Missouri Classical Music News

Strict security measures at UK airports are having a "devastating impact" on musicians, says the Musicians' Union.

It says its members "are reporting significant lost earnings" because they are unable to take their instruments on board aircraft as hand luggage.

Many instruments are too fragile to be placed in the hold of an airliner, the union told the BBC News website. . . .

In the meantime, several musicians face potential legal action for breaking contracts to perform abroad, said assistant general secretary of the Musicians' Union, Horace Trubridge.

He says musicians cannot afford to risk putting violins or saxophones into the hold because "their instruments are often extremely valuable, with replacement costs in excess of £30,000".

"Should the current arrangements remain in place, we believe that they will have a devastating impact upon the working lives of professional musicians," he added.