How many pieces of luggage do I need for a complete drum kit?

A standard drum kit typically requires 4 to 5 cases: bass drum, snare, tom case (2-3 toms together), hardware case, and cymbal case. Each counts as a separate piece of luggage with its own fee.

Can I take cymbals as carry-on?

Individual small cymbals in a thin soft case could theoretically fit within carry-on dimensions, but they are frequently flagged at security screening. It is safer to transport all cymbals as checked baggage in a padded cymbal case.

Drums · TAP Air Portugal (TP)

Policy Data

Drums on TAP Air Portugal

A drum kit is transported as checked oversized baggage in multiple cases on TAP Air Portugal and must be pre-registered through the Contact Center.

At a Glance

Drums must be checked on TAP Air Portugal

Cabin

No

Extra Seat

No

Seat Type

N/A

Booking Method

TAP Contact Center (Voranmeldung als Sondergepäck erforderlich)

Max Dimensions

max. 300 cm Gesamtumfang (L + B + H) pro Stück, max. 32 kg pro Stück

Approx. Cost

Sperrgepäckgebühr pro Stück je nach Strecke; mehrere Gepäckstücke summieren sich (ca. 50–150 EUR pro Stück innereuropäisch)

Restrictions

Muss in einzelne Fälle (Toms, Snare, Bass Drum, Hardware) aufgeteilt und als aufgegebenes Sperrgepäck transportiert werden. Becken separat in einem gepolsterten Becken-Case. Gesamtgewicht pro Stück darf 32 kg nicht überschreiten.

Last verified: 2026-07-10. No guarantee — always confirm directly with TAP Air Portugal before booking.

Step by Step

How to book your Drums on TAP Air Portugal

Divide the drum kit into individual flight cases: bass drum, snare, toms, hardware case, cymbal case.
Weigh and measure each case individually, ensuring none exceeds 32 kg or 300 cm total circumference.
Call the TAP Contact Center (+351 211 234 400) at least 72 hours before departure and register all cases as special baggage.
Bring all cases to the oversized baggage counter on the day of departure and obtain a separate baggage tag for each piece.

Practical Tips

Good to Know

Use hard cases with wheels for the heavy parts (bass drum, hardware). Pad drum heads and sensitive tension rims with towels or foam. Photograph each case before check-in as evidence of its condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pieces of luggage do I need for a complete drum kit?: A standard drum kit typically requires 4 to 5 cases: bass drum, snare, tom case (2-3 toms together), hardware case, and cymbal case. Each counts as a separate piece of luggage with its own fee.
Can I take cymbals as carry-on?: Individual small cymbals in a thin soft case could theoretically fit within carry-on dimensions, but they are frequently flagged at security screening. It is safer to transport all cymbals as checked baggage in a padded cymbal case.

More Policies

Drums on Other Airlines

Show all 19 airlines

Other Instruments on TAP Air Portugal

All instruments on TAP Air Portugal at a glance

Let us handle it for you

We know TAP Air Portugal's rules for Drums inside out. Join our waitlist — we'll take care of the flight, extra seat, and everything else.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.