This comes after an orchestra was held up by the security for their instruments.
This week, a social media post by Rona De Leon of the Manila Symphony Orchestra gained traction on social media after she expressed her displeasure with the service of budget carrier Cebu Pacific.
According to her post, which has already gained over 32,000 reactions on Facebook, “Cebu Pacific Air did not allow violins as carry-on and wanted us to check them in, which of course is NON-NEGOTIABLE.”
She continued, “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.”
De Leon noted that the is the first time they were held up at the gates by security, with them coming up with the solution of checking 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,” she declared.
CEBU PACIFIC STATEMENT
The airline, in a statement, said: “We would like to remind passengers traveling with musical instruments that those exceeding the standard hand-carry size allowance may be accommodated through CEB Special Baggage.”
They also said that passengers may opt to purchase the CEB Special Baggage during the booking process via the Cebu Pacific mobile app.
“To help protect musical instruments during transport, checked-in instruments must be packed in hard-shell cases,” adding that instruments placed in soft cases or gig bags cannot be accepted for check-in, as “these do not provide sufficient protection against damage.“
Aside from musical instruments, other items such as sports equipment, surfboards, religious items, and balikbayan boxes may also be checked-in through CEB Special Baggage, the airline furthered.
Meanwhile, regarding the recent incident, all passengers carrying violins were able to board their flights and travel as scheduled, it noted.
“Some violin cases met the hand-carry size limit of 56cm x 36cm x 23cm and were allowed onboard,” CEB disclosed.
It continued, “For violins that exceeded the size limit, our airport team worked with the passengers to find a practical solution. The violin cases were checked in free of charge, while the instruments themselves were carefully hand-carried by the passengers into the cabin.“
Cebu Pacific also said that they understand that musical instruments are valuable and deeply personal belongings and encouraged passengers to review baggage size requirements before traveling to ensure a “smooth and comfortable journey for both them and their instruments.“