Last updated: November 12, 2025
Whether you're getting off to ski in the Alps or surf the waves in Hawaii, knowing how to travel with sports equipment on a plane is essential. Can you even take your skis or surfboard on the plane? Do you need to buy extra luggage for them?
To help you prepare for your next holiday, we've come up with a complete guide to flying with sports equipment. From size requirements to airline-specific policies, we've got you covered. Let's dive in.
Yes, you can bring sports equipment on a plane, but airlines have strict rules about it.
Depending on the type of sports equipment you're flying with, you can either take them as carry-on or checked-in luggage if the airline allows it.
With some airlines, e.g. Ryanair, you can purchase an additional seat for your sports equipment in the cabin of the plane.
Another important point is that your sports equipment can't exceed the allowed dimensions and weight. Measurements vary depending on the type of sports equipment and airline, but you can expect sizing up to 292 cm overall (length + width + height) and between 20 kg and 32 kg, depending on the weight of your checked-in luggage. If your sports equipment exceeds these, you can still transport is, but as cargo.
Remember that you need to contact the airline as soon as you book your ticket, as you need to register the items. Otherwise, you might pay extra charges or not allowed to bring them on board.
Since you'll have to pass through security before you board the plane, you have to be familiar with the carry-on restrictions at the airport.
Similarly to plane restrictions, some items are allowed through security check and others you have to check in with your luggage, depending on the country. For example, you have to check in any hiking poles at UK airports, while you can take them in your carry-on at US airports. Let's see a few more examples:
What's considered as sports equipment can vary between airlines, but generally airlines classify sports equipment as:
The cost of travelling with sports equipment depends on the baggage fare of the airline. In some cases, the cost of checked-in luggage is included in the ticket price. While in others, for example you're flying with a low-cost airline, you need to buy checked-in luggage. If your sports items exceed the limits, additional charges will apply.
Another factor affecting the cost of flying with sports equipment include your passenger status (e.g. you're a miles club member) and the destination of your flight (domestic or international).
One good trick is to pay for your extra bag in advance (in some cases up to 70% cheaper than buying extra at the airport). So it is a good idea to check with the airline early on.
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As we mentioned, airlines have specific policies when it comes to flying with sports equipment. Below, we break down the rules for some sports items with common airlines.
The requirements for flying with skis defer depending on the airline. Some airlines have size or weight limits, while others have packing requirements. You should always check with the airline before flying. Here's a breakdown of the requirements of some airlines:
Note that ski bags might exceed checked baggage size limits, so they are transported as bulky baggage. This means you will have to go to a special counter at the airport for check-in.
You are allowed to transport 1 standard (non-motor)/ children’s bicycle or a unicycle. No e-bikes are allowed on planes.
Airlines have different size restrictions. For example, Lufthansa allows up to 280 cm (combined height + width + depth of the box). If you are flying with British Airways, the size limit is 190 × 95 × 65 cm. Ryanair allows bicycles if they weight less than 30 kg.
Your bicycle needs to be packed in a travel case. Depending on the airline, you might also need to take apart the handlebars or other parts of the bike.
Connecting flights are tricky with sports equipment and varying size limits, so check well in advance to avoid extra fees.
You can transport your fishing rod and fishing gear as long as it is properly packaged, and the bag is within the airline's size restrictions.
If you're flying with Delta, the size limit is 55 × 35 × 23 cm for carry on and less than 292 cm for checked-in. With Wizz Air, fishing gear has to be checked in and within 149 × 119 × 171 cm and less than 32 kg.
Most airlines have the same rules when it comes to your diving gear: 1 item of baggage containing other diving gear, such as a snorkel, flippers, diving suit, etc. This gear must be properly packed, and the bag must fit the airline’s size and weight restrictions.
Some airlines allow for air cylinders/oxygen tanks to be transported on board, but it must be empty and all switches and valves must be set to the OFF position. This counts as 1 item of checked-in baggage and must be presented at check-in for inspection. With KLM, you need to reserve space in the hold, whereas with Delta, you can't carry air cylinders, but you can bring your dive tank if it's empty with the valve opened and removed.
Note that special rules apply to your diving lamp. All power sources and other heat generating items with integrated batteries must be removed. The diving lamp can be transported as part of your hand luggage. Special transport approval is required in this case, so you will need to register your diving lamp when booking your flight.
You can take 1 hockey stick, 1 pair of ice skates, 1 set of body protectors and 1 helmet as checked-in luggage. All your hockey gear must be properly packed. With Austrian Airlines, you can take up to 2 bags with your equipment, whereas British Airways advise packing them in your suitcase or protective bag to prevent any damage.
Passengers are allowed 1 baggage item with golf clubs, tees and balls, plus 1 pair of golf shoes. Note that all your golf gear must be packed inside a golf bag, which must not exceed the airline’s size restrictions. With Turkish Airlines, there's a maximum weight restriction of 23 kg, whereas Austrian Airlines has maximum dimensions of 220 cm cumulatively. Both airlines have additional charges which vary depending on the destination of your flight.
Your surfboard counts as checked in luggage and can't exceed 190-200 cm. Some airlines don't allow surfing/ windsurfing equipment on their planes, while with airlines like Aer Lingus, Qantas, Emirates, and Iberia you can take your surfboard.
American Airlines has a fixed fee of $150 per surfboard for international flights, whereas the fee of other airlines varies based on your ticket.
You can take it with you on certain low-cost carriers, like Ryanair or Wizz Air, as well, but they charge a lot more.
Don't forget to pack your surfboards and kayaks/ paddles in special protective bags as it will be transported in the hold, and it might get damaged.
Considering this, it might be cheaper to rent such large equipment instead of paying to transport your own, so check and compare costs in advance.
Special regulations apply to the transportation of sporting/ hunting firearms and ammunition. You are advised to check the air carrier’s guidelines well in advance and allow additional time for check-in.
Some airlines allow several weapons per passenger. However, these must be registered early on and checked in well before departure (for example, at least 120 minutes before the flight).
If you are flying with your weapon, make sure you:
According to IATA restrictions, passengers are allowed a maximum of 5 kg of ammunition (for personal — sporting/ hunting purposes only).
Note that an additional fee may be charged for the transportation of firearms (varying between €25 and €90) depending on the country. For example, if you're flying from France to South Africa, and vice versa, have to pay €50 security tax per firearm at the airport. On some destinations (such as London Heathrow, or Edinburgh/ Inverness/ Glasgow in Scotland) the transportation of firearms is completely forbidden.
Whenever allowed, firearms can be transported only in your checked luggage — not in your carry-on or on your person.
In case you're flying with any types of firearms, you need to contact the airline to request approval and comply with any local laws of the departure and destination countries.
We've compiled an overview of a few tips for flying with sports equipment to make your journey as smooth as possible:
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