New Rules For Flying With Musical Instruments Should Make Touring Easier

Being on the road is hard enough, but having to figure out each airline's arcane and ever-changing rules for flying with musical instruments has made travel much more difficult for many musicians. That's changing thanks to The FAA Modernization and Safety Improvement Act of 2012, which was finalized by Congress earlier this month.

Musical instruments will now be treated the same as any luggage, according to the new regulations.

• If they fit the the standard carry-on guidelines and the musical instruments can be stored in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you,  airlines are no longer allowed to charge an extra fee.
• Instruments can be checked as excess baggage at for the same fee as luggage if they meet the size and weight requirements (150 linear inches and 165 pounds)
• Musicians can purchase an extra seat for instruments that are either too large to carry on or too fragile to be sent as cargo.

Flick photo from MethodShop and special thanks to Joe Pug manager Don Bartlett for the tip.