Musicians’ Union Publish New Airline Cabin Policy Rating System [PLEASE SHARE]

The International Federation of Musicians has published a new rating system - based on how accommodating airlines' cabin policies are for musicians

The International Federation of Musicians has today published a 3-tiered rating system - based on how accommodating airlines' cabin policies are for musicians traveling with instruments.

The study found that at present only 11 airlines globally have set policies that state that they accept all musical instruments on board that fit within the overhead compartments or under a seat.

Those being given the highest ‘green’ rating by the IFM are: Air Canada, Air Dolomiti, Air Mauritius, American Airlines, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Delta Airlines, El Al, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue and Southwest Airlines.

29 airlines were given an ‘amber’ rating - suggesting that they do not currently comply with all US FAA regulations but that their size limitations for instruments are more favorable than those enforced on regular cabin luggage.

The ‘amber’ rated airlines, include: Air New Zealand, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Easyjet, Japan Airlines, KLM, Malaysia Airlines, Norwegian Airlines, Qantas, Thai Airways, United Airlines, US Airways and Virgin Australia.

Airlines awarded a ‘red’ rating by the IMF, at the time of the study have policies that saw the same size limitations applied to musicians' instruments as to regular cabin luggage.

Those given a ‘red’ rating - include Air Berlin, Air France, China Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Finnair, Icelandair, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and Turkish Airlines.

Full list can be viewed at: http://bit.ly/2cgQx36

The Violin Channel’s October 2nd, 2014 coverage of Air Canada’s inconsistent viola policy received over 4000 social media shares, 200,000 page views and 33,000 Facebook likes – leading to the airline promptly readdressing their stance.

The Violin Channel’s February 3rd, 2016 coverage of Norwegian Air’s instrument cabin policy received over 5000 social media shares, 360,000 page views and 40,000 Facebook likes – leading to the airline also promptly readdressing their stance.

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