DOT issued a rule standardizing how airlines treat musical instruments as carryon and checked baggage. This rule comes nearly three years after the Federal Aviation Administration Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 which required DOT to write final rules on the matter. PAA has been working with a coalition of service organizations and musician advocates involved in this important policy issue.

The new rule states that if a traveler’s instrument complies with an airline’s carryon or checked baggage policies—and there is room for the instrument on the flight—airlines must allow it onboard or in cargo. It also states that airlines with musical instrument policies must modify them to comply with the rule and train gate agents, flight crews, and baggage handlers accordingly. Airlines without policies for musical instruments must create them.