Inshorts (Quick Summary)
Cricket bats are usually allowed in check-in, not in cabin.
Tabla, sitar, guitar, and small instruments can go in cabin if they fit size limits.
Small sports items like tennis rackets may be allowed as carry-on if they meet size restrictions.
Golf kits and surfboards must go as oversized or special baggage.
Weight and size rules change by airline, so always confirm before flying.
For flights from Australia to India, special items may need pre-booking.
Packing your items safely and properly packed is extremely important in both domestic and international flights.
What’s Allowed: Item-by-Item Guide
1. Cricket Bats
Cricket bats are not allowed in cabin seat baggage or cabin baggage allowance.
You must pack the bat inside checked baggage according to cricket bat flight rules to India.
Wrap the bat with clothes or bubble wrap and ensure it is properly packed.
Some airlines count a bat alone as one checked-in item if packed separately in separate bags.
Useful for: students returning from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane with cricket gear.
2. Tabla
A tabla set can be carried as musical instruments cabin baggage allowance to India, if it fits cabin dimensions according to tabla flight rules to India.
If oversized, check it in.
Use a hard case to protect the dayan and bayan.
Tighten straps and fill the case with padding.
3. Sitar
Sitars are delicate and usually exceed cabin size, hence not considered as a regular normal baggage.
Best option: check-in with a FRAGILE tag following sitar flight rules to India.
Some airlines allow cabin storage for large musical instruments if pre-approved.
Use a padded sitar case with neck support.
4. Golf Equipment
Golf clubs usually go as special or oversized baggage.
Most airlines allow one golf kit within the international baggage allowance to India. Golf equipment is typically included within the checked baggage allowance, but if your golf kit exceeds the maximum gross weight or weight allowance set by the airline, you may incur standard excess baggage charges.
Pack in a golf travel case.
Remove club heads if detachable. The total dimensions of sporting equipment must not exceed 300 cm (118 inches) for it to be transported as checked baggage.
Fishing equipment, ski equipment, snow ski equipment, and ski poles are also considered special sporting items and may have similar packing, dimension, and allowance requirements as golf equipment.
5. Surfboards
Surfboard baggage allowance to India requires the board to be checked in as oversized or special baggage.
Surfboards cannot be taken inside the cabin.
Check weight and size rules before booking flights from Australia to India, especially flight from Sydney to Delhi.
Use nose/tail protectors and a padded cover. Additionally, fins should be removed or packed with foam to prevent damage.
If your surfboard exceeds the standard baggage allowance or maximum gross weight, excess baggage charges will apply.
General Airline Rules for Special Items
Always pre-book special items at least 48 hours before take-off.
Weight limits vary from 23 kg to 32 kg per piece.
Oversized charges apply if your item crosses length limits.
Tape any loose parts and secure everything tightly.
Add your name and phone number on all cases.
The maximum weight for any piece of checked baggage, including sports equipment, is typically 32 kg (70 lb).
Excess baggage rates will apply if the overall baggage weight exceeds the free baggage allowance on multiple airlines.
For scuba diving equipment, ensure tanks are empty and properly packed following airline and dangerous goods regulations.
Passengers travelling with firearms must carry firearms only in checked baggage, comply with airline policies, and carry a professionally printed label and necessary permits. Firearms and ammunition must be declared and packed in locked hard cases.
Airlines must comply with strict dangerous goods regulations established by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Items classified as dangerous goods, such as explosives, flammable liquids, compressed gas, and toxic substances, are either prohibited or subject to specific restrictions in both carry-on and checked baggage to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew. Always check with your airline for the latest rules regarding dangerous goods before you travel.
For example, air India flights have specific baggage policies for sports equipment and special items, with different allowances for frequent flyers, students, and special equipment. It is important to understand the distinction between cabin baggage allowance, cabin seat baggage, carry on baggage, hand carry baggage, and check in baggage, especially when transporting battery powered or smart baggage items containing lithium batteries, including two spare batteries or spare batteries of nickel metal hydride type. Some airlines require spare batteries to be carried in carry-on baggage within a security tamper evident bag.
Prohibited items and certain equipment, such as firearms or diving gear, must be carried in checked baggage only. Baggage rules may differ for domestic flights and international flights, and for flights operated by different airlines or codeshare flights—especially if your itinerary includes flights operated by partner airlines or is not on the same ticket.
Passengers travelling should always check the latest airline and civil aviation regulations to ensure compliance and avoid issues for themselves and other passengers. Such items as personal transportation devices with lithium batteries may be restricted or require special handling, and failure to comply may result in denied boarding or confiscation at boarding gates or security screening.
Tips for Booking Flights from Australia to India
When planning your trip, here are some quick tips for booking flights from Australia to India with sports equipment and musical instruments: Special packaging rules may apply for certain items like bicycles. Ensure all sports gear is securely packed—turn handlebars, remove or protect pedals, and deflate tires for transport.
Compare fares and look for flexible baggage options that include special items on flights to India.
Book early during peak months to secure space for oversized or special baggage like surfboards and golf equipment.
Always read the international baggage allowance to India on your airline’s website to avoid surprises.
Pre-purchase additional baggage allowance if you anticipate carrying additional sports equipment or musical instruments. Excess baggage fees can be costly but can be minimized by pre-purchasing extra baggage allowance online before departure.
If you have excess or bulky personal belongings, consider using cargo services as a cost-effective way to ship items that exceed your baggage allowance.
Remember to check your airline’s rules for carrying mobile phones and other electronic devices, especially regarding battery safety and lithium battery regulations.
Pro Tips for Travellers
Take photos of your items before checking in.
Use a hard case for sitar, tabla, surfboards, and golf kits.
Keep receipts and proof of value for insurance claims.
For flights from Australia to India, book early during peak months.
Compare fares and look for flexible baggage options.
Always read “Sports & Musical Equipment” policy on your airline’s website. Frequent flyer programs offer extra baggage allowances.
Add your name and phone number to your cases, and always check baggage tags to ensure correct identification and tracking of your luggage.
FAQs
Can I carry a cricket bat in cabin baggage to India?
Cricket bats are generally not permitted in cabin baggage and should be packed within your checked baggage to comply with airline regulations.
Is a tabla allowed inside the cabin?
Yes, a tabla can be carried inside the cabin provided it fits within the airline’s specified cabin size limits.
Can I carry a sitar as hand baggage?
Typically, sitars exceed the size limits for hand baggage and are best checked in with proper protective casing.
Are golf clubs part of free baggage allowance?
Most airlines include one golf kit within the free baggage allowance, but specific rules vary, so it’s important to verify with your airline before traveling.
Can I take a surfboard from Sydney to Delhi?
Yes, surfboards can be transported as checked oversized baggage, though additional charges may apply depending on the airline’s policy.
