Musician Travel Exemptions?

Posted by Sarah Canice Funke Aug 24, 2006

According to the BBC, new UK airport flight restrictions regarding carry-on luggage are hitting musicians particularly hard. No longer is that $60,000 violin eligible for personal handling on an aircraft, but must be consigned to the hold with the rest of checked luggage. Due to the likelihood of damage in the hold, insurance companies won't cover instruments that are checked. Instead, the musician is left to bear the brunt of the costs himself. Some are calling for special security exemption for the additional risk their profession faces. Others say musicians should not get any more special treatment than the next traveler. What do you think?