MUSICIANS AND AIR TRAVEL

That this House celebrates the cultural and economic contributions of musicians to our society; is concerned that airlines' regulations regarding the carriage of musical instruments remain inconsistent and can even vary within airlines; recognises the intrinsic and crucial value of musical instruments for musicians; notes that damage to these instruments may be sustained if musicians are required to place them in the hold rather than carry them in the cabin; supports the Incorporated Society of Musicians in its campaign for all airlines to adopt a minimum standard agreement to allow musicians to carry a musical instrument as an additional item of hand baggage on flights, if the item is guitar-sized or smaller; applauds the success of the Instruments on Planes campaign in negotiating with one airline, who announced on 12 January 2011 a new musician-friendly baggage policy; and calls on the Government to encourage airlines to adopt a consistent approach and to enable musicians to travel with their instruments.