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Virgin Atlantic has claimed that it is 'the airline for sports enthusiasts' with the announcement that passengers will be able to check sports equipment on top of their luggage allowance without incurring an excess baggage fare.

The initiative is a direct response to rival British Airways' decision to ban large pieces of equipment such as surfboards and javelins from its cargo holds from 6 November.

Sports passengers on Virgin Atlantic flights will be able to check sport-related objects for no additional charge on the proviso that they meet size and weight restrictions.

Checked items must weight less than 32kg and measure less than 158cm in combined width, height and weight dimensions to avoid an excess baggage charge.

Sales and marketing director Paul Dickinson said: 'Virgin Atlantic continues to be the airline for sports enthusiasts unlike others who are doing everything they can to prevent the gold medallists of the future transporting their equipment.

'Our new sports equipment policy enables all sports travellers, whether Olympic teams or not, to enjoy their journey throughout.'

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