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Damaged Lute Leads to New Rules for Airlines

Christopher Wilke Facebook page

Musicians can now bring their small instruments on board flights thanks to a change in the rules.

That comes as good news for Christopher Wilke, a local specialist in historical instruments.

His 1-thousand dollar lute was badly damaged after he had to check it with baggage on a flight one year ago.

Eventually the airline paid for the damage, and Congresswoman Louise Slaughter helped push for the rule changes when she heard his story.

Wilke says he's relieved but the legislation is overdue.

The US Department of Transportation adopted the rule changes that allow small instruments as carry-on baggage.

But people must still buy a ticket for large instruments, such as an upright bass, or check it with other luggage.

Wilke adds there's also the ongoing problem of the inspection process from the TSA, with instruments falling out in transit because their cases weren't  closed properly.

He says Congresswoman Louise Slaughter pushed for the adoption of the rule changes contained in the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, which just recently went into effect.