Now is the right time to become an American Federation of Musicians member. From ragtime to rap, from the early phonograph to today's digital recordings, the AFM has been there for its members. And now there are more benefits available to AFM members than ever before, including a multi-million dollar pension fund, excellent contract protection, instrument and travelers insurance, work referral programs and access to licensed booking agents to keep you working.
As an AFM member, you are part of a membership of more than 80,000 musicians. Experience has proven that collective activity on behalf of individuals with similar interests is the most effective way to achieve a goal. The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. A single musician has no such power.
The AFM has a proud history of managing change rather than being victimized by it. We find strength in adversity, and when the going gets tough, we get creative - all on your behalf.
Like the industry, the AFM is also changing and evolving, and its policies and programs will move in new directions dictated by its members. As a member, you will determine these directions through your interest and involvement. Your membership card will be your key to participation in governing your union, keeping it responsive to your needs and enabling it to serve you better. To become a member now, visit www.afm.org/join.
February 28, 2025
New TSA screeners are smaller than previous equipment, and are causing delays and burdensome confusion for some musicians. The entry size is now 24.5 inches wide and 16.5 inches tall. This means that larger instruments, which do fit in the airplane luggage bins, will not fit through the scanning machines. Instruments that cannot fit through the computer tomography (CT) machines will be individually inspected by TSA personnel. This can cause delays for musicians, as they are pulled aside and need to wait for special screening.
The good news is that the AFM has verified that the language or meaning of the law regarding musical instruments as carry-on on domestic airlines has not changed. However, all airports will eventually implement the smaller CT machines.
As always, it’s important that you check the overhead capacity of each plane you will travel on prior to traveling with your instrument. If possible, purchase priority boarding and board early, when overhead compartments are less full. If you have concerns about whether your instrument will fit in the new machines, you should plan for extra time at security and arrive at least 30 minutes earlier than normal.
If you would like assistance moving through the TSA checkpoint with your instrument, we recommend you contact TSA Cares at least 72 hours before your travel and request travel assistance. You can contact them by phone:
(855) 787-2227, or via: www.tsa.gov/
travel/tsa-cares/passenger-support.
Additional travel tips for both US and Canadian air travel are available on the
AFM.org website at www.afm.org/what-we-are-doing/travel-resources/afm-travel-kit.