Indian Artists Slam Air India’s Baggage Rule Which Often Leads To Mishandling Of Musical Instruments; Question Airline’s “Discriminating Policy Towards Musicians”

Air India’s policy prohibiting the carriage of heavy musical instruments as cabin baggage has been criticised for leading to baggage mishandling, which has alarmed Indian artists. Other musicians expressed worries about the handling of musical instruments, resulting in damaged or misplaced luggage, after Zubin Balaporia, keyboardist for the Indus Creed band, criticised Air India’s discriminating policy on Facebook.

Mishandling Of Musical Instruments By Air India Incident

Musicians are upset because Air India no longer permits guitars on its flights. Zubin Balaporia, an Indian musician, posted on Facebook a few days ago that musicians are requested to pay more for an additional seat so they can play a guitar. He further mentioned that even airlines like Vistara (now part of Air India) and IndiGo still allow guitars on board. He criticised the Air India-TATA Group’s mercenary attitude and called for a change in the airline’s approach to promoting the arts.

In a report by The Economic Times, Air India has affirmed that it has not changed its rules on the transportation of objects, including musical instruments, within the cabin as long as they meet the required dimensions. Small musical instruments that fit certain requirements and don’t pose a risk to passengers’ safety or cause inconvenience during turbulence can be brought on board for free, according to the statement.

Large, heavy, or odd-sized musical instruments may be checked in as checked baggage, but only if an extra seat is available and the airline permits the carrying of musical instruments larger than the allowed dimensions in the cabin.

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Other Musicians’ Take On This Incident

According to percussionist V Selvaganesh, Air India’s latest rule change is detrimental to musicians, particularly smaller bands who would find it difficult to pay for additional seats. Selvaganesh cites Air India’s previous policy of providing one seat free for Pandit Ravi Shankar and questions why they changed it now, as reported by The Economic Times.

Earlier, artist Ishwar Dwivedi shared a video of employees flinging bags into a carriage van; Air India was accused of improperly managing baggage. Additionally, singer Benny Dayal has criticised a number of airlines for improper baggage handling. According to bassist Sonic Shori, his band, The CopyCats, consistently requests that event management refrain from booking Air India.

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Have you witnessed or faced any such issue while flying?

Cover Image Credit: Canva & Facebook/Zubin Balaporia