Updated September 21, 2006 - With the nation again at a heightened state of alert, orchestras and musicians are reminded to plan carefully for the safe transportation of musical instruments when traveling by plane. While security measures at domestic and international airports have impacted the ability of musicians to transport instruments by air, there are steps you can take to increase the chances of successfully carrying instruments in-cabin without compromising safety.
Domestic Travel
U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Updates
TSA Guide to Transporting Musical Instruments
Travel to/from United Kingdom
Updates on UK Airport Restrictions
U.S. Restrictions on Inbound UK Flights
Immediately following the events of September 11, 2001, a national coalition of concerned organizations including the League of American Orchestras, crafted tips for making reservations, packing instruments, and calmly dealing with last-minute problems. In the past several years, the American Federation of Musicians has worked to urge the TSA and major airlines to balance security concerns with the need to carry musical instruments in-cabin.
Updated! Tips for Traveling Musicians
National organizations in the United States and the United Kingdom continue to work toward policies that will support musicians traveling with instruments. Tips for Traveling Musicians are made possible through a collaboration of the American Federation of Musicians and more than twenty other national members of the 2001 Coalition in Support of Musical Instruments as Carry-On Baggage, including the Department for Professional Employees - AFL-CIO; American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP); League of American Orchestras; MENC: The National Association for Music Education; and the Recording Industry Association of America. In response to the recent security measures in place in the United Kingdom, the Association of British Orchestras, International Artist Managers Association, and the British Musician’s Union have spoken up in support of touring orchestras. The League will continue to keep you posted.
Questions or comments? Please contact Heather Noonan, Vice President for Advocacy, Government Affairs and Education Advocacy,
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.