Benedetti v BA: Star’s anger at hand-baggage charges for instruments
SHE is a world-renowned violinist, widely regarded as one of the great soloists in the classical field.
But a leading airline has struck a sour note with Nicola Benedetti in a row over musicians being asked to pay extra to take instruments on board its aircraft.
The 30-year-old virtuoso has demanded a meeting with British Airways CEO Alex Cruz to discuss problems with transporting valuable equipment on flights.
The airline is accused of making musicians pay hundreds of pounds to buy a seat for large instruments, while those with smaller items can be asked to pay up to £77 for each additional piece of luggage.
Miss Benedetti, who grew up in West Kilbride, Ayrshire, came out in support of renowned trumpeter Alison Balsom.
And she condemned the airline’s response to complaints online saying they show its staff lack ‘training and knowledge’.
Miss Balsom took to social media to berate British Airways on Tuesday, writing: ‘That’s it, I’m done – 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.’
Miss Benedetti shared the post in support, writing: ‘Totally appalling behaviour from British Airways to too many musicians and the replies on their Twitter demonstrate how lacking in training and knowledge staff members are.
‘Something has to be done from the top – who can we write to, to get this sorted?’
She then sent a message to the British Airways chairman requesting a meeting to discuss the issues, writing: ‘It would be greatly appreciated to have the opportunity to discuss the issues musicians are experiencing with British Airways, Alex Cruz, would this be possible?’
Miss Benedetti received dozens of messages of support, with people recalling their own experiences with the airline.
Paul Yole wrote: ‘My daughter had to buy a seat for her violin and when she boarded they had sold the seat to another passenger.’
Electric string quartet Escala, which Miss Benedetti’s 34-year-old sister Stephanie is a member of, said they refused to pay to take instruments on a British Airways flight to London from Amsterdam two weeks ago.
The group said: ‘There seem to be different rules in different countries. It is so unclear. It makes us nervous every time we approach the BA desk.’
On Tuesday, BA released a statement stating it has changed its policy and instruments taken on to flights as hand baggage would be charged for. Hours later it issued a second statement saying this was wrong, adding: ‘We are sorry for the misunderstanding.’
The Musicians’ Union said talks were being held with BA, which has given assurance that small items should be allowed as hand luggage.
A BA spokesman said: ‘We will always do everything we can to accommodate smaller musical instruments in the cabin.
‘In order to ensure there is enough space for all customers to store their belongings, larger instruments, such as guitars and cellos, can be carried in the hold.
‘Alternatively customers can choose to buy an extra seat to carry them in the cabin at a discounted rate.’
‘Totally appalling behaviour’