Pilot throws cellist off his flight

The Colombian cellist Santiago Cañón-Valencia is feeling aggrieved after the captain of a Copa Airlines flight refused to let his instrument into the cabin – even though Santiago had booked business seats for himself and the cello.

The soloist, a BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist, was flying from Bogota to Caracas at the weekend to perform a Saint-Saens concerto.

Hours later, he messaged: ‘Unfortunately Copa Airlines airline has dropped me off my flight this morning. Sadly all my activities in Venezuela are postponed, thanks to the ignorance, disrespect and stubbornness of this airline! I don’t recommend any musician using it!’

Copa Airlines is a Panamanian budget carrier, a member of the Star Alliance. I’d take it off your bucket list.

Airlines have learned nothing since Covid.