It’s about time we musicians got some official say in carrying instruments on board an aircraft. I always hated that airlines acted so belligerent when it came to storing them on board in the passenger cabin.

Traveling musicians got a big boost from Congress last month with the passage of a sweeping Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill that includes new universal standards for storing instruments in flight. Pending issuance of final regulations, the amended law will, among other things, allow travelers to carry aboard any instrument or related gear that can be safely stored in the cabin, rather than risk it being damaged in the plane’s cargo hold or during baggage handling.

I’ve carried guitars on board before with a mixed experience of having no problems to outright unwillingness to store them somewhere safe; dependent on the airline. Looks like we have a leg to stand on now!