Are there any specific restrictions?

Yes. Oversized luggage is subject to certain security and packaging rules:It must be properly protected (with a cover, hard case or specialised packaging).Certain items are prohibited (e.g. gas cylinders, fuel, explosives, high-capacity lithium batteries).Fragile items are accepted, but you are responsible for their transport.We recommend allowing around 30 minutes longer than your usual arrival time at the airport to allow sufficient time for checking in oversized luggage.

Do these vary depending on the airline?

Yes, the rules may vary depending on your airline:The maximum permitted dimensions and weight differ.Some airlines allow certain sports equipment to be carried free of charge (e.g. skis with some airlines in winter).Others charge a fixed surcharge for any oversized luggage.Always check your airline’s baggage policy before you travel to avoid unexpected charges.

Can I take oversized items with me if they are valuable?

It depends on the item and its size:Small musical instruments (guitars, violins) can be carried in the cabin provided they comply with the dimensions for hand luggage.For larger instruments (cellos, double basses), it is sometimes possible to purchase an extra seat on the flight.Sports equipment (skis, golf clubs, surfboards) usually travels in the hold, in the oversized luggage section.Tip: please mention when booking that you are carrying a special item so that the necessary arrangements can be made in advance.

What about medical equipment?

Wheelchairs, crutches, walking frames and other medical aids are accepted free of charge by airlines, in addition to your luggage.Electric wheelchairs with batteries must be declared in advance so that their compliance with aviation safety regulations can be checked.Manual aids (folding chairs, crutches) can be handed in at the boarding gate and collected on arrival. To ensure a smooth journey, it is strongly recommended that you notify the airline at least 48 hours before your flight if you require assistance or are travelling with specific medical equipment.

Oversized items and luggage

Q: When is a piece of luggage considered oversized?

A piece of luggage is classified as oversized if it exceeds the standard dimensions or type accepted by airlines for check-in.Generally, a standard piece of luggage must not exceed 158 cm in total dimensions (length + width + height) and must weigh between 23 and 32 kg, depending on the airline.Any item that is larger, heavier or of an unusual shape is classified as oversized.For example:A 2-metre surfboard.A bicycle packed in a special cover.Skis or a snowboard exceeding 1.70 m.A musical instrument such as a cello or a double bass.Very bulky hard-shell suitcases (exceeding 32 kg or 200 cm in total).

Where can I check in my oversized luggage?

How do I check in oversized luggage?

Travelling with a lot of luggage? No problem, your double bass, golf bag, pair of skis, surfboard or double pushchair will need to be handed in at the Oversized Baggage counter after check-in!

The process for checking in this luggage may take longer than for standard luggage.

Check with your airline, as they may charge for this service!

Dimensions and weight of oversized luggage

Certain items of equipment and personal belongings require special handling when transported by air. This applies in particular to bicycles, golf equipment, skis, snowboards, surfboards, pushchairs and certain musical instruments. When a piece of luggage exceeds the permitted dimensions or weight for standard hold luggage, it is generally considered to be oversized luggage.

The exact criteria vary from one airline to another. Each airline applies its own rules regarding maximum dimensions, permitted weight and any associated charges. Before you depart from Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport, it is therefore essential to check your airline’s conditions of carriage to confirm whether your equipment can be checked in as oversized luggage and to find out the terms and conditions applicable to your flight.

Luggage dimensions and weight

Find out in an instant the size and weight limits set by your airline.

Transport conditions and restrictions

Acceptance of oversized luggage remains subject to the conditions set by your airline. Certain items of equipment must be declared in advance at the time of booking or require the purchase of an additional service. In some cases, their carriage may be restricted depending on the type of aircraft used or the destination served.

To ensure they are transported in the best possible conditions, certain items must also be protected with suitable packaging. Equipment containing lithium batteries, such as certain electric bikes or specific electronic devices, may be subject to specific restrictions.

Carrying Bulky Items in the Cabin

Bulky items are generally intended to be carried in the hold as oversized luggage. However, some airlines may allow specific items of equipment to be carried in the cabin provided their dimensions comply with safety and space requirements on board.

This is particularly the case for certain musical instruments or fragile items that require special care. Depending on their size, they may be placed in the overhead lockers, under the seat or require specific arrangements offered by the airline. If the permitted dimensions for carry-on luggage are exceeded, the item will need to be checked in as hold luggage.

Luggage storage for oversized items at the airport

Oversized baggage follows a different route to standard checked-in baggage. Once you have checked in, you will need to go to the dedicated oversized baggage counter so that your items can be handled in a manner appropriate to their size.

The signage in the terminals at Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport makes it easy to find this area. As security checks and handling may take longer than for standard luggage, we recommend that you allow plenty of time before arriving at the airport.

A piece of luggage is classified as oversized if it exceeds the standard dimensions or type accepted by airlines for check-in.
Generally, a standard piece of luggage must not exceed 158 cm in total dimensions (length + width + height) and must weigh between 23 and 32 kg, depending on the airline.
Any item that is larger, heavier or of an unusual shape is classified as oversized.
For example:

A 2-metre surfboard.
A bicycle packed in a special cover.
Skis or a snowboard exceeding 1.70 m.
A musical instrument such as a cello or a double bass.
Very bulky hard-shell suitcases (exceeding 32 kg or 200 cm in total).

Yes. Oversized luggage is subject to certain security and packaging rules:

It must be properly protected (with a cover, hard case or specialised packaging).
Certain items are prohibited (e.g. gas cylinders, fuel, explosives, high-capacity lithium batteries).
Fragile items are accepted, but you are responsible for their transport.

We recommend allowing around 30 minutes longer than your usual arrival time at the airport to allow sufficient time for checking in oversized luggage.

Yes, the rules may vary depending on your airline:

The maximum permitted dimensions and weight differ.
Some airlines allow certain sports equipment to be carried free of charge (e.g. skis with some airlines in winter).
Others charge a fixed surcharge for any oversized luggage.

Always check your airline’s baggage policy before you travel to avoid unexpected charges.

It depends on the item and its size:

Small musical instruments (guitars, violins) can be carried in the cabin provided they comply with the dimensions for hand luggage.
For larger instruments (cellos, double basses), it is sometimes possible to purchase an extra seat on the flight.
Sports equipment (skis, golf clubs, surfboards) usually travels in the hold, in the oversized luggage section.

Tip: please mention when booking that you are carrying a special item so that the necessary arrangements can be made in advance.

Wheelchairs, crutches, walking frames and other medical aids are accepted free of charge by airlines, in addition to your luggage.

Electric wheelchairs with batteries must be declared in advance so that their compliance with aviation safety regulations can be checked.
Manual aids (folding chairs, crutches) can be handed in at the boarding gate and collected on arrival.

To ensure a smooth journey, it is strongly recommended that you notify the airline at least 48 hours before your flight if you require assistance or are travelling with specific medical equipment.

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