Double bassist Valentina Scheldhofen Ciardelli is calling for unified rules over plane and train operators across the EU and UK, following numerous instances of instrument mistreatment
A petition has been launched calling for an EU-wide set of clear and fair rules for transporting musical instruments by plane and train.
Double bassist and composer Valentina Scheldhofen Ciardelli set up the petition in response to her difficult experiences travelling with her instrument, describing it as ’often treated as oversized luggage, subject to arbitrary rules, unpredictable costs, and even disrespectful handling by airline or train staff unfamiliar with the needs of traveling musicians.’
Scheldhofen Ciardelli emphasises that her instrument is ’not a suitcase’ but rather her voice and livelihood. She describes instances where she has had to negotiate with airport staff who do not know what her instrument is, and pay fees designed for sports gear or oversized luggage.
Security staff have opened or mishandled her instrument case, risking damage to the bass or bow. Additionally, she has missed connections, lost time and suffered anxiety due to the lack of clear rules protecting professional musicians in transit.
Scheldhofen Ciardelli intends to bring a proposal to the European Commission, namely DG MOVE (Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport) and DG EAC (Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture), as well as national ministries, airlines and train operators.
The proposal will aim ask for recognition of musical instruments as professional equipment as opposed to extra baggage, plus clear, capped and predictable fees for transporting large instruments.
It was also call for mandatory presence of the musician during any instrument inspections, as well as equal treatment across all EU and UK airlines and trains to avoid continued confusion among operators.
Finally, it will call for creation of an EU Cultural Freight Label in an aim to guarantee priority handling, trained personnel, and cultural status recognition.
’This isn’t a luxury request. It’s a call for basic rights for working artists—so we can keep doing our jobs, safely and without fear,’ says Scheldhofen Ciardelli.
Earlier this year, France’s national train service SCNF rolled back on its policy banning double basses and large instruments on trains. The decision followed years of campaigning by musicians, including an open letter published in Le Monde signed by 45,000 people. However, only one large instrument can be accommodated per train, and the operator recommends musicians book in advance and at off-peak times.
Scheldhofen Ciardelli is far from the only musician who has faced troubles travelling with their instrument. In September 2024, violinist Esther Abrami was denied boarding a Ryanair flight with her 200-year-old Vuillaume violin, and faced ‘rudeness and humiliation’ from airline staff. She was then forced to book a last-minute flight with another airline, acknowledging that she was lucky to consider that as an option.
Violinist Rachell Ellen Wong was barred from a Norse Atlantic Airways flight two weeks ago, despite paying for priority boarding and acting within the airline’s luggage policy, which she showed to airline staff.
Cellists Sophie Kauer and Sheku Kanneh-Mason have also faced struggles boarding with instruments on Swiss Air and British Airways respectively. Both had booked separate seats for their cellos and were denied boarding, with Kanneh-Mason saying ’no solution was offered, no compensation.’
Read: ‘Not allowed’: violinist turned away from Norse Atlantic Airways flight
Read: Airline workers broke my cello, says American musician
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