Did you know that sports equipment, as well as musical instruments, is special luggage when traveling by plane?
With sports equipment there are more special conditions to pay attention to so as not to jeopardize the favorable trip and safe arrival.
In the case of golf equipment, all items – 14 sticks, 12 golf balls, a pair of shoes and golf tees – must be packed in such a way that they are completely covered and do not exceed the specified quantitative limits for weight and size.
For bowling equipment, a maximum of two warm bowls and shoes are allowed. The balls must be packed and separated so that they do not collide with each other.
When transporting surfboards or windsurfers, you usually have to pay an additional fee for special luggage. Keep in mind that not all airlines allow the transportation of surfing and windsurfing equipment, so ask in advance to get a specific answer. If the carriage of such is permitted, the board must be wrapped in plastic or protective foam, with the fins removed and the nose and tail covered.
Transportation of skis and snowboards is possible at most airlines, and usually one pair of skis (including shoes and fasteners) counts as one checked baggage.
Things are different with diving equipment and bicycles. They can usually be transported for an additional fee. Diving equipment can be transported as ordinary checked baggage subject to quantitative restrictions on the weight and size of the airline. It is mandatory to make sure that the oxygen cylinder is empty (due to the pressure; make sure that there is no compressed air or other gas mixtures in it), the valves and switches are off, and the delicate elements are packed separately, preferably in styrofoam. For bicycles, it is advisable to remove the pedals and attach them to the frame so that they are retracted, to release the air from the tires (again due to the pressure change) and to pack it disassembled in a cardboard or plastic package.
