Singer/songwriter Dave Carroll’s song and YouTube video “United Breaks Guitars” have racked up more than 20 million views. They describe the fate of his Taylor acoustic guitar at the hands of baggage Friendlier handlers. Skies for by Susan Elliott We’ve all heard the frightening stories about trouble bringing musical Musicians instruments on airline flights. Now uniform hen Dave Carroll posted his now-famous “United Breaks Guitars” on YouTube in July 2009, it generated half a million views within three days. By mid-August of 2009, it was federal regulations at five million views; by early September of 2013 it had reached 13.3 million. By now, the number is well over 20 million, the song—he wrote two more versions of it—has trav- Faced with inconsistent governing air elled to the top of the charts, and Carroll’s book, United Breaks Guitars, the Power of One airline policy, Time for Voice in the Age of Social Media, has made him a celebrity on the speaker circuit. Three violinist Zachary De travel with musical WThe singer/songwriter’s tale of woe, describing the fate of his Taylor acoustic guitar in the hands of United’s Pue gave an impromptu concert on the tarmac instruments are baggage handlers on a flight from Chicago to Omaha, is but one of many horror stories from musicians traveling when airline personnel told by air—certainly it’s among the few with such a happy ending. More recent ones include the broken neck of Wu him he needed to check finally in place. Man’s $50,000 pipa by a US Airways flight attendant, or, on a lighter note, Time for Three violinist and India- his 250-year-old violin on napolis Symphony Concertmaster Zachary De Pue’s impromptu concert on the tarmac when the same airline a flight—and then let him instructed him to check his 250-year-old violin. He and his instrument were put on a subsequent flight, where he carry it in the cabin on a following flight. met no resistance at all to carrying his instrument onboard, pointing up another problem: consistency—or lack thereof—of policy from one flight crew to another, not to mention one airline to another.

30 symphony SPRING 2015 americanorchestras.org 31 This puts livelihoods at risk. … carry-on baggage; and large musical in- We urge you to ensure this rule- struments as checked baggage. Each fol- making is a priority.” lows the same regulations that govern any Ultimately, the letter had its luggage of similar size. Thus, if you want to desired effect. After five months put your violin/viola/flute/whatever in the of further prodding on the part overhead bin or under the seat, it essentially of the League, the AFM, the becomes your second piece of carry-on lug- Recording Academy, and other gage; if it fits, and if there’s room (board members of the advocacy team, early, even if you have to pay extra), airline Secretary Foxx and his staff personnel are instructed (more on that lat- convened a meeting. In addi- er) to let you have the space, even if it takes Scott Suchman U.S. Department of Transportation tion to the music camp and up that of two roller-board suitcases. League of American National Symphony Orchestra “We are relying on musicians DOT, attendees included rep- “There is a wide array of variables that Orchestras Vice President for violist and ICSOM board for good information about resentatives of the Federal Avia- might make travel with instruments in cab- Advocacy Heather Noonan member Jennifer Mondie whether the airlines are tion Agency (FAA), Airlines in challenging, even under the new rules,” worked closely with arts provided a musician’s complying or not,” says Wu Man, seen here with the Silk Road Ensemble at UC Davis’s for America (A4A, the airlines says Noonan. “Given different airplane siz- groups, government agencies, perspective in meetings DOT General Counsel Katie and policy makers to get with policy makers about Thomson. “If they’re not, we Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, is among the musicians trade group), and the AFL- es and seating configurations, the dimen- who have faced problems flying with her instrument: the neck of uniform federal regulations regulations covering air travel encourage them to make a her pipa was broken by a flight attendant. The airline eventually CIO. Jennifer Mondie, a violist sions of the space available can vary greatly. concerning air travel with with instruments. complaint to us.” flew her twice to Beijing to consult with the instrument’s maker. with the National Symphony We are working closely with the airlines to musical instruments in place. Max Whittaker Orchestra and a member of the see how musicians might learn more about board of the International Con- the dimensions of various aircraft before Help is on the way. Thanks to the com- actually been on the books for three years. ference of Symphony and Opera Musicians traveling. What the new rules ensure is that “We were trying to make [policy makers] What’s Next? bined efforts of the League of American What took so long? “The law couldn’t go (ICSOM), joined the meeting to provide if space is available, musical instruments understand that this is what classical The new regulations were Orchestras, the American Federation of into effect until regulations were in place,” the direct perspective of traveling musi- may not be indiscriminately banned from musicians carry onboard and this is why it’s made public on January 5, Musicians, Chamber Music America, the explains League Vice President for Advoca- cians—and she played her viola. “The per- coming on board.” important for us to do so,” says Jennifer 2015. “So the next question Recording Academy, Performing Arts Al- cy Heather Noonan. “We’ve known of situ- formance by Jennifer provided an essential The new regulations do not require every Mondie, a violist with the National Symphony is, now what?,” says Noon- liance, and other arts organizations, the U.S. ations with musicians showing up at the air- reminder of what is at stake, and also acted airline to adopt policies that allow passen- an. “The airlines had 60 days Orchestra and board member of ICSOM. Department of Transportation (DOT) has port with the statute in their hands [to show as an effective ice breaker,” says Noonan. gers to buy an extra seat for a large instru- from that final ruling being issued very specific regulations for U.S. air the airline personnel], but the statute didn’t “It helped to be able to actually show them ment, such as a cello, but do require those published to implementa- carriers dictating how musical instruments apply because the regulations hadn’t been what we were talking about,” says Mondie. “I that have such policies to follow through perhaps the scariest, unless a musician has tion. That means they need to update their are to be handled. They went into effect on published. In partnership with the AFM played two minutes or so of Bach. They were on them once a seat is purchased, so long packed the instrument appropriately and policies. The FAA-approved carry-on and March 6. and other music colleagues, a thoughtful and fascinated, and I think it made them much as all safety requirements are met. Airlines planned in advance to have it travel in the checked-baggage policies for each airline The law, part of the 2012 FAA Modern- productive dialogue with the airlines and the more appreciative, more understanding of that allow the purchase of a seat for a mu- cargo hold. The primary goal of the new need to be updated to be consistent with ization and Reform Act (P.L. 112-95), has Administration ultimately brought about why I needed to bring this specific instru- sical instrument cannot charge more for rules for carry-on items is to avoid situa- the new regulations. And they’re expected the final action needed.” ment with me. I can’t just pick up anything” that seat than the cost of a ticket for a per- tions in which musicians will be unexpect- to train personnel on how to implement A letter last February to DOT Secretary and make the beautiful sounds they had just son—and if it is properly encased, weighs edly asked to check their instruments just their new policy for musical instruments.” Anthony Foxx, signed by 35 members of heard. “We were trying to make them un- no more than 165 pounds, is strapped in prior to boarding. Musicians have reported The DOT states that airlines should en- Now Boarding Congress, sped up the process considerably. derstand that this is what classical musicians adequately, and isn’t blocking seatbelt signs, that some airline counter personnel have sure training is in place for: ind regularly updated The League issued an alert to orchestras urg- carry onboard and this is why it’s important exits, or views thereof, it should be fine. The declined allowing musical instruments as information about air travel ing them to ask their members of Congress for us to do so.” Guitarist David Pomeroy of DOT encourages airlines that don’t yet al- checked baggage. Under the new rules, if a • Baggage and gate operations managers F with musical instruments to sign the letter swiftly. Within just a few the Nashville local AFM brought his guitar low purchasing a seat for an instrument musician wants to check an instrument as • Counter and gate agents under Aviation Policy in the days, a bi-partisan group was on board, led to a subsequent meeting and performed. to adopt new policies allowing musicians cargo, the instrument is treated similarly • First-line supervisors of these agents Advocacy & Government section of by Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Rep. After multiple conversations, and an ad- to do so. To quote from the prelude to the to regular luggage, but some special treat- • Baggage acceptance clerks and han- americanorchestras.org. In addition Jim Cooper (D-TN), with additional lead- ditional appeal from Rhode Island Senator regulations, since “FAA safety regulations ment does apply. An airline must accept dlers to other useful resources, you’ll find ership from the Congressional Arts Caucus Jack Reed (D-RI), whose constituents in do not mandate that a carrier must allow in an instrument as checked baggage if the • Flight attendants practical tips for traveling by air with co-chairs Reps. Louise Slaughter (D-NY) the band Deer Tick encountered difficulty their carry-on baggage programs the stow- sum of the length, width, and height of the instruments, links to airline policies, and Leonard Lance (R-NJ). “Countless boarding a flight with guitars, the DOT is- age of a large carry-on item on a passenger item does not exceed 150 inches (including All the same, travelers should be well and information from the Department stories have emerged over the years of mu- sued the long-awaited rules on January 5, seat, we do not require in this final rule that the case), its weight does not exceed 165 informed and prepared for flying with in- of Transportation, including the new sicians whose guitars, lutes, flutes, and other 2015, and provided airlines 60 days to pre- those carriers whose programs do not pro- pounds, and the item meets the catch-all struments; clear communication with the regulations and underlying law. musical instruments have been damaged be- pare to be in compliance. vide such stowage amend their programs requirement that “the instrument can be airline before flying is important. “The In addition to registering complaints cause of a patchwork series of airline policies to allow it…. We do, however, encourage stowed in accordance with the require- League and its partners are working close- with airlines, musicians can contact that put these fragile and valuable instru- Rules and Regulations these carriers to consider modifying their ments for carry-on baggage or cargo es- ly with the major airlines to get a full un- the Department of Transportation ments in danger,” the letter read. “Musicians Essentially there are now three ways to programs to allow the stowage of large tablished by the FAA.” Instruments larger derstanding of how they will implement concerning air travel complaints at arrive to their destinations only to learn their transport a musical instrument on an air- musical instruments at passenger seats, pro- than these size and weight limits may still the new policies, and have crafted detailed http://www.dot.gov/airconsumer/air- instruments were lost or find their instru- plane. The DOT designates them as fol- vided that all safety requirements are met.” be checked as oversize baggage at the air- tips to help musicians plan to travel with travel-complaint-comment-form. ments damaged, with little if any time to re- lows: small musical instruments as carry- Category three—cases in which a large line’s discretion, but may then be subject to their instrument,” says Noonan. “Properly place them before a scheduled performance. on baggage; large musical instruments as musical instrument must be checked—is additional “oversize” fees. packing instruments for travel, asking air-

32 symphony SPRING 2015 americanorchestras.org 33 PERC5982 7300 Series Timpani SYM2.qxp_Layout 1 2/11/15 10:44 AM Page 1

The DOT lines in advance about any space restric- struments,” says Noonan. “But if airline provements.” designates tions of the particular aircraft being flown, personnel don’t implement those policies What if a musician en- musical boarding flights early, and communicating consistently, then musicians are still left in counters resistance from instruments as with flights personnel at every step can a terribly risky situation. Musicians should an airline about bringing a follows: small smooth the way for successful travel.” experience far better circumstances for small- to medium-sized in- instruments Musicians can expect that it will take travel, but may continue to experience chal- strument onboard? “If a mu- as carry-on time for airlines to completely implement lenges as the airlines adapt. It is very impor- sician runs into a problem, he NEW the new rules. “It will be very helpful for tant for musicians to report any problems or she can file a complaint baggage; large Yamaha airlines to more clearly explain how their directly to the airline and to the DOT to with the airline, as has always instruments policies support travel with musical in- ensure forward momentum on policy im- been the case,” says Noonan. as carry-on Timpani “The musician should also baggage; file a complaint with the and large “Ronnie Kole is a true entertainer who knows DOT. The swiftest response Design. Projection. Clarity. exactly how to please a crowd. His powerful piano instruments to a case will come by deal- playing, lush arrangements and winning personality as checked had the audience on its feet.” ing directly with the airline. The next generation of Yamaha timpani Scott Speck…Music Director… Filing a complaint to DOT baggage. features upgrades to the frame, bowl Mobile, West Shore Symphony and adds the issue to the tracking Chicago Philharmonic Orchestras and wheel designs, and the tuning system DOT uses to moni- gauge. Yamaha completely redesigned tor where the patterns of problems are hap- the frame to enable maximum sustain pening, so that the agency can take action when needed.” from the suspended bowl and ensure The DOT confirms that it is ready and a long, reliable life. Simultaneously, willing to do just that. “We are relying on the design of the bowl was altered musicians for good information about to improve consistency and generate whether the airlines are complying or not,” a deep, rich tone. Beyond the sound, says DOT General Counsel Katie Thom- Yamaha created a new wheel design son. “If they’re not, we encourage them to make a complaint to us so we can follow up. and improved pedal mechanics to allow We’ll be doing spot checks as well.” vast position options and smooth Asked about how and when action might reliable pedal operation. In addition, be taken against an offending airline, Thom- the tuning gauge can now be moved son says, “We look for a pattern and practice to accommodate German and of violations. If we determine an airline has American setup options. one, then we pursue an enforcement action and can seek both penalties and corrective action from the airline. Generally that is subject to negotiation.” Nevertheless, Thomson points out, “Air- lines have no requirement to reimburse a musician for a damaged musical instru- ment.” However, in some cases, they have done so. Most airlines spell out in their contracts 7300 Series of carriage the limitations of their liabil- "Ronnie Kole comes out on stage and POW, the Hammered Copper Bowl audience realizes they are in for something completely ity for damaged, destroyed, or lost items. different. He was an absolute hit with Taipei audiences with US Airways not only covered the cost of his thrilling jazz arrangements and warm and funny commentary. a new pipa, it also paid for Wu Man to fly They'd never experienced anything like it." roundtrip to Beijing twice to consult with John van Deursen…Conductor… TaipeiT Philharmonic Pops Orchestra the instrument’s maker—fortunately the same one who had crafted the original. In an article previewing her first concert with the new instrument, The New York Times de- FOR A DEMO DVD CONTACT: Morrow Mgt Inc scribed it as “a beauty to look at…. It is also P.O. Box 5519, Slidell, LA 70469 a beauty to hear in Ms. Wu’s hands.” Phone 504-524-5716 Fax 985-643-4859 E-Mail [email protected] www.RonnieKole.com SUSAN ELLIOTT writes frequently on the arts YamahaPercussion @yamahaperc and is the editor of MusicalAmerica.com. Visit 4wrd.it/TP7300sym2 for complete details symphony SPRING 2015 34 ©2015 Yamaha Corporation of America. All rights reserved.