Not everyone can afford extra seat: Artistes voice concern over Air India baggage rule
musical instruments as cabin luggage has Indian artistes concerned who flagged the larger issue of baggage mishandling that allegedly ails all airlines across the board. Days after Zubin Balaporia, keyboardist of Indus Creed band, took to Facebook against Air India's «extremely discriminating policy». Other musicians have also shared their concerns about the way musical instruments are handled by airlines, resulting in damaged or lost luggage at times.
«Earlier we were allowed to carry a guitar on board. Now they have stopped this and are asking musicians to pay for an extra seat for the guitar. This is ridiculous. Vistara used to allow guitars on board and IndiGo still does. Come on Air India — TATA Group. Why have such a mercenary attitude. Surely you help in promoting the arts. Have a heart and regain your soul,» Balaporia wrote on the social media platform.
Meanwhile, a statement by Air India to PTI clarified that the airline has not changed its policies on carriage of items, including musical instruments inside the cabin conforming to the stipulated dimensions.
It added that small musical instruments, «which adhere to the specified dimensions, and which are not likely to inconvenience other passengers or create any safety hazard during turbulence, are allowed to be carried onboard free of charge».
«Any musical instrument, which exceeds the specified dimensions, is allowed to be carried in the cabin but only by booking an additional adjacent seat. Large, bulky or odd-sized musical instruments are to be
