Congress Passes Bill Standardizing Airline Rules for Musical Instrument Storage | News | BMI.com.

At last, some progress – we can only hope that this becomes worldwide.

Over the last ten years, one airline has been courteous to my guitar (and me), and that is British Airways. On one occasion, while travelling with luthier Oren Myers, we had three guitars between us, and the cabin staff suggested that, as the cupboard was full, we stow them with the pilots in the cockpit! There was also the time that ground staff suggested I go up to the gate when seats were announced for children and those with special needs, so that I could find space in the overhead locker for the guitar. BA’s policy is pretty vague on their website however, so don’t go asking for favours.

In contrast I have not had such friendly instrumental encounters with Easyjet ground staff even when offering to pay for a seat for the guitar, and Alison’s guitar was broken  when an officious KLM controller demanded that all instruments be put in the hold.
After the incident, where it looked as if the guitar had been dropped from a height in its reinforced case, KLM refused to acknowledge any responsibility, almost daring Alison to challenge them.

I’m sure every musician has a horror story and I hope that days of playing hide and seek with our guitars at the check in counter are coming to a close with this latest ruling!