Security clampdowns since 2001 have made traveling by air or across international borders with instruments much more difficult, complicated, and frustrating. The following are some guidelines and suggestions to get you and your instrument where you need to go.

Contents:

• I have to fly with my instrument. What should I do?
• If I carry my instrument on board, can I still bring another carry-on?
• What if I run into problems anyway?
• Haven’t the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) and other organizations negotiated with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to make it easier to carry instruments on board planes?
• Resources

I have to fly with my instrument. What should I do?

First of all, make sure you know your packed instrument’s total size and weight. Whenever possible, check various airlines’ limitations for carry-on and checked baggage before booking your ticket. (Many American-based carriers stipulate linear size of carry-ons — i.e., the total sum of height plus length plus width.) Certain musicians, such as cellists, may consider purchasing a second passenger seat for their instruments.

If you have the option of choosing your own seat, select one towards the back of the plane if possible. Most likely, you’ll board the plane on the early side, which will give you more storage options for carry-ons,

Assume that the security and airline personnel know absolutely nothing about your craft or instrument. For that reason, consider putting non-essential items that may mystify TSA and airline agents (reed knives, valve oils, end pins, mutes, electronic tuners, etc.) in your checked luggage to avoid confusion and screening slowdowns with your carry-on.

In addition, make sure you print out a copy of the TSA guidelines and your airline’s guidelines and bring them with you to the airport. Remember, your everyday equipment is very unusual to non-musicians. Keep in mind as well that individual TSA agents and airline staff are not always familiar with their own department or carrier’s policies regarding musical instruments; it may help if you calmly explain and demonstrate to them that your instrument falls within their allowed parameters. (Consider packing a small sewing or fabric tape measure with you so that you can prove on the spot that your instrument case meets airline size mandates.)

Lastly, allow yourself even more time than usual to get through security screening. The TSA recommends that musicians add an extra half hour to their departure timetable. Be sure to stay with your instrument as it is being screened and re-packed. The TSA also suggests including in your instrument case a short note in an easily seen spot that contains clear and concise handling and repacking instructions for “someone with no musical background.”

If I carry my instrument on board, can I still bring another carry-on?

This is an area in which the TSA and individual airlines may have different policies. The TSA stipulates that passengers can carry one musical instrument in addition to one other carry-on. However, individual airlines may not allow a second carry-on; check with your airline directly. If you can manage it, consider having your instrument as your only carry-on item.

What if I run into problems anyway?

Unfortunately, the situation continues to be unreliable enough that, in spite of all your best proactive efforts, you may still encounter problems. It’s advisable to have a back-up, worst case scenario plan to get your instrument where it needs to go on time. For example, consider shipping your instrument via an air courier like UPS or FedEx, renting or borrowing at your destination, or taking a train or car instead of flying.

If you experience issues with a TSA agent or airline staff such as gate crew or flight attendants, remember to stay calm and polite. Anger or indignation, however justifiable, will not get a positive or helpful response.

Haven’t the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) and other organizations negotiated with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to make it easier to carry instruments on board planes?

Yes, the AFM did negotiate with the TSA. However, the TSA’s rules apply to their security screenings only, and not to individual carriers. The TSA holds no authority over the individual airlines’ baggage policies.

Musicians still experience significant difficulties with individual airlines, and policies are not consistent from airline to airline. While there have been efforts to negotiate with the airline trade association (the Air Transport Association) to create industry-wide standards that accommodate musicians’ specific needs, this issue has yet to be successfully resolved.

RESOURCES

The American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers: Travel Tips for Musicians

AFM: Instruments as Carry-On Luggage

Polyphonic.org: Traveling by Air with Your Instrument

Transportation Security Administration: Transporting Musical Instruments

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