How much does it cost to fly with a double bass?

The airline fees alone for oversize special baggage range from EUR 150 to 400 per leg, depending on the airline and distance. Add the cost of a flight case (EUR 1,500 to 5,000 to purchase) and transport insurance (varies by instrument value). In total, expect EUR 300 to 800 per round trip — not including the case. A rental instrument at the destination is often the more affordable option.

What are the risks in the cargo hold?

The main risks are: temperature fluctuations (the cargo hold can swing between minus 20 and plus 50 degrees Celsius, depending on aircraft type and altitude), low humidity (below 10% RH, which can crack wood), mechanical impacts during loading and unloading, and pressure fluctuations. Even in a good flight case, there remains a residual risk of cracks in the wood, a displaced sound post, or broken glue joints. This is why insurance is indispensable.

Are there better alternatives to flying?

Yes, and many professionals use them: A rental instrument at the destination is the safest and often most affordable solution — through orchestras, music conservatories, or instrument dealers on site. Advance shipping via a specialist music transport service (e.g., by truck within Europe) is another option, but requires lead time. For tours, many orchestras and ensembles organize collective instrument transport by truck or container. Within Europe, rail travel can also be a realistic alternative — many trains have storage space for oversize baggage.

Which flight case should I buy?

For air travel, there are essentially four recommended manufacturers: Kolstein (USA, the industry standard for orchestra tours, extremely robust but heavy and expensive: from approx. EUR 3,000), Stevenson (UK, somewhat lighter, very good protection: from approx. EUR 2,500), David Gage (USA, good value: from approx. EUR 2,000), and Accord (lightweight fiberglass: from approx. EUR 1,800). Look for: ATA-300 certification (transport standard for air travel), wheels, lockable metal latches, and sufficient interior padding. A good flight case is an investment that pays for itself the first time it prevents damage.

Guide

Coming Soon

Flying with a Double Bass

The honest answer: A double bass does not fit on an airplane. But there are solutions.

The Problem

Why flying with a Double Bass isn't simple

A double bass stands between 180 and 200 cm tall — larger than most people. It does not fit in an overhead bin, does not fit on an aircraft seat, and does not even fit through the cabin door of most aircraft types. This makes the double bass the most challenging instrument when it comes to air travel. While a cello can still fly in the cabin on an extra seat, this option is virtually unavailable for the double bass. A flight case for a double bass weighs 25 to 35 kilograms empty and has dimensions that exceed every standard luggage limit. In the cargo hold, temperatures fluctuate between minus 20 and plus 50 degrees Celsius, air pressure is not always stabilized, and the handling during loading is anything but gentle. Every double bass player who has ever collected their instrument at the baggage carousel knows that sinking feeling. And yet there are situations where flying is the only option: a concert on another continent, a festival, an orchestra tour. This guide honestly shows what is possible, what is risky, and what alternatives exist.

Basic Rule

Double Bass — cabin or cargo?

The honest basic rule: A double bass does not fit in the cabin of a commercial aircraft. It is too large for the overhead bin, too large for an aircraft seat, and too large for the cabin door of most narrow-body aircraft. An extra seat, as available for cellos or guitars, does not work for the double bass — the instrument exceeds the seat in both height and width. With nearly all airlines, the cargo hold is the only option, and even that is not straightforward: the double bass counts as oversize or special baggage and must be registered in advance. Many professional bass players therefore choose alternatives: renting an instrument at the destination, shipping ahead via a specialist transport service, or — where possible — traveling by bus or train. Those who genuinely need to fly require a professional flight case, solid insurance, and strong nerves. It is doable, but it is never easy.

Airline Comparison · As of July 2026

Double Bass — which airline allows what?

Airline	Cabin?	Extra Seat?	Booking Method	Approx. Cost	Verified
Lufthansa	No	No	Service Center (phone), register as special baggage	EUR 200–400 per leg (oversize baggage)	2026-07-10
easyJet	No	No	Online special baggage registration or customer service	From EUR 49 (special baggage), potentially much more for oversize	2026-07-10
British Airways	No	No	Phone, Special Baggage Team	GBP 190–350 per leg	2026-07-10
KLM	No	No	Service Center (phone), min. 48h in advance	EUR 200–400 per leg	2026-07-10
Ryanair	No	No	Not recommended	—	2026-07-10
Air France	No	No	Service Center, register as oversize baggage	EUR 200–400 per leg	2026-07-10
Eurowings	No	No	Service Center (phone)	EUR 150–300 per leg	2026-07-10

Information without guarantee. Airlines change their policies regularly. Always verify directly with the airline before booking.

Lufthansa

Double bass must be registered as oversize special baggage. Not bookable online — call the Service Center at least 48 hours before departure. Maximum dimensions in the cargo hold depend on aircraft type. A flight case is mandatory. Lufthansa requires a liability waiver for oversize instruments.

easyJet

easyJet accepts instruments as special baggage, but the oversize dimensions of a double bass can be problematic. The maximum size for checked special baggage is limited. Always confirm in advance whether the double bass in its flight case will be accepted on the specific route. Short routes with smaller aircraft types are often not possible.

British Airways

British Airways accepts oversize instruments as checked special baggage — advance registration through the Special Baggage Team is mandatory. The cargo door opening varies by aircraft type; on short-haul (A320 family), the double bass may not fit in the cargo hold. Long-haul (Boeing 777, A350) is more realistic.

KLM

KLM treats a double bass as oversize special baggage. Advance registration through the Service Center is mandatory. KLM checks whether the instrument in its flight case fits in the cargo hold of the specific aircraft type. Wide-body flights (Boeing 787, 777) offer the best chances.

Ryanair

Ryanair does not allow instruments in the cabin and no oversize baggage. The strict size and weight limits make transporting a double bass virtually impossible. Even as checked special baggage, a double bass is typically rejected. Ryanair is strongly not recommended for double bass players.

Air France

Air France accepts oversize instruments as oversized baggage (bagage hors format) in the cargo hold. Phone registration at least 48 hours before departure is required. Flight case is mandatory. Long-haul flights with wide-body aircraft are more realistic for acceptance than short-haul.

Eurowings

Eurowings primarily operates short-haul with A320 aircraft. The cargo door opening of these aircraft types is often too small for a double bass in a flight case. Transport is only possible after prior review and approval — and is frequently declined. Not recommended for double bass.

Step by Step

How to book correctly

Honestly evaluate alternatives

Before planning the flight: Check whether you can rent an instrument at the destination. Many orchestras, music conservatories, and instrument dealers offer rental basses — often in surprisingly good quality. For orchestra tours, many ensembles organize instrument transport separately by truck or specialist courier. Flying with a double bass is Plan C, not Plan A.
Check the airline's oversize policy

Search the airline's website for terms like 'oversize baggage,' 'special baggage,' 'musical instrument,' or 'oversized luggage.' Note the maximum dimensions (length + width + height) and the weight limit for the cargo hold. The aircraft type is often decisive — on short-haul routes with A320 or Boeing 737, the cargo hold may be too small.
Register special baggage in advance

Call the airline's Service Center at least 48 hours before departure, preferably earlier. Provide the exact dimensions of your double bass in its flight case (typical: approx. 210 cm x 80 cm x 50 cm, weight 30-45 kg with case). Get written confirmation that transport is accepted — verbal assurances often do not hold at the gate.
Prepare the flight case and padding

A professional flight case is not optional — it is essential for the instrument's survival. Recommended manufacturers: Kolstein, Stevenson, David Gage, or Accord. The case must be impact-resistant, waterproof, and equipped with wheels. Inside: loosen strings (but do not fully de-tune, as that can affect the sound post), fully retract the endpin, cushion the bridge with foam or neoprene, secure all loose parts (bow, rosin) separately. Add a temperature protection blanket if available.
Arrange or verify insurance

Check your instrument insurance: Does it cover transport damage during flights? Does it cover the cargo hold? Most airlines are liable for only approx. EUR 1,300 (Montreal Convention) — for a double bass often worth EUR 10,000 to EUR 100,000, that is nowhere near enough. A dedicated musical instrument insurance policy with a transport clause is strongly recommended. Keep the policy number and insurance certificate readily accessible.
At the airport: Arrive early and be proactive

Be at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. Go directly to the oversize baggage counter, not regular check-in. Show the airline's written confirmation. Ask for the instrument to be tagged 'Fragile' and 'This Side Up.' Ask whether the instrument can be hand-carried into the cargo hold — some airlines accommodate this on request. After landing: go directly to the oversize baggage pickup and inspect the instrument for damage immediately, before leaving the airport.

Packing & Protection

Case, Padding, Preparation

A double bass on an airplane needs a professional flight case — anything less is negligent. Soft cases, gig bags, or simple hard shell cases do not provide adequate protection for the cargo hold. Recommended manufacturers: Kolstein (USA, the industry standard for orchestra tours, extremely robust but heavy and expensive: from approx. EUR 3,000), Stevenson (UK, somewhat lighter, very good protection: from approx. EUR 2,500), David Gage (USA, good value: from approx. EUR 2,000), or Accord (fiberglass, relatively light: from approx. EUR 1,800). The case weighs 25 to 35 kg empty — with the instrument, you reach 35 to 50 kg. Before packing: loosen strings by a whole tone (do not fully de-tune, as it can dislodge the sound post), fully retract and secure the endpin, cushion the bridge with soft foam or neoprene, protect the fingerboard with a soft cloth. Transport the bow separately in a bow tube — do not leave it loose in the case. Place rosin in a sealed container. If available, lay a temperature protection blanket (thermal foil) between the case and instrument. Place two Boveda packs (49% RH) in the case to stabilize humidity. On the outside of the case: name tag, phone number, 'FRAGILE' stickers, and a note reading 'MUSICAL INSTRUMENT — HANDLE WITH CARE.' Also recommended: cable ties or security straps on the latches as additional safeguards.

Checklist

Before the flight

Rental instrument at destination checked — is flying truly necessary?
Airline contacted and special baggage confirmed in writing
Aircraft type on the route verified (wide-body preferred)
Flight case: impact-resistant, waterproof, wheels functional
Strings loosened, endpin retracted, bridge cushioned
Instrument insurance with transport clause current and accessible
FRAGILE and HANDLE WITH CARE markings applied to case
At the airport 3 hours before departure, directly to oversize baggage counter

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a double bass in the aircraft cabin?: As a rule, no. A double bass at 180 to 200 cm tall is too large for an aircraft seat, too large for the overhead bin, and does not fit through the cabin door on most aircraft types. Unlike a cello, which can fly on an extra seat, this option is virtually unavailable for the double bass. There are isolated reports of bass players who managed to negotiate an exception on very large aircraft (e.g., Boeing 747) with accommodating airlines — but that is the absolute exception, not the rule.
How much does it cost to fly with a double bass?: The airline fees alone for oversize special baggage range from EUR 150 to 400 per leg, depending on the airline and distance. Add the cost of a flight case (EUR 1,500 to 5,000 to purchase) and transport insurance (varies by instrument value). In total, expect EUR 300 to 800 per round trip — not including the case. A rental instrument at the destination is often the more affordable option.
What are the risks in the cargo hold?: The main risks are: temperature fluctuations (the cargo hold can swing between minus 20 and plus 50 degrees Celsius, depending on aircraft type and altitude), low humidity (below 10% RH, which can crack wood), mechanical impacts during loading and unloading, and pressure fluctuations. Even in a good flight case, there remains a residual risk of cracks in the wood, a displaced sound post, or broken glue joints. This is why insurance is indispensable.
Are there better alternatives to flying?: Yes, and many professionals use them: A rental instrument at the destination is the safest and often most affordable solution — through orchestras, music conservatories, or instrument dealers on site. Advance shipping via a specialist music transport service (e.g., by truck within Europe) is another option, but requires lead time. For tours, many orchestras and ensembles organize collective instrument transport by truck or container. Within Europe, rail travel can also be a realistic alternative — many trains have storage space for oversize baggage.
Which flight case should I buy?: For air travel, there are essentially four recommended manufacturers: Kolstein (USA, the industry standard for orchestra tours, extremely robust but heavy and expensive: from approx. EUR 3,000), Stevenson (UK, somewhat lighter, very good protection: from approx. EUR 2,500), David Gage (USA, good value: from approx. EUR 2,000), and Accord (lightweight fiberglass: from approx. EUR 1,800). Look for: ATA-300 certification (transport standard for air travel), wheels, lockable metal latches, and sufficient interior padding. A good flight case is an investment that pays for itself the first time it prevents damage.

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