The London-based double-bassist Valentina Scheldhofen Ciardelli (pictured) is gathering signatures for a petitition to pressure the European Parliament to oblige airlines to protect instruments from mishandling by airlines.
The petition, which has already attracted several thousand names, requests clear travel guidelines for instruments:
Recognize musical instruments as professional equipment, not just extra baggage.
Clear, capped, and predictable fees for transporting large instruments like the double bass, harp, or tuba.
Mandatory presence of the musician during any inspection of the instrument—only we know how to open, secure, and protect it safely.
Equal treatment across all EU and UK airlines and trains—no more operator-by-operator confusion.
Protection against unjustified seizure or damage at customs—especially for historically or legally compliant parts like bow tips or saddles made from antique ivory, tortoiseshell, or restricted woods.
Legal recognition that many instruments were built decades or centuries ago, using materials now regulated—but removing or replacing these parts would irreversibly damage the instruments. A cultural and legal exemption framework is urgently needed to protect these tools of our heritage.
Creation of an EU Cultural Freight Label to guarantee priority handling, trained personnel, and cultural status recognition.
Keep the ball rolling. Sign here.
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-5.jpg?w=160&resize=160,160&ssl=1 "Cross-cultural cross currents: Jasdeep Singh Degun with Fantasia Orchestra in Terry Riley's iconic In C performed by string orchestra, piano, sitar and tabla at Smith Square Hall")
