Wednesday (2/15) on The Stage (U.K.), Natalie Woolman writes, “British musicians are calling for a consistent policy on carrying instruments on planes across airlines, after a similar bill was passed in the US. The American legislation has created a uniform national policy under which any musical instrument that can be stored safely in an overhead compartment or underneath a seat will be considered carry-on luggage. It also sets standard size and weight requirements for instruments to be checked in. The Musicians’ Union is asking the British government to standardise requirements because ‘musicians regularly have problems taking their instruments on planes due to inconsistent policies from airlines and extortionate fees’. The MU reached an agreement with the Department for Transport on the issue in 2006 but, since then, the union claims that some airlines have continued to set their own policies and charges. John Smith, the MU’s general secretary, said: ‘We call on the UK government to consider introducing a similar act regarding instruments on planes as has just been passed in the USA. Such a policy would make a huge difference to the lives of musicians, who often face a lottery when they fly with an instrument.’ ”
Posted February 17, 2012
