American Airlines Refuse Soloist Rachel Barton Pine's Violin in Cabin

American concert violinist, Rachel Barton Pine was refused entry on her April 27th American Airlines flight from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to New Mexico with the 1742 Guarneri del Gesu instrument.

It has been announced today that American concert violinist, Rachel Barton Pine was refused entry on her April 27th American Airlines flight from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to New Mexico with her 1742 Guarneri del Gesu instrument.

Rachel has indicated she was the first passenger down the jet bridge but was not permitted to board, by the aircraft’s pilot, as the violin's 'dimensions were not correct for carry-on.’

Rachel has indicated to The Violin Channel that she shared American Airlines’ official violin cabin policy with the unidentified pilot, stating: “You can travel with small musical instruments as your carry-on item on a first come, first serve basis as long as it: Fits in the overhead bin; or Fits under the seat in front of you.”

“It is not going on because I say so.” the pilot reportedly told the violinist.

Agents at American Airlines' ticket counter worked with Rachel to rebook her on a flight option the following day.

The Violin Channel’s October 2nd, 2014 coverage of Air Canada’s inconsistent viola policy received over 4000 social media shares, 200,000 page views and 33,000 Facebook likes – leading to the airline promptly readdressing their stance.

The Violin Channel’s February 3rd, 2016 coverage of Norwegian Air’s instrument cabin policy received over 5000 social media shares, 360,000 page views and 40,000 Facebook likes – leading to the airline also promptly readdressing their stance.

Power to the people