You can take most items as part of your free baggage allowance, but might need to pay extra if they're large or heavy.
You can take musical instruments (except double basses) on board as part of (but not in addition to) your free hand baggage allowance, i.e. the number, size and weight of bags you can take in the cabin.
Please always transport musical instruments in a hard-backed case.
What's my hand baggage allowance?
If your musical instrument is larger than 56 x 45 x 25cm (22 x 18 x 10in):
Depending on availability, you may be able to purchase an extra seat next to you to secure your cello. It's not possible to do this online so please contact us or your travel agent at least 24 hours before your flight departs.
If you arrive at the airport and haven't booked an extra seat in advance, please speak to a British Airways representative. If there are seats available in the cabin you are travelling in, you may be able to buy an extra seat. Otherwise you will need to check your instrument in.
Securing your cello requires additional time so to avoid flight delays, you'll be able to board before other passengers. Please check information screens in the departures area and make your way to your boarding gate as soon as it is announced. Your cabin crew will be on hand to assist if needed.
How to secure your cello on board
We cannot accommodate double basses on board so please check them into the hold. This will be part of your checked baggage allowance and extra bag charges may apply. Please contact us at least 24 hours before your flight departs to discuss your requirements.
You can take many types of sports equipment as part of (but not in addition to) your free checked baggage allowance:
If your equipment isn't listed below or you have any questions, please contact us.
You can take non-motorised bicycles of up to 190cm (75in) in length as part of your checked baggage, provided they are packed in a recognised bicycle bag. Please ensure that you:
You can take the following diving equipment as part of your checked baggage, provided it is packed in a recognised kit bag and does not exceed the maximum dimensions and weight restrictions for checked baggage:
If you need to take diving lamps, please contact us at least 24 hours before you travel to get approval. Once approved, please remove the bulb or fuse and pack it separately from the power source in your hand or checked baggage.
You can take your golf equipment as part of your checked baggage, provided it does not exceed the maximum weight restrictions for checked baggage and is packed in a recognised bag or case to safeguard against damage. This bag can be up to 190 x 75 x 65cm (75 x 29.5 x 25.5in).
If you carry your golf umbrella or parasol separately it will count as one item of your checked baggage allowance.
We will accept firearms, guns and ammunition only under very specific conditions.
Guidance on carrying guns and ammunition
You can take ski and snowboarding equipment of up to 190cm (75in) in length in your checked baggage, provided it is packed correctly:
If you're travelling on a hand baggage only (Basic) fare or if your checked baggage allowance includes one bag only, you will need to pay extra to take your ski equipment.
You can take surfboards as part of your checked baggage provided they don't exceed the maximum weight restrictions, are max. 190 x 75 x 65cm (75 x 29.5 x 25.5in) and packed in a recognised bag or case to safeguard against damage.
If your bag weighs more than your allowance you may need to pay an overweight baggage charge.
You can only take sports rackets and sticks in your checked baggage, not in your hand baggage. Any racket or stick carried separately counts as one item of baggage so please check your baggage allowance.
If you're travelling on a hand baggage only (Basic) fare, you will need to pay extra to take your rackets or sticks.
Some sports and recreational equipment, such as Hover Boards, is restricted or prohibited, and you might need to contact us for approval first.
Baggage allowances and policies can vary by airline, even if you buy your flights through ba.com.
Check your hand baggage allowance on American Airlines, Finnair, Iberia and Japan Airlines.
For other airlines, please refer to their websites or contact them directly.
Find out which airline you are flying with in Manage My Booking