Well, I'm pleased to report that bubble wrap saved the day and the bat has been checked in. No cake for me this time SRG, and no crawl through a long smelly pipe to make my escape.

In other news, I am currently in negotiations with the lounge staff over which seats in row 63 are exit seats for the purpose of seating children. Accoding to received wisdom here, MMB, and the check in staff, B and J. According the lounge staff, all of them. Replacement BPs have been politely declined.

I see now the sense in not allowing the bat on as hand luggage....!