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Planning by trip type · 5 min read

Flying a sports team: kit bags, equipment and match-day timing

Cricket kits, bicycles and hockey sticks all count as baggage. Declare them early and pick flights that do not ruin match day.

By the AirRJ Group Desk · Updated 4 Nov 2026

The fare is rarely the expensive part of team travel. Undeclared kit bags at the check-in counter are. Here is how to avoid that.

Declare equipment at booking

Cricket kits, golf bags, bicycles and similar items are treated as sports equipment. Some airlines include one item within the normal allowance; others charge a fixed fee per item. Prepaying is always cheaper than paying at the airport. Give us the count and approximate weight of each type when you ask for quotes.

Oversized items

Bicycles, pole-vault poles and large drums need advance approval because not every aircraft can take them. Smaller aircraft on regional routes are the most restrictive.

Timing around matches

  • Avoid the first flight of the day if the team plays that evening.
  • Arrive at least a day early for tournaments in a different climate or altitude.
  • Book the return after the latest possible match finish — knockout games can run late.

Staff and officials

Coaches, physios and managers can be on the same group booking. List them separately in the name list so their roles are clear for any special requests.

Quick answers

Is a cricket kit bag counted as checked baggage?

Usually it counts toward the checked allowance, or is charged as sports equipment, depending on the airline. We confirm the rule for your fare.

Can the team sit together?

We request group seating; for guaranteed rows, paid seat selection can be added.

Airline group rules differ by carrier, route and season, and they change. Treat this guide as a planning aid — the fare rules written on your AirRJ quote are what apply to your booking.

Travelling with 10 or more people?

Send us the route, rough dates and head-count. A Group Desk executive will come back with airline options, the fare validity and the date by which names are needed — usually the same working day.