Airline Apologizes For Cello Extra Seat Fees, Cellists Declare Victory

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) was the target of a cellist social media campaign protesting a $60 fee and a charge for an extra seat for musicians bringing their large instruments on flights. But airline officials responded to the cello protests Wednesday, saying the double fee for the musicians was a booking error.

British cellist Jacob Shaw first reached out to the U.K. magazine The Strad last week, with the publication and the angered musician taking on Scandinavian Airlines' booking fee for both an extra seat and a $60 fee (£45). The airline was accused of only allowing cello bookings to be made over the phone at the same time in which the passenger would book their own seat. The result was a double fee for the instrument's extra seat and the cellists' telephone booking surcharge.

"I am fortunate to have most of my flights covered by whichever concert I am travelling to," said Shaw, who is now based in Copenhagen. "But this rule change will leave it unaffordable for any cellist student or freelancer to use the airline."

Last week, Shaw forwarded a conversation he'd had with an airline customer service agent. "Yes, we have changed the rules and it states one service fee to be charged on the passenger ticket. No service fee on the cello ticket," the agent reportedly responded to Shaw's complaint.

But the airline pulled back on the musician-shaming Wednesday, instead blaming the double fee on an "administrative error" in a conversation with the Strad magazine.

"A mistake has happened here. If you book a seat for your instrument, you shouldn’t have to pay an extra fee. If it’s not possible to book online we will not charge you an extra fee," a Scandinavian Airlines representative told The Strad.

Shaw told Slipped Disc he is happy about the airlines' updated policy regarding cellos on airplanes. He also thanked the social media campaign from cellists and The Strad for pressuring the airline into removing the fee.

"I am happy that SAS have finally seen sense, after a month of me trying to get in contact with them," said Shaw. "This is entirely due to the pressure from cellists and musicians around the world, sharing and posting on social media. This is a small yet vital victory in the constant mistreatment of musicians by big airlines!"