The Daily Hate Mail once again publishes another scare story about Ryanair, with this time Three musicians were left stunned when they were forced to buy additional seats for their instruments.
Flying from Frankfurt-Hann to Stansted, the believed they could take their instruments as hand luggage, but discovered before they could fly they couldn’t with a cost of extra seats at a cool £1340.
Ouch.
Whats more it seems they couldn’t be bothered to read the luggage size regulations as the the cases were beyond the permitted size of 55cms by 40cms by 20cms.
Like a lot of precious instruments, it’s not a wise idea to check them (as we all know how gently rampers treat luggage). Due to the value and age of the 18th century violins worth up to £800,000 each – the musicians had to pay for extra seats.
Of course, there is belief of breach of contract as the organisers claim Ryanair would allow these items onboard as hand luggage.
Mr Gowan the organiser said:
‘Obviously you cannot put a fragile Stradivarius or Guarnerius in the hold due to the cold, let alone risk of damage.
‘Ryanair want to get the message out that they don’t want hand luggage in the cabins and they simply don’t give a damn if a few musicians have a problem. It is so anti-cultural.
‘We are saying that we had a contract and they have changed the rules – and our lawyers think we have a good case.
‘When you buy a cello seat, you know you have to do it because the instrument is too big to go into the overhead rack. But a violin case is very slim and will go in easily, even if it is a little bit over the limit.’
“So Darn Anti-Cultural?” OH GIVE ME A BREAK!
Ryanair spokesman Stephen McNamara said:
‘The policy has been the same for two years and the terms and conditions clearly explain that musical instruments need to have a second seat.
‘It is the responsibility of individual passengers to research the conditions before they book their flights.
‘There can be no allowances made for anyone, whether its the next superstar in cricket, tennis or music. The terms and conditions are the same for everyone.’
Whilst I feel sorry for the musicians, I’m going to do something odd for once – and side with Ryanair. Why? If you want to fly Ryanair, you play their game. And if the game says buy another seat, you buy another seat for your stuff.
Of course, the easier way would had been to fly a different carrier (for example, Air Berlin, Lufthansa, BA) who would had understood your needs and supported.
Just another price to flying with Ryanair….
