A business trip turned into an odyssey. This is the story, in ten "zen" points , shared on social media by Paolo Fresu after a flight with ITA Airways. At the center of the story is his trolley, the precious guardian of two inseparable travel companions: his trumpet and his flugelhorn . The bag was within the permitted weight limit, but was contested at the gate for its dimensions. Just one centimeter too large, to be precise. Between the fear of having to entrust particularly delicate instruments to the hold and the risk of canceling his scheduled concert , the musician shared the entire experience with his followers, marked by worry and a sense of helplessness, all recounted with bitter irony.
But the story doesn't end there. The story of the "discordant" trolley has also sparked controversy online. Alongside the solidarity of many followers, there are also critical voices: some accuse Fresu of seeking special treatment , while others believe the rules should apply to everyone , without exception. But the response was swift. The trolley, the musician explains, was designed specifically to travel in the overhead locker and would comply with the airline's rules. Purchasing an additional seat (suggested by commenters), he adds, is necessary for bulkier instruments, such as cellos or trombones, but not for a trumpet.
The issue, for Fresu, isn't a question of privileges tied to one's name, profession, or frequent traveler. "Let's say the passenger," he writes, emphasizing that each situation should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Thus, the issue has transformed into a reflection on the rights of travelers. "Passenger equals customer," the musician writes, lamenting a growing sense of insecurity and stress in the airports where "I've lived for 40 years and have flown thousands of times. I'd like to be 'biased,' as you call me, but instead what I'm telling you is damned true and it's the story of a small part of the inefficiencies and abuses we're subjected to every day. Not just on planes. Not just as musicians. Sincerely."
(Unioneonline/vf)
