Well, now at least in the US, things are going to be different and finally no more at the discretion of the airline’s operator at the desk.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s final ruling (you can read it here), musicians must be allowed to carry on their instruments, as long as they can be placed in the overhead bin.
If this space isn’t large enough, the musician can purchase a second seat for their instrument.
This doesn’t mean that the airlines will prioritize musical instruments ahead of any other carry-on luggage though. If the bins are full, musicians will still have to check their instruments at the gate.
How to ensure you’ll find room for your gear? Give up and pay for that dreaded priority boarding service.
Now, if only European authorities would adopt a similar approach…
