"Did you know that there are rules in place to protect artists flying with musical instruments? You should bookmark www.grammy.com/travel on your phone before you leave SXSW, in case you have any trouble at the airport." — Conversations In Advocacy #13

With SXSW launching this week in Austin, Texas, it's official: Music festival season is here. From the likes of Keith Urban to K-pop stars Kard and emerging artists such as Lucy Dacus and Dermot Kennedy, thousands of musicians have traveled to the Live Music Capital of the World to showcase their talents.

While performing is undoubtedly the fun part, the flip side of the coin is the travel. For musicians toting bulky instruments and gear, therein lies the hassle. Or does it?

Some musicians may not be attuned to some of the recent developments that have made it easier to travel with instruments.

As part of its ongoing advocacy efforts on behalf of music creators, The Recording Academy got this plane on the runway, so to speak, following its 2011 GRAMMYs on the Hill Advocacy Day, when Congress passed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, which formed the basis of the Department of Transportation's issuance of new regulations for flying with musical instruments.

Effective as of 2015, these rules provide for the safe transport of musical instruments by air for travelers using any domestic carrier. Get the complete lowdown — and set your bookmark —  at www.grammy.com/travel.

In the meantime, for those musicians who will be flying out of Austin this weekend — and keeping busy in 2018 with tour itineraries and the festival circuit  — here are some quick tips to keep top of mind.

Plan Ahead And Measure

When traveling, planning ahead is always going to save you time and money. For flights, booking as far as in advance is always the best bet. As it relates to traveling with an instrument, be proactive about looking into your airline's travel and carry-on policies and procedures. Make sure to measure the dimensions of your instrument and/or carrying case so you can make the best judgment on how to transport it. And keep in mind that the size of overhead bins varies from aircraft to aircraft.

In advance of securing your reservation, let the airline know that you will be traveling with an instrument and which of the following three ways you plan to transport the piece.

Method #1: Instruments As Carry-Ons

Smaller musical instruments — including guitars, violins and trumpets — stored in a carrying case can qualify as carry-on baggage. Just as long as the instrument fits in the overhead compartment and there is space for it at the moment you board, understand that the airline must accept it as a carry-on and that they cannot charge you any additional fees just because you have an instrument.

For those going this route, it is recommended that you arrive at the gate early for flights with zone boarding. Or go one louder: Enroll in your airline's frequent flyer or loyalty program so that you can take advantage of early check-in and priority boarding privileges.

Method #2: Purchase A Seat For Instruments

Let's face it, some instruments might be too large — or too fragile or valuable — to check in with other bags. As such, travelers wanting to take extra care of that prized instrument can purchase a second seat to stow the instrument as in-cabin cargo, just as long as it is in a carrying case and is able to be safely secured in a standard airline seat. The catch here is that not all airlines have a program providing for the purchase of separate tickets for cargo, as such they are not mandated to specifically accommodate a musical instrument. At the time of purchasing your airfare, inquire if the airline has a cargo ticket policy.

When taking this alternative, you must book the seat directly beside you. Inform the airline that you are traveling with an instrument in the second seat and be sure to give them the exact dimensions (height, width, weight) of your instrument. Then confirm your seat assignments to be sure you have two seats together. 

Method #3: Instruments As Checked Luggage

If an instrument is too large to carry on or occupy its own seat, an airline must accept the instrument as checked baggage as long as it complies with federal size and weight guidelines. Specifically, the sum of the length, width, and height of the instrument (including the case) cannot exceed 150 inches and the weight of the instrument cannot exceed 165 pounds. If the instrument exceeds these measurements, the airline may still accept it but the airline is not required to do so and the instrument may be subject to additional fees.

If checking your instrument, make sure you know its dimensions and weight, securely pack it and arrive early to provide plenty of time for baggage check-in. And remember: Musical instruments checked as baggage can be charged the same fees as other checked baggage, but they may not be charged more.

In search of more details? Helpful information can be found in the form of the DOT's Answers to Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Enforcement of the Musical Instruments Rule.  

"Conversations in Advocacy" is your weekend digital tip sheet on music advocacy and the policies that affect music makers and their craft. New installments post every Friday.