Flying With Your Bike: Travel Tips for Cyclists

Going abroad with your bike, whether for a sportive, competition, or a cycling holiday, can feel like an impossible task. However, with the right research, preparation and good bicycle insurance, flying with your bike can be easier than you first expected.

Which Airline Should I Fly With?

The first step to making flying with your bicycle as hassle-free as possible is choosing the right airline for you, as the requirements vary from airline to airline, and may even fluctuate depending on your location.

Below is a list of common airlines and their bike policies. Make sure to do your own research before buying a ticket to ensure all your individual needs are met.

Airline Bicycle Policies

• Cost*: Free**


• Maximum Weight: Let BA know after booking


• Additional Information: Maximum size is 190 x 95 x 65cm

• Cost*: £50 online, £60 at the airport


• Maximum Weight: 32kg


• Additional Information: Cannot put other items such as clothing in your bicycle box/bag. Only one piece of 'sports equipment' per person.

• Cost*: Free**


• Maximum Weight: Weight and dimensions must be within the booking class’s limits. If total dimensions exceed 300m, it cannot be transported as checked baggage and must be sent as cargo or freight. The cost of this depends on where you are flying to.


• Additional Information: Must contact Emirates 24 hours before your flight.

• Cost*: £35


• Maximum Weight: 32kg


• Additional Information: Pedals must be removed; handlebars turned in line with the frame; tyres deflated, and protected by a box, strong cardboard, or other suitable material.

• Cost*: Free**


• Maximum Weight: 32kg


• Additional Information: You must register your sports baggage no later than 72 hours before your flight. Bicycles will only be accepted by Lufthansa if they're packed in a suitable container.

• Cost*: Free**


• Maximum Weight: 32kg and the box must not exceed 140 x 30 x 80cm


• Additional Information: Tyres deflated; pedals removed; handlebars fixed parallel to the frame; the front wheel removed and fixed beside the rear wheel. Inside the bike box, if the bicycle's length exceeds 140cm (55in).

• Cost*: Free**


• Maximum Weight: To Africa and the Americas, the maximum weight is 23kg; for all other destinations, the maximum weight is 25kg. This is for economy class, other classes may allow a heavier maximum weight.


• Additional Information: Tyres deflated; pedals removed; handlebars fixed parallel to the frame; the front wheel removed and fixed beside the rear wheel. Inside the bike box, if the bicycle's length exceeds 140cm (55in).

• Cost*: £60 online, £75 at the airport


• Maximum Weight: 30kg


• Additional Information: Must be in a protective box or bike bag.

• Cost*: From £30


• Additional Information: Apply for sports equipment on booking. Handlebars must be turned inwards, pedals removed, tyres deflated, and the bicycle must be wrapped in plastic or cardboard.

* The quoted cost is accurate as of the publication date and applies one way.

** Free means a bike can be included within the checked baggage allowance at no extra cost. Standard checked baggage fees may apply, but there is no specific surcharge for transporting a bicycle. If your bike exceeds the airline’s usual baggage dimensions, additional fees may be required, such as a flat rate (Lufthansa) or a sporting equipment allowance (Qatar).

Other Things to Consider

Please be aware that some airlines require bikes to be booked under 'Sporting Equipment'. Changing your reservation at a later date could lead to extra fees, and paying to put your bike on the plane at the airport is almost always more expensive - doing your research is worthwhile!

Most electric bikes are prohibited due to battery size restrictions. Additionally, CO2 canisters that some cyclists use for tyre inflation are also banned.

After researching each airline's bike policy and deciding on the one best for you, you can purchase your plane ticket. As your departure date approaches, it's a good idea to notify your airline of your plans to bring a bike. Some require you to provide advance notice, and others don't, but it's still good practice to warn them. If you have connecting flights, confirm that both airlines will accommodate your bike to avoid any surprises.

How Should I Pack My Bike For The Plane?

There are three main ways to pack your bike for the plane to ensure it stays safe: a cardboard box, a bike bag or a bike box.

Cardboard Box

Pros:

• Cardboard boxes are cheap - can get them for free, or very cheap, from your local bike shop
• They are surprisingly effective

Cons:

• Not that durable
• Likely to rip if they get wet or punctured, which means you need to invest heavily in padding
• Some airlines deem cardboard boxes too fragile and will only accept bike boxes and bags
• Difficult to transport as they don't have handles

Bike Bag

Pros:

• Easy to carry as they have straps and wheels
• Lots of internal padding and protection

Cons:

• Probably need to bulk out padding with your own
• Require significant deconstruction of your bike

Hard Case Bike Box

Pros:

• Offers maximum protection
• Easy to transport as most have handles and wheels
• Some have built-in work stands, which makes reassambling your bike upon landing easier

Cons:

• Tend to be quite expensive
• Can be bulky and heavy

Bike bags and bike boxes, over cardboard boxes, are a better choice as they are purpose-made. If you can't justify the price of brand new ones, you can look for second-hand options, or rent one just for that trip.

Be aware that bicycle boxes or bags could incur oversized baggage fees depending on how big they are.

Packing Your Bike Up

The majority of bicycle bags and boxes require you to partially disassemble your bike.

Typically, you'll need to remove the wheels and pedals entirely. You'll also need to adjust your handlebars.

Some cyclists also choose to remove the rear derailleur to protect it from damage. You can leave it attached if you're confident that nothing inside or outside the case will press against it and bend the hanger.

It's also worth padding everything in your bike bag or box out with bubble wrap and foam pipe lagging for maximum protection. The components most important to protect include the frame tubes, crank arms, handlebars, the stem and the seat post. Other fragile elements include the disc rotors, chainrings and rear derailleur. It's also worth securing everything inside the box or bag by strapping things into place.

You should check the policies of your airline to make sure your setup is compliant, and many will require you to deflate your bicycle tyres due to concerns of high pressure. Reduce the air pressure to about 1 bar below the minimum pressure as indicated on the tyre sidewall. Don't fully deflate them as some air is needed to maintain rim protection. If you have tubeless tyres, you need to make sure they have enough air to keep them properly seated.

To make reassembly easier, you should mark key components such as your seat height with tape or a pen before packing.

Since dismantling and packing your bike can be time-consuming, it's best to prepare ahead so you're not rushing around the day of your flight.

It's also important to remember to bring the necessary tools for reassembly upon arrival. Avoid carrying them in your hand luggage, however, as tools tend not to be allowed. Pack them in your checked luggage to be safe.

Bicycle Insurance

Eversure bike insurance offers worldwide cover, meaning you and your bike can be covered for 30, 60, or 90 consecutive days abroad. Although you should be aware that we do not cover your bike when it's in the hold - this is your airline's responsibility.

Final Thoughts

With the right bike insurance, thorough research and proper preparation, you'll be able to fly confidently with your bike and open up a new world of cycling possibilities.