Airline Travel with your Oud update
greetings everyone-- What many musicians don't know is that in 2012, President Obama signed into law the ‘‘FAA Modernization and Reform Act of
2012,’’ which, along with provisions for enhancing runway safety and easing restrictions on transporting lithium batteries, contains the following
sections which will make it easier for us to take ouds onboard airlines. I am not sure if it applies only to USA carriers.
The " FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012"
SEC.403. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.
(a) IN GENERAL—Subchapter I of chapter 417 is amended by adding at the end the following:
‘‘§ 41724. Musical instruments
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL—
‘‘(1) SMALL INSTRUMENTS AS CARRY-ON BAGGAGE.—An air carrier providing air transportation shall permit a passenger to carry a violin, guitar, or
other musical instrument in the aircraft cabin, without charging the passenger a fee in addition to any standard fee that carrier may require for
comparable carry-on baggage, if—
‘‘(A) the instrument can be stowed safely in a suitable baggage compartment in the aircraft cabin or under a passenger seat, in accordance with
the requirements for carriage of carry-on baggage or cargo established by the Administrator; and
‘‘(B) there is space for such stowage at the time the passenger boards the aircraft.
For instruments too large to fit in an overhead or under your seat, you can bring them aboard but you do have to buy another ticket:
‘‘(2) LARGER INSTRUMENTS AS CARRY-ON BAGGAGE.—An air carrier providing air transportation shall permit a passenger to carry a musical instrument
that is too large to meet the requirements of paragraph (1) in the aircraft cabin, without charging the passenger a fee in addition to the cost of the
additional ticket described in subparagraph (E), if—
‘‘(A) the instrument is contained in a case or covered so as to avoid injury to other passengers;
‘‘(B) the weight of the instrument, including the case or covering, does not exceed 165 pounds or the applicable weight restrictions for the
aircraft;
‘‘(C) the instrument can be stowed in accordance with the requirements for carriage of carry-on baggage or cargo established by the Administrator;
‘‘(D) neither the instrument nor the case contains any object not otherwise permitted to be carried in an aircraft cabin because of a law or
regulation of the United States; and
‘‘(E) the passenger wishing to carry the instrument in the aircraft cabin has purchased an additional seat to accommodate the instrument.
Lol, and did you notice that the time to determine whether there’s sufficient space for your guitar is at the time you board the aircraft?!
So, no more deciding as the plane fills up that your guitar (oud)takes up too much room
Does everyone in the aviation industry know about this law? Well, probably not. Will you still have to argue with those who don’t, well, probably.
Best practice? Carry the text of the law with you, and remember that a good oud gig bag will probably fit easier in the overhead than a bulky coffin
case. 
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