Flybe Amends Cabin Baggage to Allow for Small Instruments

Flybe has listened to the concerns of musicians, and following a letter sent by the MU late last year, has amended its cabin baggage terms and conditions to accommodate small instruments.

The amended guidelines give allowance to the fact that musical instruments are likely to differ in size and shape from a small suitcase.

Now the airline states that violins, clarinets and other small instruments may be permitted on board Flybe-operated flights as cabin baggage, provided that they do not exceed 100 (length) x 35 (width) x 20 (depth) cm.

Flybe’s previous cabin baggage policy allowed musicians to carry instruments, as long as they conformed to the stated size for all cabin baggage, and could fit into the airline’s baggage sizer at the airport.

Some peace of mind

Dave Webster, MU National Organiser Live Performance welcomed the news:

“We are delighted that Flybe has responded favourably to our concerns detailed in our letter in late 2019.

“We hope those musicians affected by the changes will now be able to travel with Flybe and have peace of mind.

“Please let us know if you experience any further difficulties or indeed have a good news story.”

New Guidelines

The new guidelines in full state that:

"Violins, clarinets and other small instruments may be permitted on board Flybe-operated flights as cabin baggage. The instrument, including its case, must not exceed 100 (length) x 35 (width) x 20 (depth) cm.

"The instrument will be classed as one item of cabin baggage and carriage is strictly subject to there being suitable available space in the overhead lockers to safely accommodate the item.

"Items detailed in this section and deemed to be suitable for carriage must be in a case that suitably protects the instrument both for carriage in the overhead lockers and should it need to be placed in the hold due to there being insufficient space being available in the overhead lockers. In addition, the item must have the appropriate insurance."

Read further advice on travelling with an instrument.