Cebu Pacific has clarified its policy on transporting musical instruments, reminding passengers that instruments exceeding the airline’s standard hand-carry size allowance may be accommodated through its Special Baggage program.
In a statement, the airline said passengers may purchase Special Baggage during the booking process through the Cebu Pacific mobile application.
To protect instruments during transport, Cebu Pacific said musical instruments checked in as baggage must be placed in hard-shell cases.
“Instruments placed in soft cases or gig bags cannot be accepted for check-in, as these do not provide sufficient protection against damage,” the airline said.
Aside from musical instruments, Cebu Pacific’s Special Baggage program also covers sports equipment, surfboards, religious items, and balikbayan boxes.
The airline issued the clarification following a recent incident involving passengers traveling with violins.
According to Cebu Pacific, all passengers carrying violins were able to board their flights and travel as scheduled.
The airline said violin cases that complied with the standard cabin baggage dimensions of 56 centimeters by 36 centimeters by 23 centimeters were allowed inside the aircraft cabin.
For violin cases that exceeded the size limit, airport personnel coordinated with passengers to find alternative arrangements.
Cebu Pacific said the oversized cases were checked in free of charge, while the violins themselves were hand-carried into the cabin by their owners.
The airline acknowledged that musical instruments are often valuable and have significant personal importance to travelers.
“We encourage passengers to review baggage size requirements before traveling so we can help ensure a smooth and comfortable journey for both them and their instruments,” the airline said.
