Posted on Friday, 3 January 2014

Planning to take your kayak on holiday and enjoy the waterways of your destination? Fancy taking your bicycle with you on vacation? Heading for the mountains with your snowboard? Whatever you're into, airlines, train companies, coach firms and cruise lines are actually quite helpful when it comes to transporting sports equipment. But a little preparation can make the process easier…

Read the Terms and Conditions

If you're traveling by air, be sure to read your airline's terms and conditions regarding sports equipment before you head to the airport. Most non-budget airlines permit additional items free of charge – usually up to a weight of 23kg, although this limit can vary. They will insist that your equipment is properly packaged or protected, and if possible placed in a case manufactured for the purpose.

Get Insured

Check to see if your single trip or annual travel insurance covers your sports equipment for damage or loss, and consider upgrading it if it does not. There's nothing worse than arriving in your destination only to find a bicycle with a bent wheel or a snowboard with a crack on its surface. That said, most airlines take good care of the items they transport.

Any Questions, Ask Your Airline

Most airlines list strict size and weight dimensions for sports equipment, but even if you think your item is too heavy or too large, get in contact with your airline and ask them for advice. They may still allow you on board without additional charge, or they may levy an extra fee. Your airline's shipping department will be able to help.

Check for Surcharges on Budget Airlines

While bagging a low cost flight can mean more spending money in your destination, be aware that budget airlines often charge for carriage of sports equipment. Make sure you know how much these fees are before you head off to the airport; it may be cheaper to pay the cost online.

Bicycles on Ferries

Ferry companies operating between UK and mainland European destinations are very accommodating as regards carrying bicycles. However, when making a booking you must tell the ferry company you are taking a bicycle, as a separate boarding card will need to be issued – even if no fee for carriage is levied. As regards other sports equipment, you should contact the ferry operator. Many pieces of equipment will simply be regarded as luggage, and should incur no fee. However, if you are carrying a large item such as a kayak, ensure you contact the operator in advance for advice.

Sports Equipment on Coaches

Most coach companies will not permit the transportation of heavy sports equipment such as bicycles or kayaks. However, smaller items such as golf clubs or snowboards may be permitted. All items must be properly packaged and labelled. Some operators may charge you a fee for additional baggage over a certain weight or exceeding particular dimensions.

Sports Equipment on Trains

With so many different national and international train services, rules regarding the transportation of oversized baggage such as sports equipment vary a great deal. However, many services have space for items such as bicycles – but you need to research such facilities in advance. It may be up to the discretion of the train attendants whether you are allowed to take items into passenger carriages. How busy the train is could also be a factor. Any item that blocks vestibules or corridors is very unlikely to be permitted.

Be Prepared

Taking sports equipment with you on holiday can be stressful, but with a little preparation this will be minimised, leaving you free to enjoy your favourite sporting pastime with your own equipment. If you are in any doubt at all about costs or limits regarding the carriage of your sports equipment, be sure to contact your airline, coach, train or ferry company directly and in advance of your travel date.

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