Air France · AF · FR
Air France: Instruments at a Glance
On Air France (AF), 5 of 8 instrument categories may travel in the cabin as carry-on, and 2 can travel on an extra seat (CBBG). Dimensions, costs and booking channels differ per instrument — the table below shows every category in detail. Last verified: 2026-07-12.
5
allowed in cabin
2
extra seat possible
8
instrument categories
All Instruments on Air France
| Instrument | Cabin? | Extra Seat? | Max. Dimensions | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cello | Yes | Yes | Muss auf den Sitz passen und angeschnallt werden koennen, max. 75 kg inkl. Case | Regulaerer Sitzplatzpreis (auf Langstrecke haeufig bis zu 50 % Ermaessigung fuer Instrumente) |
| Guitar | Yes | Yes | 55 x 35 x 25 cm (Handgepaeck), darueber Extra Seat erforderlich | Kostenlos als Handgepaeck, sonst regulaerer Sitzplatzpreis (ggf. mit Ermaessigung) |
| Violin | Yes | No | 55 x 35 x 25 cm (Handgepaeck) | Kostenlos als Handgepaeck |
| Double Bass | No | No | 200 x 75 x 65 cm, max. 75 kg inkl. Case | Sondergepaeckgebuehr (ca. 125–250 EUR je Strecke, streckenabhaengig) |
| Saxophone | Yes | No | 55 x 35 x 25 cm (Handgepaeck, Alt-/Sopransaxophon im Koffer) | Kostenlos als Handgepaeck (Alt/Sopran), Sondergepaeckgebuehr (Tenor/Bariton) |
| Keyboard | No | No | 300 cm Gesamtumfang (Laenge + Breite + Hoehe), max. 75 kg inkl. Case | Sondergepaeckgebuehr (ca. 125–250 EUR je Strecke) |
| DJ Controller | Yes | No | 55 x 35 x 25 cm (Handgepaeck) | Kostenlos als Handgepaeck, sonst Sondergepaeckgebuehr |
| Drums | No | No | Jedes Stueck einzeln, max. 300 cm Gesamtumfang pro Stueck, max. 75 kg pro Stueck | Sperrgut-Gebuehr pro Stueck (ca. 125–250 EUR je Stueck und Strecke) |
Last verified: 2026-07-12. No guarantee — always confirm directly with Air France before booking.
Details by Instrument
Cello
The cello may travel in the cabin on its own seat at Air France. An Extra Seat (EXST) is required. Booking is done through the Air France Service Center or a travel agency. On long-haul flights, Air France often offers up to 50% discount on the instrument seat.
Guitar
A guitar may travel in the cabin at Air France if it fits in the overhead bin (max. 55x35x25 cm) including its case. If it exceeds these dimensions, an Extra Seat can be booked through the Service Center or a travel agency.
Violin
The violin may travel in the cabin at Air France free of charge as regular carry-on luggage. It fits easily into the overhead bin. Air France explicitly accepts musical instruments as carry-on as long as they meet the size requirements.
Double Bass
The double bass is too large for the cabin and must be checked as special baggage. Air France allows up to 75 kg including the case — more generous than many other airlines. Pre-registration at least 48 hours before departure is mandatory.
Saxophone
Alto and soprano saxophones in their cases generally fit as cabin carry-on at Air France. Tenor and baritone saxophones usually exceed carry-on limits and must be checked as special baggage.
Keyboard
Keyboards and stage pianos exceed carry-on dimensions and must be checked as special baggage. Air France allows up to 75 kg including the case.
DJ Controller
Compact DJ controllers (e.g., Pioneer DDJ-FLX4, Traktor Kontrol S2) fit as cabin carry-on at Air France if they meet the 55x35x25 cm limit. Larger controllers must be checked as special baggage.
Drums
Drum kit parts must be checked individually as oversized baggage at Air France. Each piece is handled and charged separately. Air France allows up to 75 kg per piece including the case. Pre-registration at least 48 hours before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions about Air France
- Can I bring a cello on Air France?
- The cello may travel in the cabin on its own seat at Air France. An Extra Seat (EXST) is required. Booking is done through the Air France Service Center or a travel agency. On long-haul flights, Air France often offers up to 50% discount on the instrument seat.
- Can I bring a guitar on Air France?
- A guitar may travel in the cabin at Air France if it fits in the overhead bin (max. 55x35x25 cm) including its case. If it exceeds these dimensions, an Extra Seat can be booked through the Service Center or a travel agency.
- Can I bring a violin on Air France?
- The violin may travel in the cabin at Air France free of charge as regular carry-on luggage. It fits easily into the overhead bin. Air France explicitly accepts musical instruments as carry-on as long as they meet the size requirements.
- Can I bring a double bass on Air France?
- The double bass is too large for the cabin and must be checked as special baggage. Air France allows up to 75 kg including the case — more generous than many other airlines. Pre-registration at least 48 hours before departure is mandatory.
Air France Head-to-Head
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines vs. Air France for cello
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines vs. Air France for guitar
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines vs. Air France for violin
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines vs. Air France for double bass
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines vs. Air France for saxophone
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines vs. Air France for keyboard
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines vs. Air France for dj controller
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines vs. Air France for drums
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