TSA Letter re: musical instruments on airplanes

[suzdoyle]

Hey Gang;

Here's the text of a 2005 letter to the president of the American Federation of Musicians from the TSA regarding one musical instrument being allowed as carry on (with no charge) in addition in addition to one carry-on and one personal item. I usually carry a copy of the actual letter with me on the airplane (with my ukulele, of course), in case its needed, and it has info on where to get updated info re: musical instruments as carry ons. If you want an actual .PDF copy, do a Google search with the terms TSA Letter musical instruments, and you can then download the .PDF copy.:

***************************************
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Arlington, VA 22202

November 3rd, 2005

Mr. Thomas Lee
President
American Federation of Musicians
1501 Broadway Street, Suite 600
New York, NY 10036

Dear Mr. Lee:

On December 20, 2002, TSA modified its Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to allow for the carriage of
one musical instrument through security screening checkpoints in addition to the standard allotment of one
carry-on and one personal item. There has been some confusion regarding this modification and I am writing
to clarify the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) policy regarding the screening and carriage of a
musical instrument as a carry-on item.

The TSA policy only covers procedures at the security checkpoint, and does not apply to restrictions imposed
by individual airlines. TSA will screen one musical instrument per passenger. However, even though TSA
allows the instrument to pass through the screening checkpoint, passengers may still be prevented from
bringing the instrument onboard an aircraft by airline representatives as they each impose their own
restrictions. These restrictions vary from airline to airline, so we recommend that musicians check with their
individual air carrier prior to arrival at the airport to ascertain specific restrictions that will be enforced by the
air carrier at the boarding gate.

Should your membership experience problems at the security screening checkpoints, please advise them to
request to speak to a screening supervisor for resolution. However, if a passenger is prevented from carrying
the instrument onboard the aircraft at the gate by airline personnel, TSA has no authority to alter the airline’s
policies.

For the most current information on the security screening of musical instruments, please visit the TSA
website at www.tsa.gov, and click on Travelers & Consumers, then Air Travel, then Transporting Special
Items.

I hope this letter clarifies TSA’s policy concerning the screening of musical instruments and clears up any
confusion.

Sincerely yours,

Lee Longmire
Acting Assistant Administrator,
Office of Transportation Security Policy
Cc:
Mr. Hal Ponder
American Federation of Musicians
1741 K Street, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036

****************************

[mazz]

That's a cute little instrment you got there little lady. Is that one a them there luke-a-yay-yays? If you play me some a that Don HoHo Tiny Bubbles I'll let you bring that thing on this here aircraft.


I don't know where that came from. I've been on airplanes all day and my brain is fried.


Thanks for posting!

[Casey H]

They left out the part whereby your instrument has to to fit in a one quart size baggie.

[ShadowaterMusic]

Clearly, the TSA missed the El Mariachi films:

[suzdoyle]

Oh, man! I must get my ukulele case retrofitted with one of THEM babies!

Thanks for making me chortle out loud like a goofy hyena, you wild and crazy guys!

,
Suz