Petition calls for 'EU-wide set of clear and fair rules for transporting musical instruments'

A petition launched by Italian-German double bassist and composer Valentina Scheldhofen Ciardelli is calling for the EU to implement a set of "clear and fair rules for transporting musical instruments."

Started four days ago, the petition has already gained over 850 signatures.

Ciardelli, a touring musician, says she faces repeated difficulties when traveling with her double bass. "My instrument is not a suitcase. It’s my voice. My livelihood," she writes.

The petition highlights issues such as random baggage fees, untrained handling by airline and train staff and inconsistent rules across carriers. It also underlines how musicians are often forced to negotiate with staff unfamiliar with large instruments, risking damage and delays.

Among the demands are capped and predictable fees, recognition of instruments as professional tools and mandatory musician presence during inspections. The appeal also asks for the creation of an "EU Cultural Freight Label to guarantee priority handling, trained personnel and cultural status recognition."

"This isn’t a luxury request,” Ciardelli explains,“It’s a call for basic rights for working artists, so we can keep doing our jobs safely and without fear."

Ciardelli, who is based in London, also asks for equal treatment across "all EU and UK airlines and trains" to avoid operator-by-operator confusion.

Thousands of musicians face these struggles while travelling, she says, making this a widespread industry issue.

The petition urges action from the European Commission, national ministries, airlines and train operators. Ciardelli invites both musicians and the public to sign. "Music is part of everyone’s life."

You can find out more information about the petition here.