Top cellist Steven Isserlis prevented from boarding flight with cello

13 July 2017, 13:19 | Updated: 13 July 2017, 13:21

A nightmare mix-up at the check-in desk meant that Steven Isserlis (and his cello) completely missed his flight – the last one that day…

Last night, British cellist Steven Isserlis joined the growing list of cellists and other instrumentalists who have had problems checking in their instruments onto flights:

Well, this is a first, even with my history of cello travels. @KLM have refused to check me in because of mess up - I've missed last flight!

— Steven Isserlis (@StevenIsserlis) July 12, 2017

Isserlis shared the whole nightmare story on his Facebook page, from the first heart-sinking moments of doubt "Have you paid for the cello seat?" to the dash across Heathrow to catch an alternative flight to a different city entirely. 

Here's the story in all its painful detail

After all that, poor Isserlis missed the final flights to both Amsterdam and Copenhagen. Thankfully, he made it there (hopefully in time for his rehearsal) this morning, however he still doesn't seem to be having much luck:

At Copenhagen station, hallfway down an escalator, with 2 suitcases and cello, it suddenly breaks down, and I have to drag them. Cursed trip

— Steven Isserlis (@StevenIsserlis) July 13, 2017

We hope your day improves Steven!

If you're planning on travelling with your instrument sometime soon, be sure to read our tips for taking musical instruments on planes.

For more instrument vs airline horror stories, check out:

United Airlines staff 'wrestled' violin from musician in airport altercation

Cellist prevented from boarding a flight because her cello ‘needed a visa’

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Cello completely destroyed during a flight

Another precious instrument has been seriously damaged during a flight