Sporting equipment

We will accept non-motorised bicycles of all dimensions provided they are packed in a recognised bicycle bag.

Preparing bicycles for travel:

• bicycle pedals must be removed (or fixed inwards)
• handlebars must be fixed sideways
• the bicycle must be contained in a protective case or bag
• deflate the tyres to reduce the risk of damage.

We will accept the following diving equipment provided it is packed in a recognised kit bag and does not exceed the maximum dimensions and weight restrictions:

• scuba regulator
• tank harness
• tank pressure gauge
• face mask
• fins
• buoyancy control device
• snorkel
• weight belt
• cylinder tank

Preparing diving equipment for travel: 

• Cylinders must be empty
• Pressure-sensitive devices may need special packaging. Please refer to the manufacturer for advice.
• Spear-guns must be unloaded with the spear packed separately.

We will accept golfing equipment as checked baggage providing it does not exceed the maximum dimensions and weight restrictions*. If the total number of checked bags is more than your free checked allowance, you will need to pay extra bag charges.

Golfing equipment will only be accepted if it is packed appropriately in a recognised bag or case to safeguard against damage.

*Maximum size: 190cm x 75cm x 65cm (75in x 29.5in x 25.5in).
Maximum weight: 23kg (51lb). Bags between 23-32kg (51-70lb) will be accepted but a heavy bag charge may apply.

Notify us before you fly
All firearms (including replica and decommissioned) and ammunition are restricted under UK law and you must notify us at least 72 hours before you travel to ensure compliance with UK government (or other local government) embargoes and restrictions. You must ensure you have the required documentation and licences for your firearms and ammunition. This includes export/import licences and authorisation from local and national authorities.

Please note: If you are planning to make a booking on ba.com that includes a flight operated by an airline other than British Airways, please contact us before booking to check that the other airline is able to carry your firearm.

Contact us

Check-in times
When you travel with firearms and/or ammunition you must be at check-in at least 2 hours before your flight, to allow sufficient time to process the paperwork prior to clearing security.

Checking in at London Heathrow
To check in, proceed to the Assistance Desks located at the end of Zones B/C/D/F/G in Terminal 5 or in Zone G at Terminal 3. Customers in First, Club World and Club Europe should continue to use the respective First and Club check-in zones in Terminals 3 and 5.

Transferring through London
If you are transferring through London you require a minimum connecting time of 3 hours.

Handling charge
Each case containing firearms and/or ammunition is subject to a £50 each way charge at check-in. Firearms and ammunition are handled by a specialist third party agent on our behalf; this charge covers their costs.

Packing firearms
Firearms and/or ammunition will be accepted provided they are packed in an appropriate carriage case, or if this is not possible, packed securely inside a suitcase with your personal effects. If the firearm and/or ammunition is carried in addition to your free checked baggage allowance, extra bag charges will also apply.

Note when travelling to/from countries that do not allow transportation of firearms and ammunition in the hold baggage

If you are travelling to or from South Africa or Italy you cannot pack your firearms or ammunition in your checked hold baggage with your personal effects. The firearms and/or ammunition must be packed in separate locked bags or containers. In this instance you will not be charged for the extra bag(s) but will be subject to the appropriate handling fee(s).

Preparing firearms for travel

• each firearm carried must be accompanied by the appropriate firearms certificate
• the firearm must be unloaded
• if possible the firearm should be dismantled 
• the total weight of the ammunition (including shell) must not exceed the allowance of 5kg (11lbs) per passenger per bag
• sharing weight allowance between passengers is not allowed
• there will be no additional cost for the carriage of ammunition packed with the firearm*
• ammunition must be packed in either its original packaging or in a suitable container that prevents movement between shells or cartridges, i.e. loose ammunition is not permitted
• bags with ammunition must not bear 'explosives' labels
• the Heavy Bag Charge will apply to all bags over 23kg

*If ammunition is carried on its own without a firearm, the £50 charge will still apply as special handling for the item is still required.

We will accept skis and snowboards of all dimensions provided they are packed correctly.

Preparing skis and snowboards for travel:

• skis and snowboards must be packed in a recognised ski or snowboard bag
• if you are travelling with skis and ski boots you should pack them in one of the following ways:
  
  - pack your skis and ski boots separately*
  - pack your ski boots within your checked baggage

* Each bag that exceeds your free checked baggage allowance will incur an extra bag fee.

• American Airlines and Iberia have different allowances for the carriage of ski boots. Please follow the links on this page to ‘Information if you're travelling on American Airlines and Iberia’ for more information about their allowances.

We will accept surfboards as long as they do not exceed the maximum dimensions and weight restrictions*. Surfboards will only be accepted if packed appropriately in a recognised bag or case to safeguard against damage.

*Maximum size: 190cm x 75cm x 65cm (75 x 29.5 x 25.5 inches).
Maximum weight: 23kg (51lb). Bags between 23-32kg (51-70lb) will be accepted, but a heavy bag charge may apply. Please note the maximum size applies to the surfboard bag, and not the surfboard.