KLM's written hand baggage limit is 55 cm long, shorter than a violin or viola case. By the written rule it needs an extra seat. Ask KLM before booking, and book both seats together.
You can buy it a seat on this airline.
At the airport, call it a violin. Few staff know what a viola is, and some picture a cello.
These rules were last checked on 10 Nov 2026, more than 100 days ago. Confirm on the airline's own page before you fly.
KLM rules
An instrument travels as hand baggage only if it is the size of regular hand baggage: 55 × 35 × 25 cm, up to 12 kg in Economy and Premium Comfort.
You may bring only a small under-seat bag with it, no other hand baggage.
A larger instrument, such as a guitar, is accepted only on an extra seat or in the hold.
Extra seat: instrument up to 45 kg and 140 cm high. On European flights on Embraer aircraft the limit is 122 cm, except cellos, which may be 140 cm high and 33 cm deep.
Your seat and the instrument's seat must be booked at the same time through the Customer Contact Centre.
In the hold it replaces one checked bag. Between 32 and 45 kg, or over 300 cm in total, needs a reservation at least 48 hours ahead. Over 45 kg is not carried.