“Musicians in the US have cause for celebration” writes The Strad. After Congress approved provisions for a uniform national policy on carrying instruments on planes, it’s easier to get onboard with your beloved instrument. Up to now, each airline has been allowed to set their own musical instruments policy, and size limits for both carry-on and checked baggage have varied widely. The bill sets standard weight and size requirements for checked instruments, and allows musicians to buy a seat for oversized instruments (like double basses) that are too fragile to be checked.

http://thestrad.com/Article.asp?ArticleID=2132