Hi All,
As my name suggests I live overseas, on a small Island that does not keep many spare parts for the cars on it.
As such, when family members and friends visit the quid pro quo to their enjoyment of sun, beer, beaches and my spare room, is that they bring any bits and bobs I may need. In this instance, my Dad brough two shock absorbers as the title suggests.
I am no fool, and have no desire to flout any rules, regulations and laws, so emailed BA in good time to ask if it was permitted. I got the following (please ignore the request of for a physical golden ticket!):
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Response Via Email (Benjamin) 09/11/2014 02.55 AM (GMT)
Dear Mr Tominbgi
Thank you for writing to us about your upcoming journey.
We will accept the vehicle shock absorbers as long as it fits within the maximum dimensions (90cm x 75cm x 43cm (35.5ins x 29.5ins x 16ins) and weight restrictions (maximum weight: 23kgs, bags between 23-32kg will be accepted, a heavy bag charge may apply).
Further, for Golden ticket number, please contact your dedicated Service Centre, where one of our agents will be able to assist you. Their contact details can be found at:
http://www.ba.com/servicecentres
I hope this information is useful to you.
Kind regards
Benjamin
British Airways Executive Club
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The shock absorbers fitted this size/weight requirements and in light of this advice, my dear old Dad trundled up to Gatwick and checked in. However while waiting in departures he was tannoyed, taken to what appeared to be the depths of the terminal and advised that this contraband would be removed and destroyed. Additionally, he was refused a receipt and they broke his bag! To add insult to injury, his bag had been overweight with these in them, he had paid an excess baggage fee, however with the parts removed he was now underweight! These were worth a fair bit of cash, but worth more to me in that my spine would have been able to take a rest from the pot hole riddled Caribbean roads!
I'll phone BA tomorrow, but would appreciate any advice.
Best
TD