Do you want to go surfing in Australia, skiing in Canada, or show off your guitar playing on the streets of Hong Kong? For each of these activities, you need to take oversized or atypical luggage with you on the plane. No dream is impossible, and it shouldn't be ruined by airline regulations. How do you transport non-traditional luggage? What needs to be arranged and how should you proceed at the airport?
In general, every airline has its own rules regarding the size of checked and carry-on baggage. However, it is not always just about suitcases or backpacks. You can also take a musical instrument, a beach umbrella, skis, a surfboard, and similar non-traditional luggage with you. And just as the dimensions vary, so do the conditions under which the company will transport your oversized luggage.
Transporting large or non-standard luggage must always be reported to the airline in advance, ideally at the same time you purchase your ticket. If you leave it until the last minute at the airport, it may happen that they either won't check your baggage at all or you will pay exorbitant fees. Then, you just need to go to the oversized baggage check-in counter at the airport and drop it off.
Musical instruments and works of art
Valuables and fragile items usually have slightly different handling than classic suitcases. Works of art and paintings can be transported as carry-on luggage, or you can pay for a seat next to you for them. However, this only applies if they meet the dimensions set by the airline. If, for example, a musical instrument is larger than a cello, it will have to go into the cargo hold.
A special group also includes baby strollers and wheelchairs. Every airline has the same rules in this case: a stroller and a wheelchair are essential items without which a person cannot function, so they fly with you in the cargo hold for free. For most airlines, you must inform them about oversized luggage in advance, but there are exceptions.
Sports equipment
Transporting sports equipment in a case in the luggage compartment is usually not a problem. This applies to bicycles (with deflated tires and removed pedals, packed in a protective case), skis, snowboards, golf equipment, empty diving tanks, fishing gear, surfboards, or kites.
It is precisely with sports equipment that transport conditions vary from airline to airline. And what varies the most are the prices. If you are traveling with a larger group and each member is bringing their own sports equipment, buy a group ticket and add oversized luggage directly to the options.
Airline fees and conditions
Smartwings
More information on the Smartwings website
For every piece of luggage heavier than 23 kilograms, an order for oversized baggage is required. Excess weight can be ordered in advance when purchasing a ticket or up to 24 hours before departure in the My bookings section. Book the transport of other items at least 48 hours before departure via the contact form. Again, the best option is to add this service directly when buying the ticket; otherwise, you must do it two days before departure. Prices vary according to size and weight, and if you book your flight through a travel agency, they will charge you for the oversized baggage.
Lufthansa
More information on the Lufthansa website
The rule also applies here that an item heavier than 32 kilograms is considered oversized baggage. Lufthansa has a relatively complex system for transporting oversized luggage, divided by flight length and whether you are flying in business or economy class. The price ranges from 40 to 300 euros.
Emirates
More information on the Emirates website
Different rules apply to each piece of luggage; Emirates mainly adjusts conditions regarding sports equipment. However, it is always necessary to order oversized baggage with the ticket or contact the company at least twenty-four hours in advance.
In addition, any item with total dimensions greater than 300 centimeters will be transported as cargo. Even this world-famous airline does not have fixed prices for individual oversized baggage items.
EasyJet
More information on the EasyJet website
Conversely, EasyJet has relatively clear prices, and the maximum weight for checked baggage is again 32 kilograms.
Excess weight fee:
- online for free
- at the airport 350 CZK
Small sports equipment (up to 20 kilograms):
- online 1100 CZK
- at the airport 1400 CZK
Large sports equipment:
- online 1312 CZK
- at the airport 1603 CZK
British Airways
More information on the British Airways website
Their service differs from other companies. A classic suitcase can again only weigh 32 kilograms; if it weighs more, it must be transported by cargo plane as part of the IAG Cargo service. You either pick it up at the destination or have it delivered to another location. The price is not fixed; it depends on the distance between the two destinations and the size of the luggage.
Probably the simplest yet most valuable advice we can give you is to check the conditions of the specific airline in time and click through their website. Most of them have it clear enough that you can easily find the information you need. And if you order oversized baggage when buying your ticket, you will save a lot of time and money.
Are you also planning a vacation? You will surely appreciate tips on what to do in case of a flight delay.
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