Yesterday I went to the New York city musicians’ union (AFM Local 802) to find out, whether I’m legally allowed to take my horn as a carry-on on the plane. They told me yes! In  Feb 14, 2012 President Obama signed the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (H.R. 658). They even gave me a paper which I can show the airline officials in case they make problems.

It took Congress (House and Senate) 5 years and 23 short-term extensions to pass the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (H.R. 658)! The airline or the airport security can’t stop me from taking my horn into the cabin anymore. It’s now law that any instrument that can be safely stored in the overhead compartment or underneath the seat may be brought on board as carry-on luggage. So no reason to be afraid of any kind of hassle at the check-in or when going through security.

The bill sets standard weight and size requirements for checked instruments, and permits musicians to buy a seat for oversized instruments, such as a cello or upright bass, which are too delicate to be checked. All US airline have to abide these new rules.

Read the details of the bill here. Go to SEC. 403 MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS