Air Canada declines to allow Kanneh-Mason duo to board with their cello, resulting in the cancellation of a sold-out concert.
Air Canada's policy on carrying cellos has come under scrutiny following a series of events involving the well-known cellist, Sheku Kanneh-Mason. The cello, worth more than €3 million, was barred from boarding a flight, leading to the cancellation of a sold-out concert in Toronto.
The Kanneh-Mason duo, consisting of Sheku and his sister Isata, had already purchased a seat for the instrument. However, Air Canada refused to allow the 300-year-old cello on their flight, causing a significant disruption.
Air Canada's policy is strict: cellos are generally prohibited in the cabin and must be checked as special baggage, likely incurring additional fees. This policy, enforced under their contract of carriage, has been in place since late 2023. Passengers are advised to check availability and baggage options carefully, but Air Canada does not guarantee cello cases will be permitted onboard as carry-on items.
The duo experienced delays, a cancellation, and were denied boarding with the cello. They released a statement on social media expressing their sadness about not being able to perform. Sheku also called for better airline protocol, stating it's about having a more efficient and consistent approach.
In the aftermath of these events, the Kanneh-Mason duo is working to find a new date to perform in Toronto next year. The concert, set to include Mendelssohn cello sonatas, music by Fauré and Poulenc, and the Canadian premiere of a piece by Natalie Klouda, was cancelled due to Air Canada's refusal to allow Sheku's cello on their flight.
Air Canada's spokesperson confirmed that the airline has a policy of accepting cellos in the cabin when a separate seat has been booked. However, the incident is still under review, including why Sheku's cello was not successfully rebooked.
The Kanneh-Mason duo's experiences reflect ongoing challenges for musicians traveling with large instruments on Air Canada and similar airlines. The duo, who expressed their hope for a standardized, global, and carefully considered approach to the carriage of precious instruments by all airlines, are not alone in their struggles.
Our website has contacted Air Canada for an additional comment on this matter.
[1] The original flight on another airline that the duo was booked on was cancelled. [2] Air Canada's policy requires purchasing an extra seat for musical instruments that don't fit in the overhead bin or under the seat, and the instrument must not exceed 162.5 centimeters in height or length or 36 kilograms in weight. [3] Sheku called for better airline protocol in the aftermath, saying it's about having a more efficient and consistent approach. [4] The cancellation was due to Air Canada refusing to allow Sheku's 1700 Matteo Gofriller cello on their flight. [5] Sheku was barred from boarding a British Airways flight last year with his cello. [6] Isata Kanneh-Mason performed Clara Schumann's Scherzo No.2 in C Minor. [7] Despite these issues, they tried their best to reach Toronto. [8] The Kanneh-Mason duo is working to find a new date to perform in Toronto next year. [9] The spokesperson also mentioned that the incident is still under review, including why Sheku's cello was not successfully rebooked.
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