Musical Instruments

A musical instrument that is 23kg or less and within the maximum dimensions of 158cm/62in (L+W+H) can be checked in as part of the passengers free checked baggage allowance.

BA will accept a musical instrument between 23-45kg only if that piece cannot be broken down. The passenger must notify BA of any item between 23kg and 45kg at the time of booking or a minimum of 24 hours prior to departure. Items that are not notified at 24 hours prior to departure are carried at the discretion of the local duty BA representative with the approval of the senior loading/ramp representative. Any such items accepted must be notified to the destination and transfer airports with details of the type of item and the actual weight and dimensions.

Orchestral instruments that weigh up to 45kg, and are within the maximum dimensions 158cm/62in (L+W+H) will only be accepted if booked through a BA travel agent specializing in orchestra movements.

Orchestral instruments,or musical instruments carried by passengers who are not members of an orchestra, that weigh more than 45kg, or are outside the maximum dimensions 158cm/62in (L+W+H),must be booked via BA World Cargo or a freight company.Where applicable excess charges are applied at the normal rates.

The forthcoming Heavy Bag Charge will not apply to orchestral/musical instruments weighing over 23kg.

Musical Instruments booked as cabin luggage

It is possible to book, for example, a Cello as cabin luggage. You must therefore book an extra seat (EXST). Maximum dimensions are 140x58x32 cm. Please create an SSR element in the PNR of the passenger.

Booking procedures

• Book two seats for the customer
• Add the name element for 2 with an (IDCBBG)/CBBG passenger type
  e.g. NM2NAME/AMRS (IDCBBG)/CBBG
  Note: the names will appear as 2 separate name elements one for the passenger and another for the CBBG
• Add SRCBBG item with full details of weight and dimensions of the item and passenger and segment relate
  e.g. SR CBBG BA- CELLO 140CM X 58CM X 32CM 05KGS/P1/S4
• End transaction

There is no need to queue the PNR as the SR item will generate a message to the relevant airline inventory system, who will either confirm the request or create a separate PNR for additional extra space for the baggage and confirm to you or reject your request. The reply will be returned to your queue 1 category 6.

Pricing and ticketing procedure

For journeys where BA comprises the whole itinerary only one ticket is required. For non-BA carriers a MCO must be issued for the bulky cabin baggage in addition to the passenger ticket.

• Create one TST for the passenger and the CBBG
  e.g. FXP/P1
• Add the appropriate ticket designator CB for cabin baggage to the fare basis of the TST.
  e.g. TTI/BY CB
  Note: If the fare basis is less than 3 characters include 2 spaces before entering CB
• Include the cost of the baggage as a Q surcharge in the fare calculation line of the TST
  e.g. TTI/CLON BA ATL Q571.56M762.08BA LON Q571.56M762.08NUC3048.32END ROE0.625917 XF ATL4.5
• Adjust base fare
  e.g. TTK/F GBP1669.00
• Add endorsement for CBBG
  e.g. FE Q surcharge is for CBBG CELLO/P1 FEQ surcharge is for CBBG DIPB/P1
• Issue the ticket
  e.g. TTP/XH2/ET/P1