An interesting development:
The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued a final rule implementing section 403 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, requiring U.S. airlines to accept musical instruments as carry-on or checked baggage on commercial passenger flights, provided that certain conditions are met. The rule states musicians must store smaller instruments in an approved location either overhead or under the seat, but that even oddly shaped instruments such as a violin or guitar will be recognized as approved carry-ons and will be allotted space on a first come, first serve basis.
Many other international airlines could follow suit but some over-conservatism might prevent this from happening. These parties would most probably cite security issues as the over-riding concern. There are current technology in place to scan/ x-ray baggage contents so it's a matter if understanding the plight of musicians who would want personal attention for their instruments because they know airport handlers are idiots when it comes to respecting a musical instruments in transit.
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