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Cathay Pacific
Hong KongHong Kong Economy

Change in tune: Cathay Pacific and Dragonair relax carry-on baggage policy for musical instruments

New maximum size dimensions 93 by 39 by 24cm meant to address criticism from Hong Kong Sinfonietta and others

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Cathay Pacific announced its policy change on Sunday with immediate effect. Photo: SCMP Pictures
Nikki Sun

Passengers are now able to carry larger musical instruments such as clarinets, erhus and violins on board as Cathay Pacific Airways and its subsidiary airline Dragonair relaxed their baggage policy.

The move came amid criticism from musicians that the airlines’ policy on musical instruments had been too rigid and deterred many high-profile musicians from flying with the carriers.

Under the new policy now in effect, the maximum dimensions for musical instruments considered as carry-on baggage is 93 by 39 by 24cm – almost three times larger than the previous dimension limit, according to a press release released by Cathay Pacific on Sunday.
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Passengers may bring musical instruments such as clarinets, erhus, flutes, violas, trombones and violins into the cabin if the items are stored in a hard-bound case.

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Previously, passengers were only allowed to bring “small musical instruments such as flutes or violins” measuring no greater than 78 by 25 by 15cm.

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