the owner purchases a seat and the instrument is securely fastened without blocking exits.
DOT officials came up with a definitive policy after speaking with airline flight crew representatives, musicians and music industry groups.
"At DOT, we know how important instruments are to musicians and are committed to doing everything we can to ensure that they are not damaged while being transported on airlines," Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said.
The ruling affects the carriage of instruments on all US based airlines.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive