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.
