Originally Posted by corporate-wage-slave

There is a formal requirement to tell BA about excess baggage, but it's really only a factor if you know that this could be an issue. The typical example is if there is a bike event in the destination - BA can manage a few bikes but if 20 participants all turn up for the same flight then it becomes tricky. If you are on a classic ski destination such as SZG or GNB then again BA will not need to be told, nor on longhaul, but if it's an unusual route/destination then you best call up. The next problem is that this is sufficiently rare than you really need an experienced agent to do this since many agents never come across this. Ring Change Booking, or use the various Social Media channels. Not sure about the chat bot, and it would be good to hear some reports of using the chat bot if using a phrase like "reserve space for oversize sports equipment" - but in theory the agent overseeing the chat bot should be experienced.