The Musicians Union is putting pressure on the airlines to form a consistent policy regarding taking musical instruments onto planes as hand luggage.
As previously reported, musicians with valuable instruments they would have previously never put in the hold hit many problems when those stricter hand luggage rules were introduced two years ago after that terrorist plot, the criminal case from which has just reached its conclusion. For a while no instruments could be taken on board, leading some musicians – especially classical musicians with priceless instruments – to cancel performances they couldn't reach by land.
But a subsequent deal between the MU and the Department Of Transport saw an easing of those rules for musicians. However, the Union says that different airlines and airports are operating different rules and regulations meaning musicians are never sure what they will and won't be able to do – despite the agreement with the DoT.
Speaking at this week's TUC Conference, MU General Secretary John Smith told reporters: "We are calling for the TUC to lobby for a consistent policy across all airlines – in line with the Department for Transport recommendations. People don't always appreciate just how big a problem this is for working musicians – the extra costs they face are a real threat to their livelihoods. A consistent policy would make a huge difference to the lives of musicians. You shouldn't have to face a lottery every time you fly with an instrument".