Rules for Flights in the USA

Drumsticks and cymbals are allowed in carry-on and checked luggage on United States flights with certain limitations. When traveling inside the cabin, cymbals must meet the airline’s carry-on requirements, and they’ll be subject to additional screening at the airport.

Other drumming instruments can go in the cabin if they fit in the overhead compartments. For drumming instruments that don’t, some airlines might make special arrangements, like allowing passengers to buy an extra seat for the instrument. In any case, larger drums will likely have to travel as checked baggage.

Rules for Flights in Other Countries

Canada, Europe, the United Kingdon, Australia, New Zealand, China, and India

The Canadian, European, UK, Australian, New Zealand, Chinese, and Indian flight authorities don’t specify whether cymbals and drums specifically are allowed on planes. However, pretty much all musical instruments are allowed both in carry-on and checked luggage. However, musical instruments are subject to the hand and checked luggage size rules, which are different for each airline. If they’re too large, some airlines offer extra seats or reduced rates for instruments packed in checked luggage. If your drumming instrument is over the carry-on limits, you should get in touch with your airline and ask whether any special arrangements can be made.

Sources: For writing this article, we took information only from official sources, like airline regulators, government websites, and major airlines. If you want to confirm that our information is accurate and up to date, click on any of the links mentioned above. We linked out to where we found this information for each country.

Disclaimer: The final decision of whether you can bring drumming instruments onboard airplanes always rests on the security officer. Some airlines also have additional rules that may be different.