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MU Reaches Agreement with Heathrow on Handling of Musical Instruments

Musicians travelling with instruments through Heathrow can now expect the airport to act in accordance with guidelines agreed by the MU.

Published: 05 August 2025 | 9:29 PM
A line of passengers in an airport queuing to go through a security scanner.
Musicians travelling through Heathrow with instruments can expect security staff to follow the agreed guidelines. Image credit: Shutterstock.

Further to concerns raised in 2024 by members regarding the introduction of the new scanners at Heathrow and mishandling of instruments by security staff, the MU contacted Heathrow and the Transport Secretary to address this issue and raise awareness of the fragility and importance of musical instruments.

The Heathrow security team engaged with the MU and took away the concerns we raised regarding the handling of our members’ instruments.

Whilst needing to balance fixed security protocols and procedures around security, the response from Heathrow has been favourable.

Heathrow has agreed to act in accordance with guidelines

The introduction of new security scanners, which are not designed to accommodate musical instruments, has meant that certain instruments need to be checked by hand. 

The overview below provided by Heathrow, with some additional wording from the MU, has been agreed to ensure instruments are treated with care: 

"We welcome many professional musicians and performers through our airport, and we understand that your instruments and equipment are essential to your work and often of high personal and financial value.

"Please be aware that all items, including musical instruments, are subject to security screening in accordance with UK aviation regulations. However, our security team is trained to handle such items with care and sensitivity.

  1. If your instrument cannot safely pass through the scanner, our team will ask you to handle, open and close the case yourself for supervised inspection wherever possible. If you need to be screened, we will take possession of the cased item until this has been completed.
  2. Our staff will treat your equipment with the utmost care and respect. We will minimise handling wherever possible.
  3. We aim to work with you to complete the screening process efficiently while safeguarding your instrument.

"Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Your support helps us maintain a safe and smooth journey for all passengers."

Let us know if you experience issues travelling through Heathrow

If you experience any difficulties moving your instrument through Heathrow, please contact your Regional Office as soon as possible so that we can address the issue.

Need more information on travelling with musical instruments?

Visit our hub for advice on airline policies for instruments and luggage, how to prepare your instrument, precautions for rare materials, as well as instrument passports and permits.

View the hub

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The MU helps musicians with many aspects of working overseas - from everything on touring in Europe, visa issues for working in US, to travelling with musical instruments.

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