Travelling with a cello on BA sounds like a nightmare
May 19, 2019, 5:39 am
#1
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Travelling with a cello on BA sounds like a nightmare
If you're on Twitter, and are interested not only in travel but also in classical music, the cellist Stephen Isserlis is a delightful person to follow. Sadly (for him), many of his tweets consist of a diary of the tribulations of travelling with a Stradivarius cello (booked on a separate ticket and travelling in the same cabin). Unfortunately (and perhaps unsurprisingly), BA seems to be a constant nightmare for him, in particular today (chronological order is from bottom to top):
The last problem at Security, as he acknowledges, is nothing to do with BA. But BA's response seems to suggest they've resigned themselves to frequent apologies as opposed to actually doing something about the issue:
Wouldn't it be nice if BA's management could take some more pride in the fact that the UK is the home of so many wonderful musicians, and make an effort to celebrate this and work to be their airline of choice, rather than frustrating necessity?
The last problem at Security, as he acknowledges, is nothing to do with BA. But BA's response seems to suggest they've resigned themselves to frequent apologies as opposed to actually doing something about the issue:Wouldn't it be nice if BA's management could take some more pride in the fact that the UK is the home of so many wonderful musicians, and make an effort to celebrate this and work to be their airline of choice, rather than frustrating necessity?
May 19, 2019, 5:52 am
#2
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Such a shame that BA make it so difficult, they have specific guidelines on their website: (https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb...l-instruments#)
On another note, I was lucky enough to play his cello a number of years ago after one of his concerts (in Norwich) and it was an absolute joy to play and he was a great guy to chat with.
Depending on availability, you may be able to purchase an extra seat next to you to secure your cello. It's not possible to do this online so please contact us or your travel agent at least 24 hours before your flight departs.
If you arrive at the airport and haven't booked an extra seat in advance, please speak to a British Airways representative. If there are seats available in the cabin you are travelling in, you may be able to buy an extra seat. Otherwise you will need to check your instrument in.
If you have bought a seat in the cabin for your cello, you will need extra time to secure it in place. To avoid flight delays, you'll be able to board before other passengers. Please make your way to your boarding gate as soon as it is announced and make yourself known to the gate team.
How to secure your cello on board
If you arrive at the airport and haven't booked an extra seat in advance, please speak to a British Airways representative. If there are seats available in the cabin you are travelling in, you may be able to buy an extra seat. Otherwise you will need to check your instrument in.
If you have bought a seat in the cabin for your cello, you will need extra time to secure it in place. To avoid flight delays, you'll be able to board before other passengers. Please make your way to your boarding gate as soon as it is announced and make yourself known to the gate team.
How to secure your cello on board
May 19, 2019, 6:03 am
#5
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Unfortunately, it seems to be the same recurrent problems (chronicled humorously although it must be very frustrating) almost every time he flies with BA (bad at outstations, of course, but surprisingly also at LHR, where they should know better).
May 19, 2019, 6:04 am
#6
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May 19, 2019, 6:14 am
#7
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I wholeheartedly agree with this.
I think HAL staff are being unfairly brought into this. It's not their job to lift such things, especially delicate musical instruments.
It comes across as a bit unfair to them as well as putting him in a little bit of a DYKWIA light but perhaps there is/should be another easier way of getting it through security?
I think HAL staff are being unfairly brought into this. It's not their job to lift such things, especially delicate musical instruments.
It comes across as a bit unfair to them as well as putting him in a little bit of a DYKWIA light but perhaps there is/should be another easier way of getting it through security?
May 19, 2019, 6:20 am
#9
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Indeed. He'd have been screaming blue murder if they had dropped it or banged it on the side of the belt for example.
I'd have thought it would have been too big to go through the scanner anyway.
I'd have thought it would have been too big to go through the scanner anyway.
May 19, 2019, 6:25 am
#11
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I wholeheartedly agree with this.
I think HAL staff are being unfairly brought into this. It's not their job to lift such things, especially delicate musical instruments.
It comes across as a bit unfair to them as well as putting him in a little bit of a DYKWIA light but perhaps there is/should be another easier way of getting it through security?
I think HAL staff are being unfairly brought into this. It's not their job to lift such things, especially delicate musical instruments.
It comes across as a bit unfair to them as well as putting him in a little bit of a DYKWIA light but perhaps there is/should be another easier way of getting it through security?
I also once had to sit beside a cello and it was the WORST nightmare of my life.
If I was in charge it would be pulped and turned into copies of the daily mail anyway.
May 19, 2019, 6:25 am
#12
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May 19, 2019, 6:36 am
#13
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May 19, 2019, 6:43 am
#14
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