United Airlines resumes its wicked ways

I had a terrible experience on my flight a few days ago from Knoxville to Washington Dulles. A short summary: the flight attendant insisted that I could not bring my violin on board. I showed her the federal law that stated that violins and other small instruments are allowed to be carried on as long as there is room, and she insisted that United does not have to follow federal law, they follow United’s baggage policies. After an extended argument, I was able luckily to talk over her to a sympathetic pilot who intervened and she allowed me to board with it “as an exception”.  I have her saying that United doesn’t have to follow federal law on video.

I did not miss my flight, although it was slightly delayed due to the argument, but every time this happens and United does not react, it increases the chances that another musician might suffer worse consequences, or that they might treat another musician worse.  I am even a premium passenger, and I was yelled at and denied my rights. I was shaking the entire flight because not only was I yelled at, but also the thought that I might have to check my instrument or miss my flight is extremely upsetting, since I was following all the rules!