Manila Symphony Orchestra outlines travel ordeal as musicians forced to cradle instruments on Cebu Pacific flight

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The Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) has issued a statement detailing the ensemble’s travel experience to Puerto Princesa on a Cebu Pacific flight on 17 June, after musicians were initially barred from bringing their violins and violas on board as hand luggage.

According to the orchestra, the issue arose when airline staff determined that while the instruments themselves met cabin baggage size requirements, their protective hard cases did not. Musicians were reportedly instructed to check in the cases at an additional cost of ₱2,500 each (£31), an approach the ensemble resisted, citing the fragility of their instruments.

’After much negotiation, our musicians were allowed to hand-carry their instruments, cradling them as they sat in their seats, while the ₱2500 fee for checking in each of their hard cases was waived after it was suggested by our production manager that we had remaining baggage allowance which could be applied in lieu of additional check in fees,’ the MSO statement read.

The statement outlined the reality of the flight for the orchestra members: ’It was not a comfortable flight for our musicians.  They lovingly and gently cradled their instruments on their laps throughout the flight.

’These fine-tuned instruments are delicately crafted and a single jolt can disrupt the delicate balance of violins and violas. We were not being difficult in refusing to check them in. We were protecting our instruments from being jolted and tussled.

’Throughout the flight, our musicians held their instruments upright on their laps, minimising movement as much as possible, without respite for food or refreshment.

’We were protecting our livelihood. Beyond livelihood, these instruments are an expression of our creative spirit, our cultural contributions to society. We were protecting our capability to produce beautiful music for the Filipino and international audiences whom we have had the honour to serenade for 100 years. 

The ensemble framed the incident as a reflection of the larger challenges faced by musicians when travelling with valuable and delicate instruments. Violins and violas, in particular, are highly sensitive to pressure, temperature and impact, and are often carried by hand to avoid potential damage in cargo holds.’

The MSO’s production manager, Rona De Leon, further detailed the challenges of the incident on social media: ’Our orchestra has travelled multiple times via CebPac as well as other local and international airlines, and this has never been an issue. We were always allowed to carry them into the aircraft. This is the first time we were held up at the gates by security. The solution - check in the case, and bring just the instrument and the bow in the aircraft. 

’CebPac has just lost a client. The MSO, the country’s oldest orchestra, is not gonna fly CebPac anymore.’

The airline, Cebu Pacific, defended its handling of the situation, emphasising the fees waived.

’For violins that exceeded the size limit, our airport team worked with the passengers to find a practical solution,’ Cebu Pacific said in a statement.

’The violin cases were checked in free of charge, while the instruments themselves were carefully hand-carried by the passengers into the cabin.’