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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 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.

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. (A double bass will be accepted even above these dimensions.) Instruments over 23kg may incur a heavy bag charge.

It may also be possible to purchase an extra seat for your instrument, depending on availability. You'll need to call us to discuss your requirements as extra seats cannot be booked online.

What's my free checked baggage allowance?

Carrying extra baggage

Sporting goods on British Airways

Many types of sports equipment can be carried as part of 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 will 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 on specific types of equipment below for details.

Some sporting equipment is restricted for safety and security reasons. If your equipment isn't listed below please get in touch to check 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

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 another checked bag or in a bag of their own (which will be subject to an additional charge)

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, Japan Airlines and US Airways, please follow the links below.

American Airlines
Finnair
Iberia
Japan Airlines
US Airways

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

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