Travelling With a Singing Bowl - Carry Bags, Packing and Flights
Carry your singing bowl in your hand luggage, in a padded bag, with soft cloth inside the bowl and the mallet alongside. At security it may be checked by hand as a musical instrument, so pack it where it is easy to lift out. If it must go in checked luggage, put it in the middle of the suitcase with clothes all round.
Key takeaways
- Hand luggage is safest: no throwing, no crushing.
- Bag and fill: a padded carry bag outside, soft cloth inside the bowl.
- Never metal on metal: put a cloth between bowls in a set.
- At security: keep it easy to lift out, and say it is a musical instrument.
Can you take a singing bowl on a plane?
In most cases, yes. In the United States, the TSA says musical instruments carried on board require a physical inspection, and that you can tell the officer if an instrument needs careful handling.
The final decision always rests with the security officer, and rules differ between countries and airlines. Check with your airline before you fly, especially for a large or heavy bowl.
How do you pack a singing bowl?
- Fill the bowl with a soft cloth or a scarf, so it cannot flex or knock.
- Bag it in a padded brocade carry bag, with the mallet alongside.
- Keep it central: in the middle of your luggage, with soft clothes all round.
- Nothing heavy on top: shoes, books and bottles go elsewhere.
Pack the ring cushion too; it adds padding and gives the bowl a steady seat when you arrive. Our singing bowl cushion guide explains which one to bring.
What size carry bag do you need?
| Your bowl's diameter | Carry bag size |
|---|---|
| 5 to 6 inches | 5 to 6 inch bag |
| 7 to 9 inches | 7 to 9 inch bag |
| 10 to 12 inches | 10 to 12 inch bag |
| 13 to 16 inches | 13 to 16 inch bag |
| 17 to 20 inches | 17 to 20 inch bag |
| Over 20 inches | 20 inch and over bag |
Our carry bags are padded on all sides, close with a zip and come in seven colours, so each bowl of a chakra set can have its own.
Give your bowl a padded home
Our brocade carry bag is padded on all sides and zips shut. Choose your bowl's size and a colour.
How do you travel with a set?
- Nest the bowls, largest at the bottom, with a cloth between each pair.
- Fill the smallest with soft cloth, then wrap the whole stack.
- Weigh it: a full chakra set can be heavy, so check your baggage allowance.
- Mallets and cushions travel alongside, not inside the stack; a spare singing bowl mallet is light to carry.
What happens at airport security?
- Pack it near the top of your bag so it lifts out quickly.
- Say what it is: a musical instrument, a singing bowl.
- Ask for care: request that it is not knocked against the tray.
- Repack calmly: cloth back inside, then the bag, before you move on.
How do you look after it on the road?
- Unpack and check: look over the rim for knocks after each journey.
- Wipe off moisture if the bowl comes in cold to a humid room.
- Store it dry in its bag between sessions.
- Playing outside? Read playing a singing bowl outdoors first.
Cleaning and storage at home are covered in how to care for your singing bowl.
Which bowl is best for travel?
A palm size bowl is the easiest companion: small, light and played on your open hand, with no cushion needed. See our palm size singing bowl and the palm size bowl guide.
For a retreat or a class, a medium bowl with its ring cushion and carry bag travels well. Every accessory is in our accessories for singing bowls.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take a singing bowl on a plane?
In most cases, yes, and hand luggage is the safest place for it. In the United States, musical instruments carried on board may be checked by hand at security, and the final decision rests with the officer, so check the rules for your airline and airport.
Should a singing bowl go in hand luggage or checked luggage?
Hand luggage, where you can keep it upright and away from rough handling. If it must go in checked luggage, pack it in the middle of the suitcase with clothes all round.
How do I pack a singing bowl?
Fill the bowl with soft cloth, put it in a padded carry bag with the mallet, and keep it in the middle of your luggage with nothing heavy on top.
How do I pack a singing bowl set?
Nest the bowls largest to smallest with a cloth between each one, so no metal touches metal, and fill the smallest bowl with soft cloth.
What size carry bag do I need?
Choose the bag size that matches your bowl's diameter: 5 to 6 inches, 7 to 9, 10 to 12, 13 to 16, 17 to 20, or over 20 inches.
Which singing bowl is best for travel?
A palm size bowl is the easiest to carry. It fits a small bag and plays on your open hand, with no cushion needed.
Does cold or heat harm a singing bowl?
Normal travel temperatures will not harm it. If the bowl comes in cold and the air is humid, wipe off any moisture before you play or store it.
Everything your bowl needs to travel
Carry bags, ring cushions, mallets and felt strikers, each made to fit your bowl's size.
