USA Today - Nearly three years after Congress passed the law, the federal government has implemented a rule that will require airlines to allow musicians to carry their instruments onto flights.
Up to this point, musicians were at the mercy of airline employees to decide if they could carry on their instruments.
"We're very, very pleased. This is something that was more than 10 years in the making," said Dave Pomeroy, president of the Nashville Musicians Association.
The rule includes common-sense provisions that require sufficient overhead storage space in order for a musician to carry on his or her instrument. Pomeroy, a veteran musician, said he frequently has no problem carrying on his bass. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and other lawmakers
But when storage space is taken, musicians could be required to check their instruments. Large instruments that wouldn't fit in an overhead storage bin still must be checked.
Nashville singer-songwriter Korby Lenker, who frequently travels for performances, said he was pleased to hear the Department of Transportation has issued the rule.
"This year I flew with my guitar more than 20 times, never knowing until I got to the counter whether I'd have to check it or not," Lenker said. "The rules were always changing. When you make your living with your instrument, you develop a kind of constant awareness of its location and safety."
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