Star Violinist Carolin Widmann Forced to Carry Valuable Instrument Onboard After lufthansa Cabin Baggage Dispute
German violinist Carolin Widmann, who performs approximately 60 international concerts annually, experienced a stressful journey home from a performance in Finland after Lufthansa ground staff at Helsinki Airport deemed her violin case too large for the cabin.
Widmann, a Lufthansa Senator frequent flyer, typically travels with her 1782 Guadagnini violin. She reports having previously traveled with the instrument without issue. Though, at Helsinki Airport, staff informed her the case exceeded Lufthansa’s standard carry-on dimensions.
The ground staff initially suggested purchasing a seperate seat for the violin, but this proved impossible due to a lack of available space on the flight segments. Checking the violin as baggage was considered unacceptable due to its value.
As reported by The Violinist, Widmann ultimately removed the violin from its case and carried it with her throughout the journey from Helsinki, via Frankfurt, to Leipzig. “I held my violin in my arms the whole time,” she stated. The onboard crew, unlike the ground staff, were reportedly helpful, and a photo on Widmann’s Instagram suggests she was provided with a blanket.
Lufthansa’s conditions of carriage stipulate that instruments exceeding carry-on size must either be purchased a seat for or checked as baggage. While a typical violin case holds around 34 liters - less than the 55-liter allowance for standard carry-on luggage – its length disqualifies it under Lufthansa’s formal rules. The final decision on exceptions rests with boarding employees.
The situation differs in the United States,where FAA regulations require airlines to accommodate instruments if they can be stowed safely. The EU lacks such requirements, allowing airlines to determine their own policies regarding musical instruments. The International Musicians’ Federation has advocated for uniform regulations for years, but has yet to achieve success.
Despite the ordeal, Widmann and her violin arrived safely in Leipzig.
