Sporting equipment
When you fly with us you can take certain types of sporting equipment in addition to your normal checked baggage allowance.
Sporting equipment allowances on codeshare, oneworld and alliance partners may differ. Charges may apply.
How to pack sporting equipment
- Equipment must be packed in a travel case specifically designed for that piece of equipment.
- One piece of sporting equipment should weigh no more than 23kg* and should not exceed the dimensions (H+W+L): 158cm (62in).
* From November 2008, a flat fee of £25 GBP will be applied to bags weighing more than 23kg (51lbs). This charge is to cover the additional handling that bags weighing over 23kg (51lbs) can attract. Until this charge is implemented, we will continue to accept a single piece of baggage weighing up to 32kg (70lbs) without charge. Please note that we will not accept a bag heavier than 32kg (70lbs) as checked baggage.
Sporting equipment we carry free of charge
Select one of the categories to view the free allowance for each sport.
Only one travel case of sporting equipment is permitted free of charge except where stated otherwise.
Angling
Rod case
Travel bag
Accepted travel cases:
Recognised angling rod case or bag.
Equipment accepted:
Rods and reels contained in a case and one bag with fishing tackle, landing net and fishing boots.
Archery
Bow case
Archery wheelie case
Accepted travel cases:
Standard bow and arrow case.
Equipment accepted:
One bow, one quiver and arrows.
Cricket
Team coffin
Soft team coffin
Accepted travel cases:
Recognised cricket coffins or team bags.
Equipment accepted:
Bats, wickets, pads and balls.
Cycling
Compact bag for dismantled bicycle
Folding bicycle bag
Hard shell bicycle case
Accepted travel cases:
Recognised bicycle bag.
Whilst most bicycle bags comply with the standard dimensions, We will accept all single bicycle bags as illustrated.
Equipment accepted:
One non motorised bicycle.
Special rules apply for bicycles when groups with more than 4 bicycles travel together.
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.
- You may wish to deflate the tyres to reduce risk of damage.
Diving
Draw string backpack
Tote style bag
Wheelie bag/rucksack
Accepted travel cases:
Recognised kit bag.
Equipment accepted:
One scuba regulator, tank harness, tank pressure gauge, face mask, fins (pair), buoyancy control device (BCD), snorkel, weight belt and cylinder tank. (Subject to maximum baggage weight).
Please note: Cylinders must be empty for carriage.
Notes:
1. Pressure sensitive devices may need special packaging. Please refer to manufacturer for advice
2. Spear guns must be unloaded with spear packed separately
Field hockey
Player bag
Team bag
Accepted travel cases:
Standard team kit bags not exceeding maximum baggage dimensions.
Equipment accepted:
Sticks, balls and pads in one equipment bag.
Golf
Hard shelled case
Soft bag
Soft bag with wheels
Accepted travel cases:
Recognised golf cases.
Equipment accepted:
One bag containing 14 clubs, 12 balls, umbrella and golf shoes.
The majority of golf bags comply with maximum dimensions, although all golf bags will be accepted.
Ice hockey
Team bag
Stick bag
Accepted travel cases:
Recognised ice hockey kit or team bag.
Equipment accepted:
Team kit including sticks.
The majority of sticks comply with maximum dimensions, although all sticks will be accepted.
Lacrosse
Wheelie bag or rucksack
Lacrosse bag
Accepted travel cases:
Recognised team or kit bags.
Equipment accepted:
Lacrosse sticks in one equipment bag.
Shooting
Pistol bag
Pistol case
Shotgun bag
All handguns are restricted under UK law and can only be carried with prior permission. You are responsible for ensuring you have all the required documentation and licences for your weapons and ammunition. This may include export/import licences and authorisation from local and national authorities for the items to be carried. Personal protection handguns are classified as restricted articles and we are unable to carry these.
Accepted travel cases:
Approved gun carriage case.
Equipment accepted:
One approved sporting gun carriage case and contents.
Preparing sporting guns for travel:
- The gun must be unloaded.
- If possible the gun should be dismantled.
- Ammunition must be for sporting purposes.
- The total weight of the ammunition (including shell) must not exceed 5kg (11lbs) per passenger - sharing weight allowance between passengers is not allowed.
- Ammunition must be securely boxed and packed inside the travel case not the gun carriage case.
- Baggage containing ammunition must not bear 'explosives' labels.
- You must notify us about the carriage of guns at least 24 hours before travel.
Ski
Ski bag
Boot bag
Accepted travel cases:
Recognised ski or snowboard bags.
Equipment accepted:
- One pair of skis, poles and boots or
- one snowboard and boots.
The majority of skis comply with maximum dimensions, although all skis will be accepted.
Ten pin bowling
Four ball bag
Double ball bag
Single ball bag
Accepted travel cases:
Must be non rolling carry case.
Equipment accepted:
Bowling case with bowling balls and shoes.
Tennis
Tour bag
Racket bag
Accepted travel cases:
Standard single or multiple racket kit bags.
Equipment accepted:
Rackets and balls.
All other sporting items
The following items should not be packed in sporting travel cases:
- sport clothes
- sports holdalls and bags
- smaller items or accessories such as football shin-pads
We will accept these as part of your checked baggage allowance.
Sporting equipment we do not carry
Due to the large size and handling complexities, some sporting equipment cannot be accommodated through the airport baggage system or within the aircraft hold. Therefore we no longer accept the following equipment at check-in as part of your sporting equipment allowance.
- hang gliders
- windsurfing boards and sails
- water skis exceeding maximum dimensions (H+W+L): 158cm (62in)
- surfboards
- kayaks, canoes and oars
- pole vaults
- javelins
Please contact British Airways World Cargo or your local freight company or to arrange carriage for any items that exceed the permitted weight and size.