Jimmie76

Musical Instruments

You can take a musical instrument with you on your flight with BA. If this has to go as checked baggage in the hold then it comes out of your free checked baggage allowance. If you exceed your free allowance because of this then you can expect to pay the excess baggage and/or if it weighs over 23Kg (unless you qualify for the exepmtion in post 1) you will have to pay the heavy bag charge.

The maximum weight for instruments is 45Kgs - 99lbs and the maximum dimensions are 190cm x 75cm x 65cm - 75in x 29.5in x 25.5in (unless it can be broken down into parts) there is a special size exemption if you wish to take a double bass. You must make BA aware of the fact (preferably at the time of booking although possible up to 24hrs before departure) that you will be travelling with an instrument if it exceeds the 23kgs

As Cabin Baggage.
You can obviously take (subject to size and security rules) your smaller instrument in the cabin as part of your cabin baggage. Should you think that your larger item (such as a cello) needs to accompany you in the cabin then this is also possible. You need to book an extra seat (Baggage in Cabin) and the code you need for in the booking for your instrument is is CBBG (also applies to high value items).

The maximum dimensions are 140cm x 58cm x 32cm - 55in x 22in x 12.5in.

Orchestral Instruments

BA reccomend that you book these (which conform to the size/weight restrictions above) through a specialist travel agency. Any piece that exceeds the size/weight restrictions should be booked via either BA World Cargo or a freight company.

N.B. This applies only to BA! Codeshare, Oneworld and alliance partners may well be different so make sure you check.

E&OE