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.
September 28, 2023
IM -It’s important to be aware that the TSA is in the process of updating security scanners at airports across the country. These new TSA screeners are smaller than previous equipment, and are causing delays and burdensome confusion for some musicians.
The new machines’ smaller entry size (24.5″ W x 16.5″ H) means that larger instruments that fit in the airplane luggage bins may not fit in the new scanning machines, or more specifically, do not fit in the trays that are used with the new machines.
For any instruments that don’t fit at the security checkpoint, TSA personnel will now have to individually inspect instruments, causing delays for the traveler, as they will be pulled aside and have to wait for special screening.
The AFM has verified that the language or meaning of the law regarding musical instruments as carry-on on domestic airlines has not changed.
As always, it’s important that you check the overhead capacity of each plane on which you will travel beforehand to ensure your instrument will fit. 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 possible, try to get priority boarding and board early, when overhead compartments are less full.
Additional travel tips are available on the AFM.org website at www.afm.org/what-we-are-doing/travel-resources/afm-travel-kit.