Review the Eurostar Musical Instrument Policy

This petition concerns the new policy on Eurostar trains for musical instruments, notably 'cellos.

I recently took the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord on Thursday 29th August 2013 at 17h31, train 9044.

Just as I reached the check-in barriers, I was approached by a Eurostar member of staff who asked if what I was carrying was a 'cello. The answer being yes, I was informed at that moment that I must buy a seat for the 'cello, according to a new policy.

I was escorted to the business premier desk where this purchase was forced to be made. I asked at the desk how long this policy has been in place. The answer; 3 months. I made a journey from Paris to London on 16th July at 17h13, train 9047, at which time no mention of the policy was made, nor a purchase of an extra seat made obligatory. It seems this policy depends on the keen eye of whoever happens to working at the check-in barriers at the time.

The Eurostar website does not by any means make it clear that an extra seat much be purchased for a 'cello. The statement that can be found is extremely misleading.

"If your instrument is over 85cm long and can fit on a Eurostar seat
If you and your instrument would prefer to sit together, you can buy a companion fare ticket (in the same travel class), which means your instrument will travel on a seat in your carriage."

No-where in this statement do I see any sign of obligation. May I also add that there was no effort made to make this new policy known to those travelling by Eurostar.

Having traveled with my 'cello before on the Eurostar, I know that in it's particular case that it fits in the overhead luggage area without any problem, which I explained. I was still forced to buy an extra ticket because that's "policy".

Would this be the same for other large musical instruments? I feel that 'cellists have been put in a position of discrimination. If for example somebody with a trombone or tuba wishes to travel by Eurostar, would he/she also be targeted in the same manner? I would think not, since their instruments are often less recognizable and their cases could pass for general luggage.