DOT Changes its Carry On Baggage Rules for Musical Instruments

In 2015 this article described the new rule from the US Department of Transportation (DOT) on carrying musical instruments, and listed each US airline's own policy. Airline policies change, so the table is removed. What remains is the rule itself and how to use it.

What the rule is

The DOT issued a final rule in December 2014 to carry out section 403 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-95, 49 U.S.C. section 41724). It governs how passenger airlines carry musical instruments, as carry-on baggage or as checked baggage. The DOT's page was last updated on 30 December 2014 and links to the full text of the rule as a PDF.

What it means for travellers

• The rule is aimed at commercial passenger flights operated by air carriers. It is a US rule, so for a foreign airline read that airline's own policy.
• The conditions for taking an instrument in the cabin, buying an extra seat for a large one, or checking it are set out in the rule text. The DOT's page links to that text.
• Airlines also publish their own instrument policies, which can add detail, so read both.

Before you fly

1. Read the DOT page and the rule text linked from it.
2. Check your airline's current policy and fees for instruments, because it may be stricter or more detailed.
3. Pack the instrument in a hard case, and contact the airline in advance if you want to buy an extra seat for it.