VIOLINIST Nicola Benedetti has described British Airways as “totally appalling” over its “greedy” musical instrument charge.
The 30-year-old musician requested a meeting with the airline’s chief executive, Alex Cruz, to discuss problems musicians face when transporting their valuable instruments.
Benedetti also condemned the airline’s response to complaints they receive over social media as she said their staff are lacking in “training and knowledge”.
The airline has been accused of making musicians pay hundreds of pounds to buy a seat for their instruments.
One professional violinist, Rita Manning, recently complained that she was charged £240 for a separate seat for her instrument on a flight to Jersey.
Benedetti was showing her support to renowned trumpeter Alison Balsom, who branded the company “a greedy disgrace” earlier this week over the issue.
Balsom messaged BA on Twitter, saying: “We’ve all been so patient with the lowering standards but not to let professional musicians bring on their (small) instruments as hand baggage?
“We take hundreds of thousands of flights – it’s our living. A greedy disgrace.” Benedetti re-tweeted the post in support and wrote an additional message of support, describing the company’s behaviour as “totally appalling to too many musicians”.
“The replies from their Twitter handle demonstrate how lacking in training and knowledge staff members are,” she added.
“Something has to be done from the top – who can we write to to get this sorted?” She then tweeted Mr Cruz, requesting a meeting to discuss the issues.
She wrote: “It would be greatly appreciated to have the opportunity to discuss the issues musicians are experiencing.”
Last night, the Musicians’ Union said they were in talks with BA and had been assured small items should be allowed as hand luggage.
Balsom said she was “delighted” the union had been in discussions with BA.
BA’s website says passengers can to carry on small instruments with hand luggage, but both items have to fit within 31in x 11in x 10in.
A BA spokeswoman said: “We will always do everything we can to accommodate smaller musical instruments in the cabin.”
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