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Sporting goods and musical instruments

We know there's more to packing than t-shirts and flip-flops. Your musical instruments and sporting equipment are just as important to us as any regular bag, which is why we accept most items as part of your free baggage allowance. Some large or heavy items may incur an additional charge. Whether your equipment is required for professional or just recreational use, you can be confident that your valuable items are safe in our skilled hands.

Musical instruments on British Airways

Musical instruments can be taken on board as part of (but not in addition to) your free hand baggage allowance providing they fit within the maximum bag dimensions. Where possible, we'll also try and accommodate instruments that are slightly larger. Musical instruments which are too large to be carried in the cabin, will be checked in. This will be part of your checked baggage allowance so excess baggage charges may apply. Please transport all musical items in a hard backed case when you travel with us.

What's my free hand baggage allowance?

Larger instruments can be carried as part of your free checked baggage allowance or as part of an additional purchased allowance if required. We'll even carry instruments larger and heavier than the standard checked baggage limits, up to 45kg (99lb) and 190cm x 75cm x 65cm (75in x 29.5in x 25.5in), providing you notify us at least 24 hours before your flight. Instruments over 23kg may incur a heavy bag charge.

What's my free checked baggage allowance?

Carrying extra baggage

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showCellos

It may also be possible to purchase an extra seat for your cello, depending on availability. You will be able to secure your cello into this seat which we will allocate next to you. Please make your way to the departure gate as soon as the gate number is published where you will be able to pre-board the aircraft. Our cabin crew will be on hand to assist if necessary. Instructions on how to do this can be found here.

Securing your cello requires additional boarding time. To avoid flight delays, please check information screens and make your way to your departure area as soon as the gate number is announced.

Please notify us at least 24 hours before your flight.

showDouble basses

A double bass cannot be accommodated in any cabin. However it can be accepted as checked baggage. This will be part of your checked baggage allowance so excess baggage charges may apply. Please notify us at least 24 hours before your flight.

Please call us to discuss your requirements as extra seats cannot be booked online.

Sporting goods on British Airways

Many types of sports equipment can be carried as part of (but not in addition to) your free checked baggage allowance or as part of an additional purchased allowance if required. We'll even accept some types of equipment over our standard checked baggage size.

We can only accept sporting equipment if it is packed appropriately (to avoid damage) and meets the given size and weight restrictions. Items over 23kg may incur a heavy bag charge. See our advice below for details of specific types of equipment.

Some sporting equipment is restricted for safety and security reasons. If your equipment isn't listed below please contact us to find out if it can be carried.

What's my free checked baggage allowance?

Carrying extra baggage

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showBikes

We will accept non-motorised bicycles up to 190cm (75in) in length, provided they are packed in a recognised bicycle bag.

Please ensure that you:

pack the bike in a protective case or bag
remove the pedals or fix them inwards
fix the handlebars sideways
deflate the tyres to reduce the risk of damage

showDiving equipment

We will accept the diving equipment listed below provided it is packed in a recognised kit bag and does not exceed the maximum dimensions and weight restrictions for checked baggage. Bags weighing more than 23kg (51lb) may incur a heavy bag charge.

Accepted diving equipment:

scuba regulator
tank harness
tank pressure gauge (pressure-sensitive devices may need special packaging; refer to the manufacturer for advice)
face mask
fins
buoyancy control device
snorkel
weight belt
cylinder tank (must be empty and presented at check-in for inspection)
spear guns and harpoons (must be unloaded with the spear/harpoon packed separately)

Diving lamps require prior approval. If approved for carriage, the bulb or fuse must be removed and packed separately from the power source.

showGolf clubs and umbrellas

We will accept golf equipment as checked baggage providing it does not exceed the maximum weight restrictions for checked baggage and is packed in a recognised bag or case to safeguard against damage.

The bag can be up to a maximum size of 190cm x 75cm x 65cm (75in x 29.5in x 25.5in).

Bags weighing more than 23kg (51lb) may incur a heavy bag charge.

A golfing umbrella or parasol carried separately counts as one item of baggage.

showGuns and ammunition

We will accept guns and ammunition only under very specific conditions:

Guidance on carrying guns and ammunition

showHover boards (also known as air wheels, solo wheels)

In the light of press reports about potential fire risks associated with the lithium batteries used in hover boards, British Airways has conducted a review of the carriage of hover boards and other similar electrically powered vehicles. To ensure your safety on board our flights, British Airways has prohibited the carriage of these items in both hand baggage and checked baggage.

If you do place the items in your hold luggage, it is highly likely that the bag will not travel as planned.

showSkis, poles, snowboards and ski boots

We will accept ski and snowboard equipment up to 190cm (75in) in length provided it is packed correctly.

Please ensure that you:

pack your skis and snowboards in a recognised ski or snowboard bag
pack your ski poles with your skis
pack your boots separately from your skis or snowboard - either within your free allowance or in another bag (any bags over your free allowance are subject to additional charges)

showSurfboards

We will accept surfboards as checked baggage providing they do not exceed the maximum weight restrictions for checked baggage and are packed in a recognised bag or case to safeguard against damage.

The bag containing the board can be up to a maximum size of 190cm x 75cm x 65cm (75in x 29.5in x 25.5in).

Bags weighing more than 23kg (51lb) may incur a heavy bag charge.

showSporting rackets and sticks

Rackets and sticks are not permitted in hand baggage but can be packed within your checked baggage.
Any racket or stick carried separately counts as one item of baggage.

Sporting goods and musical instruments on other carriers

Baggage allowances and policies can vary by airline — even if you buy your flights through ba.com. If your journey includes a flight with an airline other than British Airways, the policy for sporting goods and musical instruments may be different:

For details of rules on American Airlines, Finnair, Iberia and Japan Airlines please follow the links below.

American Airlines
Finnair
Iberia
Japan Airlines

For other airlines, please refer to their websites or contact them directly.

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