Travelling with sports equipment on UK flights is one of the most expensive baggage categories going. Golf bags, ski sets, bikes, and surfboards all attract specific fees -- and the prices vary enormously by airline. Here's what you need to know before booking.
The general rule for sports equipment on flights
Almost all UK airlines treat sports equipment as a separate category from standard hold luggage. Even if you've pre-booked a hold bag, sporting items usually require an additional booking and fee -- they don't count towards your standard 20kg suitcase allowance.
There are a few exceptions (Jet2 includes some sports equipment within their generous package deal policy), so it's worth checking your specific carrier. For standard baggage allowances, see our UK airline baggage allowance guide.
Golf clubs on UK flights
Golf holidays from the UK to Spain, Portugal, Turkey, and Dubai are extremely popular, and the baggage fees on clubs are a common source of confusion.
| Airline | Golf Club Fee (one way, approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | Not accepted as sports equipment; must fit in standard hold bag | Golf bags rarely fit within standard Ryanair hold dimensions |
| easyJet | ~£35-£45 per flight | Must be pre-booked online |
| British Airways | Included within standard hold allowance (counts as 1 bag) | Max 23kg per bag including bag cover |
| Jet2 | ~£25-£35 per flight | Pre-book recommended; popular on Spain/Portugal routes |
| TUI | Typically included with golf holiday packages | Standalone bookings attract a fee |
| Virgin Atlantic | ~£50+ per flight | Long-haul routes; pre-booking essential |
Practical tip: Golf club travel bags (soft or hard cases) vary enormously in weight. A full set of clubs in a hard case can weigh 15-20kg empty. Factor that into the airline's weight limit -- a 23kg allowance filled with a heavy case leaves little room for clubs and shoes.
Ryanair does not have a standard golf equipment booking option. Golfers travelling with Ryanair typically ship clubs ahead via a courier service, which can actually be cheaper than airline sports fees on return trips.
Ski and snowboard equipment fees
Ski trips from the UK are predominantly to Geneva (for the French and Swiss Alps), Innsbruck (Austria), Salzburg, Turin, and a handful of Scandinavian airports.
| Airline | Ski Equipment Fee (one way, approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| easyJet | ~£35-£45 per flight | Skis must be in a bag/case |
| British Airways | Included as hold bag (23kg max) | Available on most routes to ski airports |
| Jet2 | ~£25 per flight | Ski routes seasonal only |
| Ryanair | Limited ski routes; equipment as standard hold bag | Very few routes to ski airports |
| TUI | Often included with ski package | Standalone bookings vary |
Snowboards are usually charged at the same rate as skis but check individually -- some airlines price them differently. Ski boots are often packed in your main suitcase to save on fees; this is permitted and common.
One-piece suits and poles are long items that can cause problems. Poles must be checked as sports equipment or placed in the ski bag. They cannot travel as cabin baggage.
Bicycle fees on UK flights
Cycling holidays from UK airports have grown steadily in popularity, particularly for routes to France, Tuscany, and Mallorca.
| Airline | Bike Fee (one way, approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| easyJet | ~£45-£55 per flight | Must be in a bike bag; pedals and handlebars removed |
| British Airways | ~£65+ per flight | Weight limits apply |
| Ryanair | ~£60-£75 | Must fit specific case dimensions; limited acceptance |
| Jet2 | ~£25-£35 | Good value for cycling holidays |
Bikes must be packed in a cardboard box or specialist bike bag. Airlines require handlebars to be turned or removed, pedals removed, and tyres deflated. Hiring bikes or shipping via a specialist courier are often more practical for longer cycling trips.
Surfboards and watersports equipment
Surfboards, paddleboards, and dive equipment follow similar principles:
- Surfboards: Usually charged as oversized items, £40-£80+ per flight. Many surfers hire boards at the destination, which is often cheaper for week-long trips.
- Dive equipment: Regulators and BCDs travel as standard hold luggage (weight applies). Full sets often exceed standard limits and may need a sports equipment booking.
- Snorkelling gear: Fins, mask, and snorkel all travel in hold luggage without any additional fee.
Pushchairs and car seats (not sports, but worth knowing)
While technically not sports equipment, pushchairs and car seats are free to check on almost all UK airlines. They go in the hold and must be checked at the bag drop or at the gate. This applies to:
- Buggy/pushchair (one per child)
- Car seat or travel cot (usually free on most airlines)
See our full guide on family baggage allowances on UK flights for more detail.
Tips for travelling with sports equipment
1. Pre-book online, always. Sports equipment fees at the airport are consistently higher than online prices. Book at the same time as your flight for the best rate.
2. Consider couriering. For golf clubs, bikes, or large ski bags, courier services (SkiBudi, Ship My Golf, Send My Bag) often compete with or undercut airline fees -- particularly on return trips. You also avoid the hassle of lugging equipment through the airport entirely.
3. Hire at the destination. Ski and golf hire at major resorts is typically professional quality and cheaper than airline fees on trips of a week or more. Particularly worth considering on long-haul trips where fees are highest.
4. Check weight. Sports bags are heavy before you add the equipment. A golf travel bag alone can weigh 5kg; a ski bag 3-5kg. That weight comes out of your baggage allowance.
5. Protect fragile equipment. Airlines are not liable for damage to fragile sports equipment that isn't properly protected. Use a hard case for golf clubs and make sure skis are padded.
If you're also carrying standard cabin luggage alongside sports equipment, choosing a compact bag helps. See our best cabin baggage guide for bags that maximise space within free airline allowances.
FAQ
Can I take golf clubs in the hold on Ryanair? Ryanair does not have a specific golf equipment booking option. Golf bags can technically travel in the hold, but they need to fit within the dimensions of a standard hold bag and the weight limit you've pre-booked. Most golf bags in a travel cover are too large for this. The alternative is shipping clubs separately.
Are ski poles allowed in hand luggage on UK flights? No. Ski poles are sharp and long -- they must be checked as hold or sports equipment. They cannot travel in the cabin.
Does my standard hold bag allowance cover a surfboard? No. Surfboards are oversized items and require a specific sports equipment booking and fee, regardless of what hold luggage you've pre-booked.
Which UK airline is cheapest for ski equipment? Jet2 is generally the best value for ski equipment on UK routes to Alpine airports. TUI is competitive on ski package holidays. easyJet and BA are both options on Geneva and Innsbruck routes but at higher per-flight fees.
For a full breakdown of standard baggage allowances on UK airlines, see our UK airline baggage allowance guide and our airline comparison chart.