Are Badminton Racquets Allowed on Flights as cabin luggage?

Like us, you're a badminton player. And maybe like us, you'd like to play badminton wherever you go, including overseas. Then you're probably here looking for answers! 

For those short on time, the answer is: 

Technically no, but it depends on the airline and quite possibly, your airport location.

I'll tell you why. 

For context, the hand-carry or cabin baggage dimensions reported by most airlines is a maximum length of 56cm (22") , width of 45cm (18") and depth of 25 cm(10") - 56 x 45 x 25cm. Airlines may differ slightly depending on which airline you're with but those dimensions will be fairly similar across the board. 

A badminton racquet has a length around 67cm making it exceed the cabin baggage's maximum length. 

What badminton gear should you pack though? This Essentials Pack is all!

However, based on my experience and many others, it's still possible to bring your racquet on as cabin baggage. To be fair, It's been a number of years since I've taken a racquet through as cabin baggage but I recall being able to when I flew to Australia from Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific. 

As there's no one size fits all answer here, THE BEST THING TO DO if you want to travel with your racquet in cabbin baggage is to contact the airport & airline first. 

If you don't, you have some options (realistic & less realistic): 

1. Bring it in your hand-carry and pray that:
   a) airport security allows you through
   b) the airline let's you take it on board 
   
   
2. Pack it appropriately in your checked baggage
   Having traveled for badminton in the past, I find that this is the best option. Less hassle trying to ensure you're following the rules and once you've packed a racquet (and have it survive) once, you're good to go!
   
   It doesn't have to be very technical. There's a few options to consider, but first things first, make sure you have a good quality suitcase! In the past, I would pack my entire racquet bag in my suitcase if it was possible and surround my racquets in and around the bag with clothes as protection.
   
   Alternatively, you can take them out of your racquet bag but again wrap them in clothes or other garments that are soft for protection. Ensure that you pack your suitcase fairly full so the racquets don't fly around as they're being moved as well! 
   
   
3. Buy racquets when you arrive
   Quite possibly a really inappropriate and unrealistic decision but possible if you don't want to consider the other options! 
   
   

So there you have it. 

For those that must carry their racquets with them, the best option is: 
Contact the airport & airline first. 

For those looking for other options, the best option is: 
Pack it appropriately in your checked baggage

Click Here For More