Airlines offer transport of sports equipment as an additional service. Depending on the carrier, it may be included in the standard baggage allowance, or subject to additional charges. Remember to order this service in advance – by contacting our Call Centre – because it can be much more expensive to register sports equipment for transport at the airport.
How should I prepare my sports equipment for check-in?
Bicycles
- Remove pedals or secure them so that they do not stick out.
- Unscrew the front wheel and attach it to the frame
- Set and secure the handlebars along the frame
- Deflate the tires
- Pack the bicycle in special stretch foil, a plastic bag, or a cardboard box
Scuba diving equipment
- Empty the air tank
- Set all switches and valves to the OFF position
- Remove all power sources and lamps
A scuba diving setup can only be transported as hold baggage and is subject to weight limits and excess baggage fees.
Fragile elements should be carefully secured. For example, you can wrap them in foam. If you want to transport a harpoon launcher, it should be properly secured with the ammunition packed separately.
Surfboard
Transporting a surfboard or windsurfing board is always subject to additional charges, as such items are never included in hold baggage allowances.
Important!
If the weight of your board with rigging exceeds 50 kg, transport will be possible only as a cargo service.
British Airways is one of several airlines that do not offer surfing and windsurfing equipment transport. It is, however, possible on some low-cost airlines, such as Ryanair and Wizz Air.
Skis and snowboards
Transport of skis and snowboards is possible on almost all airlines. Such equipment is treated as sports baggage – one piece of baggage may consist of a pair of skis with buckles and fasteners plus ski boots (for water skiing – skis alone).
You should pack your skis in a ski case.
The fees charged for sports baggage transport can be different depending on the airline. Many traditional airlines (like LOT and Lufthansa) accept sports equipment as hold luggage and do not charge additionally for the service. Learn more about taking skis and snowboards on aircrafts.
Golf clubs
On low-cost airlines, sports baggage transport is charged according to the carrier’s fee schedule. Most traditional airlines offer transport of golf clubs beyond the limit of free carry-on luggage at no extra charge. Such fees may be charged, however, if the golf bag with clubs is of non-standard size or the weight of all sports baggage exceeds certain limits (usually 15 kg).