Subject: Airplanes and Instruments
From:
hesperis
Date: 10 Oct 01 - 11:41 PM
Hello!
I was sent this on a music list, and since I'm not a US musician, don't know if it is accurate or not. But for once, something looked worth passing on.
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In a side-effect of new airport restrictions, the new airport security bill before Congress would prevent real musicians (like me and you) from carrying musical instruments onto planes. I urge you as musicians and friends of musicians to call your reps regarding carry-on instruments on board planes. Like many musicians with valuable and delicate instruments I always take my hollow-body guitar on board the plane with me because temperatures in the luggage hold, not to mention very rough handling (even with fragile stickers plastered all over what's obviously a guitar case), could be the death of an instrument. They ALWAYS X-ray my instrument first to be sure of what's inside. This courtesy to musicians may now be threatened. I've been known to fret for up to 24-hours before a flight for fear they'd try to make me check my guitar. Personally I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't carry on my instrument. Take a train? A boat? Become an accountant?
Please read the explanation below from the American Federation of Musicians.
Thanks, Kimi Reith http://www.mp3.com/KimReithTrio
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Dear Musicians and Friends of Music, Please take 3 minutes to make 3 calls about the safety of our musical instruments on flights. Peace
Capitol switchboard is 202-225-3121 for the House Capitol switchboard is 202-224-3121 for the Senate (addresses below)
>From the American Federation of Musicians Concerning carrying valuable musical instruments on board airlines
In view of the horrific events of September 11, 2001 the AFM (American Federation of Musicians) has been working to formulate a practical response. We are deeply concerned about the loss of the privilege to carry our instruments onto the plane. President Lee and the Legislative Office are working hard to prevent passage of any legislation that would put valuable musical instruments in the cargo hold of the plane where they would be subject to severe turbulence and uncontrollable climactic changes.
It is urgent that every musician respond to this challenge by calling and writing your Senators and Representatives . Without your voice, our efforts would be hollow. It is important that you tell your legislators that professional musicians have unique needs and must be heard on this issue.
Again, in the meantime, President Lee and the Legislative Office will continue to work to see that no additional hardship is imposed on our musicians. We ask that you prepare to do your part before the end of this week. The telephone number to the Capitol switchboard is 202-225-3121 for the House and 202-224-3121 for the Senate. Letters should be addressed as follows:
The Honorable ________ The United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510
The Honorable ___________ The United States House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515
Please be sure to include your name, address and telephone number in the letter.
The airline security bill is scheduled to come to the Senate floor by Wednesday or Thursday of next week.
The House bill will come up soon after that. Since time is of the essence, we suggest that you call your Congressperson's office and obtain a Fax number. Or you may call the office and voice your concerns directly with the office staffer in charge of the "AIRLINE SECURITY" issue.
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