WE LOVE RYANAIR, PART 37…

12-year old music student Francesca Rijks, who studies at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester, was recently turned away with her violin at the boarding gate of a Ryanair flight returning to the UK from Germany. Her parents were told the violin was not allowed as hand luggage, and were given an ultimatum to either put the violin in the baggage hold of the plane, which would most likely cause damage to the instrument, or to purchase an additional seat at a cost of 230 euros. This was despite the fact they had received confirmation from the Ryanair customer service department (prior to purchasing any tickets) that the instrument would be accepted. They had also checked in without problems. The Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) is warning anyone intending to travel with a small instrument to check very carefully before travelling with Ryanair, and to ensure their instruments will be accepted as hand luggage before booking any flights. In addition, the ISM has advised its members to take with them a letter, signed by ISM Chief Executive Deborah Annetts, confirming that they are music professionals.