British Airways · BA · GB
British Airways: Instruments at a Glance
On British Airways (BA), 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: 2026-07-10.
5
allowed in cabin
2
extra seat possible
8
instrument categories
All Instruments on British Airways
| Instrument | Cabin? | Extra Seat? | Max. Dimensions | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cello | Yes | Yes | max. 56x45x25 cm (Handgepäck); Sitzplatz-Maße bei Extra Seat | Extra Seat: regulärer Sitzplatzpreis (streckenabhängig) |
| Guitar | Yes | Yes | max. 56x45x25 cm (Handgepäck) | €0 als Handgepäck; Extra Seat zum regulären Sitzplatzpreis |
| Violin | Yes | No | max. 56x45x25 cm (Handgepäck) | €0 (zählt als Handgepäck) |
| Double Bass | No | No | max. 190 cm Länge; max. 300 cm linear (L+B+H) | £100–250 (streckenabhängig, Übergröße-Gebühr) |
| Saxophone | Yes | No | max. 56x45x25 cm (Handgepäck) | €0 als Handgepäck |
| Keyboard | No | No | max. 158 cm linear (regulär), darüber Übergröße | £50–200 (abhängig von Größe/Gewicht) |
| DJ Controller | Yes | No | max. 56x45x25 cm (Handgepäck) | €0 als Handgepäck |
| Drums | No | No | Mehrere Gepäckstücke, jeweils max. 158 cm linear | £150–500+ (abhängig von Anzahl und Größe) |
Last verified: 2026-07-10. No guarantee — always confirm directly with British Airways before booking.
Details by Instrument
Cello
Cellos can travel in the cabin on an extra seat with British Airways — bookable online via Manage My Booking or by phone.
Guitar
Guitars may be brought into the cabin as carry-on if within 56x45x25 cm — BA's limits are more generous than many European airlines.
Violin
Violins can be taken into the cabin as regular carry-on baggage on British Airways at no extra charge.
Double Bass
The double bass must be transported as checked oversized baggage on British Airways — advance registration is recommended.
Saxophone
Saxophone cases (alto, soprano, and often tenor) fit in the cabin on British Airways thanks to generous carry-on limits.
Keyboard
Keyboards must be transported as checked baggage on British Airways.
DJ Controller
Compact DJ controllers fit well into the cabin on British Airways thanks to generous carry-on limits.
Drums
Drum kits must be transported as checked special baggage in multiple pieces on British Airways.
Frequently Asked Questions about British Airways
- Can I bring a cello on British Airways?
- Cellos can travel in the cabin on an extra seat with British Airways — bookable online via Manage My Booking or by phone.
- Can I bring a guitar on British Airways?
- Guitars may be brought into the cabin as carry-on if within 56x45x25 cm — BA's limits are more generous than many European airlines.
- Can I bring a violin on British Airways?
- Violins can be taken into the cabin as regular carry-on baggage on British Airways at no extra charge.
- Can I bring a double bass on British Airways?
- The double bass must be transported as checked oversized baggage on British Airways — advance registration is recommended.
British Airways Head-to-Head
- British Airways vs. easyJet for cello
- British Airways vs. easyJet for guitar
- British Airways vs. easyJet for violin
- British Airways vs. easyJet for double bass
- British Airways vs. easyJet for saxophone
- British Airways vs. easyJet for keyboard
- British Airways vs. easyJet for dj controller
- British Airways vs. easyJet for drums
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