Petition to allow musical instruments on airplanes

[Phil Rowan]

Just in case you haven't seen this..

The American Federation of Musicians is gathering signatures on a petition to urge Congress to adopt uniform rules for musicians to carry on or check their instruments aboard U.S. planes.

To view the bill as currently written, go to http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-s1451/text. Section 713 "Transporting Musical Instruments" a.(3) provides for instruments too large to be carried into the cabin to be checked without additional charge (!), maximum combined linear measurements 150 inches, and maximum weight 165 pounds. Sounds like a dream come true!

For more information and to sign the petition, follow the following link:

http://www.afm.org/carryon

[Jake deVilliers]

What a great idea! It can't hurt, that's for sure.

Thanks Phil

[M0ses]

Since when dose congress have either the authority or obligation to force private sector companies to give free things to their customers?? Honestly I find this disgusting, but frighteningly indicative of the national sentiment. "Give us free stuff. If you won't do it, we'll get the government to make you give it."

[Thunderthumbs73]

Originally Posted by M0ses

Since when dose congress have either the authority or obligation to force private sector companies to give free things to their customers?? Honestly I find this disgusting, but frighteningly indicative of the national sentiment. "Give us free stuff. If you won't do it, we'll get the government to make you give it."

I would say either sign the petition, or don't, but don't derail the thread and try to make it about something the OP has not intended, and which is not relevant to his post. If you have other axes to grind, such objections can certainly be made many other places but here, in this particular thread.

Anyway...

Phil, thank you so much for sharing this. As an upright bass player, and as a sometimes travelling musician, I appreciate it.

[Kael]

Originally Posted by M0ses

Since when dose congress have either the authority or obligation to force private sector companies to give free things to their customers?? Honestly I find this disgusting, but frighteningly indicative of the national sentiment. "Give us free stuff. If you won't do it, we'll get the government to make you give it."

Reread what is said in the petition. It states that the airlines can require the purchase of an extra ticket for oversize instruments. Nothing free there.

Working musicians being able to have a consistent policy regarding traveling with their instruments is a matter of business. Last time I checked, regulating interstate commerce was one of the things the Constitution explicitly authorizes the federal government to do.

Oh, and signed.

[kegbarnacle]

I hate when I get on a plane and there's no overhead space because so many other people stuffed some gigantic item up there.

I actually think 150 inches and 165 pounds should incur an additional charge. For environmental reasons, the extra labor of the baggage handlers, and the extra space it takes in a limited size under-plane baggage compartment.


EDIT: If "oversized" is defined as over 165lbs, what does that mean? No grand pianos or B3 organs?

[fdeck]

Originally Posted by M0ses

Since when dose congress have either the authority or obligation to force private sector companies to give free things to their customers?? Honestly I find this disgusting, but frighteningly indicative of the national sentiment. "Give us free stuff. If you won't do it, we'll get the government to make you give it."

No, it's more like: "We give you free (or heavily subsidized) stuff, including airport construction, pilot licensing, safety regulation, air traffic control, security, GPS, and so forth, and if we ask for the slightest thing in return, then it's disgusting."

[bass12]

Signed!