Legislation Before both US Houses about Flying with your Instrument.

Over Ten Million viewers have watched Dave Carrol's first and second You Tube videos documenting his Broken Guitar Case against United Airlines.  While only a little over a quarter of a million have watched the 3rd and last in the series, those who have, say it is the best of the three.

But apparently enough attention to the matter has been generated to raise a national consciousness reaching all the way the the United States House and Senate 

Recently, Congress has taken up the issue, and bills that regulates musical instruments on airplanes moved forward in both the Senate and House of Representatives.

On Thursday, February 17, 2011, the Senate passed a two-year Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill. There is a similar bill in the House that was approved by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on February 16, it has yet to be voted on by the full House.

The American Federation of Musicians has a petition on their web site to..

 support the passage of the Senate version of the FAA Reauthorization Act.

Notable differences between the versions are: the Senate bill uses the language “without charge” repeatedly. The House version lacks that language and contains an additional provision saying that the airline is within their rights to require a passenger to purchase insurance to cover the value of the instrument.
Congressional leaders hope to have a bill before the President to sign by the end of March 2011.

The American Federation of Musicians Union has a petition on their website for those who would like to urge congress to pass the Senate Bill

The inconsistencies in airline policies make it extremely difficult for musicians to plan their travel and earn a living. Thus AFM fought for language to be included in the Senate version of the FAA Reauthorization Bill (S.1451) that will streamline the airlines’ carry-on policies regarding musical instruments. If this bill passes musicians will be able to carry most musical instruments on board and place them in the overhead compartment or in a seat (if a ticket is purchased).

The Senate Bill

Senate version:  S. 223- passed by entire Senate, 2/17/11

SEC. 713. TRANSPORTING MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.

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House version:  H. 658- passed by House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee 2/16/11

SEC. 424. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.