• Most Respected Classical Music Platform
  • #classicalForever
TOP

British Airways Stopped Cello from Flying as it Didn't Have a Tourism Visa

A Swiss cellist was stopped from carrying her cello on a British Airways flight - as the instrument did not have the appropriate tourism visa

It has been reported today that a Swiss cellist was stopped from carrying her cello on a British Airways flight from Zurich to Baltimore - as the instrument did not have the appropriate tourism visa for entering the United States.

“I rang BA about a month before the flight and they told me the second seat booked for the cello followed airline policy and I should check-in as normal,” amateur cellist Jane Bever, 35 has told The Independent newspaper.

It is understood, however when Ms Bever arrived at Zurich airport on June 16th for her scheduled flight, she was informed that the system needed an ESTA visa attached to the extra seat - as it had been booked in the system under the name ‘Chuck Cello’.

“This was a highly unusual incident which arose after the customer booked a seat for her cello as a named passenger … this is what triggered the requirement for an ESTA from the US government,” a statement from the Airline has read.

It’s understood the musician was left with few options but to fly the next day on United Airlines - who it's believed offered her the fare at half the price quoted by the British carrier.

“I had no problems with United Airlines … the staff were very friendly and even offered to put Chuck Cello in first class!” she has said.

upcoming events

april 2024

01aprAll Day05Vienna Classic Violin Competition(All Day) Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna, Johannesgasse 4a 1010 Vienna, AustriaEvent Type :competitions Event TagsClassic Violin Olympus International Competition,violin competitionFOLLOW

23aprAll Day26Lyon International Chamber Music Competition(All Day) Université Lumière Lyon 2, 18 quai Claude Bernard 69365 Lyon, FranceEvent Type :competitions Event Tagschamber music,chamber music competition,Lyon International Chamber Music CompetitionFOLLOW

CONTACT US
x

Get ALL our latest conveniently by EMAIL

Our newsletter is trusted by over 100,000+ industry professionals around the world

We deliver news straight to your inbox and will never share your data.
You'll never miss a beat!

click left click right