BUSINESS
Advocates Philippines
Cebu Pacific Clarifies Violin Rules After MSO Travel Concern
Photo credit: Rona De Leon
Cebu Pacific has clarified its policy on carrying musical instruments after members of the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO) raised concerns over the handling of their violins during a recent trip.
The issue surfaced after violinist Rona De Leon shared on social media that some orchestra members were stopped at the boarding gate because their violin cases exceeded the airline's hand-carry size limits. According to De Leon, the MSO had traveled several times on Cebu Pacific and other airlines without encountering the same situation.
She said the musicians were eventually able to continue their trip after airport personnel allowed them to bring the violins and bows into the cabin while the instrument cases were checked in at no additional cost.
Following the incident, De Leon said the Manila Symphony Orchestra, which traces its roots to 1926 and is recognized as the country's oldest orchestra, would no longer fly with the budget carrier.
In response, Cebu Pacific said all passengers carrying violins were able to board their flights and travel as scheduled.
The airline explained that some violin cases complied with the standard hand-carry dimensions of 56 centimeters by 36 centimeters by 23 centimeters and were permitted inside the aircraft. For cases that exceeded those measurements, airport personnel worked with the passengers to come up with a practical solution.
Under the arrangement, the violin cases were checked in free of charge while the instruments themselves were carefully hand-carried into the cabin.
Cebu Pacific noted that musical instruments larger than the standard hand-carry allowance may be accommodated through its CEB Special Baggage service. The airline also requires checked instruments to be placed in hard-shell cases to provide better protection against possible damage during transport.
The carrier emphasized that soft cases and gig bags are not accepted for checked baggage because they do not offer enough protection for delicate instruments.
The incident sparked discussions among musicians and frequent travelers online, with many pointing out that airline policies on carrying instruments vary from one carrier to another and may depend on the size of the instrument case.
Cebu Pacific said it recognizes that musical instruments are valuable and often have personal significance to their owners. The airline encouraged passengers to review baggage size requirements before traveling to help ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.
The issue surfaced after violinist Rona De Leon shared on social media that some orchestra members were stopped at the boarding gate because their violin cases exceeded the airline's hand-carry size limits. According to De Leon, the MSO had traveled several times on Cebu Pacific and other airlines without encountering the same situation.
She said the musicians were eventually able to continue their trip after airport personnel allowed them to bring the violins and bows into the cabin while the instrument cases were checked in at no additional cost.
Following the incident, De Leon said the Manila Symphony Orchestra, which traces its roots to 1926 and is recognized as the country's oldest orchestra, would no longer fly with the budget carrier.
In response, Cebu Pacific said all passengers carrying violins were able to board their flights and travel as scheduled.
The airline explained that some violin cases complied with the standard hand-carry dimensions of 56 centimeters by 36 centimeters by 23 centimeters and were permitted inside the aircraft. For cases that exceeded those measurements, airport personnel worked with the passengers to come up with a practical solution.
Under the arrangement, the violin cases were checked in free of charge while the instruments themselves were carefully hand-carried into the cabin.
Cebu Pacific noted that musical instruments larger than the standard hand-carry allowance may be accommodated through its CEB Special Baggage service. The airline also requires checked instruments to be placed in hard-shell cases to provide better protection against possible damage during transport.
The carrier emphasized that soft cases and gig bags are not accepted for checked baggage because they do not offer enough protection for delicate instruments.
The incident sparked discussions among musicians and frequent travelers online, with many pointing out that airline policies on carrying instruments vary from one carrier to another and may depend on the size of the instrument case.
Cebu Pacific said it recognizes that musical instruments are valuable and often have personal significance to their owners. The airline encouraged passengers to review baggage size requirements before traveling to help ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.
Jun 17, 2026
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