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
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.
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.
Previously, passengers were only allowed to bring “small musical instruments such as flutes or violins” measuring no greater than 78 by 25 by 15cm.
Many violinists were often forced to check in their instruments by the airline’s ground crew, who determined the instruments failed to meet the size requirements.
Orchestra spokeswoman Amanda Mok said some instruments were extremely precious and could be irreparably damaged if they were kept with other luggage in the hold.
