Nathan Chan, a young student cellist at the Juilliard School, was recently prevented from boarding a WestJet flight because he was traveling with his cello – even though he had purchased a ticket for the instrument in advance.

WestJet, whose policy is clearly out of step with virtually all other airlines, refuses to budge, and thus prevents musicians from doing their jobs.

In February 2014, the International Music Federation adopted a regulation facilitating the transport of musical instruments in cabins:

F.I.M. Adopts regulations for musical instruments in cabins

Then, in a December 2014 ruling, The U.S. Dept. of Transportation stated,

“Carriers are required to carry large musical instruments in the cabin if the passenger wishing to carry the instrument in the aircraft cabin has purchased an additional seat to accommodate the instrument […]”:

Musical Instruments as Carry-ons

In light of these regulations, which are followed by virtually every other airline, WestJet Airlines must change its current policy and accommodate for musicians with instruments.

With this petition, I wish to support not only Nathan Chan, a young virtuoso cellist bumped by WestJet, but also every musician around the globe who has experienced horrendous travel problems.  WestJet refused to allow Nathan to board even though the instrument had a valid boarding pass that had been purchased and cleared by TSA.

It is my wish that all musicians, locally and globally, are able to travel side-by-side with their treasured instruments.  With this petition, we can make a difference, and I ask for your help and the help of all musicians and music lovers worldwide.

Signing the petition takes less than 2 minutes.  If you feel this petition sounds reasonable, vote to support this positive change.  Each signature will further encourage WestJet Airlines to take immediate action and change its policy, and to recognize that musicians with instruments are traveling professionals.

On that note, I’d like to thank you each and everyone for reading, signing, sharing/re-posting this petition.  Please help spread the word!