I am creating this petition in the hopes of raising awareness of Air Canada’s singular and outdated cello regulations which create unnecessary challenges for traveling musicians: 

1. Simplify the Cello Booking Process
Air Canada’s three-step cello booking procedure involves initially booking the passenger ticket, then contacting an agent for the cello ticket to be forwarded to the pricing department, and finally waiting for a response which takes anywhere between a few hours to multiple days. This system makes last-minute travel plans and rebooking delayed/cancelled flights nearly impossible. I call on Air Canada to adopt the simple, industry-standard "CBBG/Cello + (last name)" method used by most cello-friendly airlines.

2. Eliminate the Harmful and Inefficient Cello Netting Requirement
Air Canada is the only airline requiring a netting system to secure cellos. This method is not only ineffective and time consuming, but actively damaging—entangling with case latches and causing irreversible harm.  Often times, there is a lack of consistency in securing the cello, as many ramp agents lack experience and/or proper training in handling valuable instruments and strapping the netting, providing less stability than standard practices, like using a seatbelt extender, which are widely accepted by every cello-friendly airline.

Additionally, this requirement can create unforeseen issues during last-minute aircraft changes. For example, on one of my recent flights which had a last minute unannounced aircraft change from a CRJ-900 to an older E75S jet, I was notified while boarding that only row 26 supported the cello netting, and was given the option to yield my extra-leg room seats or rebook my flight to the following day.

As the only Canadian airline that permits cellos in the cabin, Air Canada has an opportunity to lead with policies that prioritise both passenger convenience and instrument safety. By revising these outdated practices, Air Canada can reduce damage to instruments and provide a smoother experience for traveling cellists worldwide.

📢 Sign this petition to help advocate for safer, simpler cello travel on Air Canada!