KLM Royal Dutch Airlines · KL · NL
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: Instruments at a Glance
On KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL), 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 KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
| 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 | Ca. 75–100 % des regulaeren Sitzplatzpreises fuer den CBBG-Sitz (strecken- und klassenabhaengig) |
| Guitar | Yes | Yes | 55 x 35 x 25 cm (Handgepaeck), darueber CBBG-Sitz erforderlich | Kostenlos als Handgepaeck, CBBG-Sitz ca. 75–100 % des regulaeren Sitzplatzpreises |
| Violin | Yes | No | 55 x 35 x 25 cm (Handgepaeck) | Kostenlos als Handgepaeck |
| Double Bass | No | No | 300 cm Linearmass (Laenge + Breite + Hoehe), max. 75 kg inkl. Case | Sondergepaeckgebuehr (ca. 100–200 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 Linearmass (Laenge + Breite + Hoehe), max. 75 kg inkl. Case | Sondergepaeckgebuehr (ca. 75–150 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 Linearmass pro Stueck, max. 75 kg pro Stueck inkl. Case | Sperrgut-Gebuehr pro Stueck (ca. 75–200 EUR je Stueck und Strecke) |
Last verified: 2026-07-12. No guarantee — always confirm directly with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines before booking.
Details by Instrument
Cello
The cello may travel in the cabin on its own seat at KLM. A CBBG seat (Cabin Baggage) is booked — a special ticket type for instruments on their own seat. Booking is only possible by phone through the KLM Service Center or a travel agent.
Guitar
A guitar may travel in the cabin at KLM if it fits in the overhead bin (max. 55x35x25 cm) including its case. If it exceeds these dimensions, a CBBG seat can be booked through the Service Center.
Violin
The violin may travel in the cabin at KLM free of charge as regular carry-on luggage. A standard violin case fits well within the permitted dimensions of 55x35x25 cm.
Double Bass
The double bass is too large for the cabin and must be checked as special baggage. KLM allows up to 75 kg including the case. Pre-registration at least 48 hours before departure is mandatory. A sturdy flight case is required.
Saxophone
Alto and soprano saxophones can travel in the KLM cabin as carry-on, provided they fit within the 55x35x25 cm limit. Tenor and baritone saxophones usually exceed carry-on limits and require a CBBG seat or must be checked as special baggage.
Keyboard
Keyboards and stage pianos exceed carry-on dimensions and must be checked as special baggage at KLM. Linear dimensions must not exceed 300 cm. KLM allows up to 75 kg including the case.
DJ Controller
Compact DJ controllers (e.g., Pioneer DDJ-400, DDJ-FLX4) fit as cabin carry-on at KLM if they meet the 55x35x25 cm limit. Larger controllers must be checked as baggage.
Drums
Drum kit parts must be checked individually as pre-registered oversized special baggage at KLM. Each piece is handled and charged separately. KLM allows up to 75 kg per piece including the case. Pre-registration at least 48 hours before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions about KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Can I bring a cello on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines?
- The cello may travel in the cabin on its own seat at KLM. A CBBG seat (Cabin Baggage) is booked — a special ticket type for instruments on their own seat. Booking is only possible by phone through the KLM Service Center or a travel agent.
- Can I bring a guitar on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines?
- A guitar may travel in the cabin at KLM if it fits in the overhead bin (max. 55x35x25 cm) including its case. If it exceeds these dimensions, a CBBG seat can be booked through the Service Center.
- Can I bring a violin on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines?
- The violin may travel in the cabin at KLM free of charge as regular carry-on luggage. A standard violin case fits well within the permitted dimensions of 55x35x25 cm.
- Can I bring a double bass on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines?
- The double bass is too large for the cabin and must be checked as special baggage. KLM allows up to 75 kg including the case. Pre-registration at least 48 hours before departure is mandatory. A sturdy flight case is required.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines 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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