Lufthansa has come under criticism for allowing German violinist Carolin Widmann to bring her 1782 Guadagnini violin into the cabin, but refusing to accept its protective case. The airline argued that the violin case exceeded the size limit for carry-on items, but Widmann had encountered the same issue multiple times before.
Despite explaining to the Lufthansa crew in Helsinki that the instrument was priceless and crucial for her professional career, Widmann’s insistence was unsuccessful.
The airline later stated that, in accordance with its standard size regulations, an additional seat could be purchased for large musical instruments, but this option was not offered to Widmann at the time. As a result, the professional musician had to carry the centuries-old violin without its case in the cabin, while the case was placed in the checked baggage.
