UK Luggage Ban Stops the Show

We have been talking for some time around the Celebrity Series offices about the new carry-on baggage check-in requirements in Britain and what it means for touring musicians (a few years ago it was the problem of touring artist visa waiting times). For those that don't know (although it seems like common knowledge in today's world), musicians that play, say, very old and very expensive violins or cellos, especially those instruments whose value can be measured in millions of dollars, typically buy an extra seat for their instruments or take them into the cabin as carry-on luggage. With that option removed (in Britain, at least) musicians that don't want to check valuable instruments into the luggage compartment are scrambling to find ways to get themselves and their instruments to their concerts without getting on planes; or, as in the case of some musicians interviewed for a story on BBC Radio, they are canceling those concerts altogether. Read Cabin Baggage Ban Hits Musicians from the BBC News web site (from August 11). The article lists comments from musicians and others about their individual plights.

Update: Since I wrote and saved this post, the list of those impacted has been narrowed somewhat. In Baggage Advice for UK Passengers, we learn that some carry-on bags are being allowed on board. Presumably, this will allow some smaller instruments to be carried-on. Cellists, I fear, are out of luck in the UK until further notice.

Look to Jessica Duchen's Classical Music Blog for her posts on the subject: Violin - or out? and Out? Her blog is where I found the BBC links when I went looking for info on the radio story. Jessica is also receiving some good comments on the subject.