The French cellist Astrig Siranossian was refused boarding for her instrument on a Paris-Berlin flight, despite booking a seat for it
French cellist Astrig Siranossian was due to fly with Transavia Airline from the Paris Orly Airport, France, to Berlin, Germany, on 31 March. Despite having purchased an extra cain baggage seat for it, she was denied boarding with her 1756 Gennaro Gagliano cello.
Siranossian had made the booking ten days earlier via phone call, providing the cello’s exact measurements to avoid future problems, as the newer dimension restriction of 75x75x45 cm is otherwise insufficient for the instrument. At the boarding gate, however, she was instructed to instead put her cello in the hold.
‘It is of course not an option, not only for such a precious cello but for any instrument, considering the very high risks of damage and the lack of insurance coverage in such a situation,’ Siranossian wrote on social media.
After speaking with all concerned parties and seeking an alternative solution, a favourable outcome was reached:
‘I was fortunate to come across a team of music lovers who granted me the “grace” to board with my instrument. They clearly observed that a cello fits without any issues in a seat,’ said Siranossian. ‘While hoping that the dimensions for extra seats will be reviewed upward very soon, I warmly advise to all my fellow cellists to avoid this airline unless you love stressful experiences…’
Read: The Corrs violinist left ‘humiliated’ after Ryanair refuses to let her board with violin
Read: ‘Swiss Air, if you don’t want cellos on board, just say so’: TÁR cellist suffers flight woes
The number one source for playing and teaching books, guides, CDs, calendars and back issues of the magazine.
In The Best of Technique you’ll discover the top playing tips of the world’s leading string players and teachers. It’s packed full of exercises for students, plus examples from the standard repertoire to show you how to integrate the technique into your playing.
The Strad’s Masterclass series brings together the finest string players with some of the greatest string works ever written. Always one of our most popular sections, Masterclass has been an invaluable aid to aspiring soloists, chamber musicians and string teachers since the 1990s.
The Canada Council of the Arts’ Musical Instrument Bank is 40 years old in 2025. This year’s calendar celebrates some its treasures, including four instruments by Antonio Stradivari and priceless works by Montagnana, Gagliano, Pressenda and David Tecchler.
No comments yet