Ryanair Accused of Mistreating Neurodivergent Musician

Double bassist Valentina Ciardelli, a professor at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, faced confusion and rudeness while flying with Ryanair from Pisa to London. Despite presenting her Hidden Disabilities Sunflower card, she was charged extra fees and encountered issues with Ryanair’s inconsistent musical instrument and passenger support policies.

Ciardelli was told she needed to purchase an extra seat for her bow case, despite previously storing it in overhead bins, and had to pay €32 for priority boarding. Additionally, her double bass, which weighed 30kg, exceeded Ryanair’s 20kg limit for musical instruments, forcing her to pay an extra €132. Ciardelli noted that bicycles are allowed up to 30kg, questioning why instruments are treated differently.

She also expressed disappointment at Ryanair's handling of passengers with neurodivergence, noting that she was shouted at "without any respect." With support from conductor Gianluca Marcianò, Ciardelli is working with the Musicians’ Union to address these issues and is open to collaborating with Ryanair to improve its policies for musicians.