Manila Symphony Orchestra calls out Cebu Pacific over violin issue; airline clarifies size limits

The production manager of the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) called out Cebu Pacific after members of their group were barred from bringing their violins as carry-ons.

Manager Rona De Leon shared on Facebook on Wednesday that Cebu Pacific insisted the instruments be checked in, even though hand-carrying them had never been an issue before.

"Our orchestra has travelled multiple times via CebPac as well as other local and international airlines, and this has never been an issue. We were always allowed to carry them into the aircraft. This is the first time we were held up at the gates by security."

Ultimately, the orchestra members checked in their violin cases but carried the instruments onto the plane.

“CebPac has just lost a client. The MSO, the country's oldest orchestra, is not gonna fly CebPac anymore,” De Leon said.

De Leon further detailed the incident to GMA News Online, and said they are now preparing for their show.

"We were headed to Puerto Princesa for an outreach workshop and a concert at the Baragatan Festival where we were invited to perform by the Governor," she said.

"Right now we are settling in here and preparing for a big, busy day tomorrow."

According to the Cebu Pacific website, musical instruments are allowed as carry-on if they are within the 56cm x 36cm x 23cm limit.

If the item exceeds this limit, the flyer needs to purchase an extra seat for it.

There is also the CEB Special Baggage option, where the item being checked in needs to be placed in a hard-shell case to prevent damage. Instruments in soft cases or gig bags will not be accepted for check-in.

In a statement sent to GMA News Online, Cebu Pacific reiterated that passengers with musical instruments that “those exceeding the standard hand-carry size allowance may be accommodated through CEB Special Baggage.”

The airline added that when the special baggage is availed, musical instruments need to be checked-in inside hard-shell cases.

“With regard to the recent incident, all passengers carrying violins were able to board their flights and travel as scheduled,” Cebu Pacific said.

“Some violin cases met the hand-carry size limit of 56cm x 36cm x 23cm and were allowed onboard,” it added.

For violins that exceeded the size limit, the airport team worked with the passengers for a solution. The violin cases were then checked-in free of charge, while the instruments were hand-carried by the passengers onto the plane.

“We understand that musical instruments are often valuable and deeply personal belongings,” Cebu Pacific said.

“We encourage passengers to review baggage size requirements before traveling so we can help ensure a smooth and comfortable journey for both them and their instruments.” —JCB, GMA News