While flying around the globe to ride your bicycle may sound exciting there is inevitably one hitch in this dream of perfection: getting your bike there. Anybody who has spent enough time flying with them will have horror stories to share. Whether it's lost bikes, damaged bikes or credit card-melting charges, there are more than enough things that can go wrong, and the odds are that sooner or later they will happen to you. While your bike may be your pride and joy, to the airlines it's big, heavy and awkward to fit in the cargo hold and to the baggage handlers it's just an exceptionally heavy item among the hundreds that need to be hauled onto the plane in time. So here's our top tips for making flying with your bike as painless as possible.
1. Book your bike onto the flightThis may sound obvious, but it's not quite as simple as it sounds. Because bikes are so big there are only limited space for them in the cargo hold for them, so you need to make sure the airline has space for them. If you are booking your flight directly you can probably add it onto your booking at the same time and it is no stress. However, if you are using a third party site like Lastminute, Opodo or any of the other cheap flight sites out there, then the chances are you cannot add a bike as you book. If this is the case you need to call the airline directly and reserve a space for your bike. It's a pain in the ass as you inevitably have to navigate the obtuse menu system and pray that the person on the other end of the phone speaks something approaching your own language. It is always worth doing though, as nothing ruins a biking trip faster than arriving at the airport to leave and being told there is no room on the flight for your bike...
2. Pack your bike wellYour bike is your pride and joy, right? Well the person who will be handling your bike once it is checked it doesn't care - it's just a big, heavy piece of luggage that needs moving and not every luggage handler is going to pay attention to those fragile notices and treat it with the same finesse you do. Fortunately these days there are some great options to protect your bike, but, inevitably, good protection costs money. Arguably the best bike bag out there is still the Evoc bike bag, which has been round for a good few years now and is the choice of a good proportion of professional riders and the media who travel frequently with bikes. It makes packing your bike easier with convenient attachments for the handlebars, separate wheel compartments and an aluminium skeleton for protection. These kind of bike bags are also good for the inevitable security inspections your bike will go through once you have checked it in. In the USA you are pretty much guaranteed that the TSA will open your bike, and they are far less careful than you are at putting it all back in - with a dedicated bag they are far more likely to put it all back somewhere close to how you left it. There are some good, newer options too, like the Bikind bags. However, they are not cheap - if you fly regularly they are a worthwhile investment, but if you are only going to fly once or twice a year then it might seem like a big cost. If that is the case don't scrimp and buy a cheaper bike bag - you get what you pay for and there are a whole raft of really bad bike bags out there that will do little to keep your bike safe. Instead, if you don't want to fork out the money the next best option is getting your hands on a cardboard bike box. Usually waving some beers at a local bike shop will be all it costs, then you just have to take the time to figure out how best to fit and secure your bike in there.
3. Arrive early at the airportDon't you hate it when you have 32 things to do and then someone drops a dirty, great problem onto your desk in the middle of it all? Well that's pretty much how it feels for the check-in staff when you are trying to check your bike in, in the middle of the rush to get several hundred people processed and onto the flight in time. If you arrive at the airport a good couple of hours ahead of your flight they should be less busy, so have time to deal with you. It also means that when there are the inevitable complications you have time to sort them out before the doors close.
4. You are going to have to payHow much it costs to fly with a bike changes from airline to airline. If you have taken the time to call the airline to book your bike onto the flight they should have told you how much it is going to cost. Here is a quick list of the current prices for a few airlines. These can and will change, for instance Air New Zealand used to take bikes free of charge back in 2009, then started charging in 2011 or so. Some of these airlines publish clear, simple costs and flying guidelines which makes life easier, yet some (hello BA, Emirates and Quantas!) make it very difficult to get a clear quote, so be careful. If in doubt, it is always best to call the airline and check.
AIRLINE | WEIGHT LIMIT | COST |
American Airlines | 32kg | $150 |
Delta | 32kg | $150 |
Lufthansa | 32kg | $70 continental, $150 intercontinental |
United | 23kg/32kg | If under 23kg qualifies as checked baggage, if over $150/$200 depending on destination |
Air France | 23kg (32kg if flying business/first class) | $100 + overweight fee of $150 if over 23kg |
KLM | 23kg | 150 Euros |
British Airways | 23kg | If bike is over 23kg but below 32kg there may be a baggage fee but no precise details on their website - have been told that if check-in staff are friendly fee waived. |
Iberia | 23kg/32kg | $75 |
Emirates | 32kg | $50 if second bag (two bags already in allowance, so pay for 9kg excess weight) |
Qantas | 23/32kg | Depends on destination, US - Aus is $123AUD per piece, between other destinations it is $122-$280AUD per 5kg over 23kg. Base allowance for economy is 30kg, so if taking a checked 23kg bag, a 32kg bike would be 25kg additional. |
Ryannair | 32kg | £60 if booked with flight, £70 if booked after |
Easyjet | 32kg (but main bag cannot exceed 20kg) | $50 if booked with flight, $60 if booked after |
Southwest | 32kg | - |
Air New Zealand | 23/32kg | $150 |
Cathay Pacific | 32kg | $150 |
Aer Lingus | 32kg | 50 Euros |
To put these allowances in context - a lightweight, carbon all-mountain bike with no excess equipment in an Evoc bike bag will just scrape through a 23kg limit. However, that limit is basically designed with road bikes in mind and you're going to struggle to get a burlier bike through. For a mountain biker, 32kg is a good weight - it is enough for a bike, a helmet, shoes, a backpack and maybe even a few spares. As a general rule most airlines seem to limit all baggage to 32kg and anything over that is going to need to be shipped cargo. Cargo is expensive. Several thousand dollars to get a bike there and back kinda expensive. You also need to be very careful with any airline that does not charge baggage at a piece rate - paying per kilo can also become cripplingly expensive very quickly. We have also heard reports that Emirates confusing policy can mean you have to pay multiple fees for your bike if you pas through several of their designated zones. Also, avoid Air France - aside from the strikes and the fact that French baggage handlers have one of the worst track records for getting your baggage to your destination with you, their baggage policy is ridiculous. A 32kg bag costs $150, a 23kg bike costs $100. However, a 32kg bike costs $250 - go figure...
5. The check-in staff are god (as far as you're concerned)Regardless of what any airline's baggage policy may or may not say, the reality is that when you arrive at the airport the check-in staff decide if and how that policy is applied. In other words, in terms of getting your bike onto that plane they are god. You need to be nice to them (point three helps here). If they are in a good mood they may wink at you and tell you that "your bike weighs 23kg, right..." despite clearly weighing enough to pull the moon out of orbit, or at the other end, if they are in a bad mood they may completely misunderstand the airlines baggage policy and hit you with hundreds of dollars of excess fees. For example, in their baggage policy British Airways have a pretty bad policy for mountain bikers, but tend to come off well in peoples experiences when they actually fly with them. If you do find yourself in a situation where you feel you are being overcharged your best bet is to suck it up and call the airlines customer services after. There is no point getting angry with the check-in staff, they are applying a policy and know that you don't actually have an alternative (unless you're happy to pay cargo charges or not get on the plane). If the check-in staff have made an error you will get your money refunded to you later.
Other than that, traveling with your bike is the best thing ever and the hassle is worth it! (til now)
Don't just pick the cheapest flight online without doing some research on everyone's bike bag policy. And bribing check in staff with chocolate bars can score you free beer for the next 6 hour flight!
I have told my buddies that a lot of times but they still haven't got it yet, it is always a journey of hesitation when we are doing the traveling plans.
Make sure to have the baggage policy bookmarked on your smartphone. Half the time they don't know their own policy and try and over charge your.
Agree with #5. We had our whole crew get them on free once because we were courteous, organized, and helped load the bikes when they were super busy.
Evoc bag is da bomb. I've got about 16 flights in on mine now. It's battered but still holding strong.
/5 bucks is a typical cost one way. sometimes they can hit you with some weird fees, but call customer service afterwards and they will refund money. Takes time, is a pain in the ass but you get it back
Anyway, Lufthansa staff have been excellent on that trip. His bag weighed in just under 32 kg, at the check-in the lady asks how heavy the bag is and he's like "32 kg" - honest as always. Lady types 23. "no, I said 32" - "Oh, it's OK, don't worry about it" Cheers, the excess baggage would've been ridiculously high for 9kg extra.
It is amazing how polite and efficient security in most (the ones I've been to) countries are when the TSA is probably the most incompetent and inefficient organization in the history of mankind.
Hahaha, this had me rollin'. Great tips @rocky-mtn-gman!
Also if someone tells you that you cannot watch TSA go through your bag because it is in a secure area....that's BS you have the right to see them go through your bag. Press them and ask to speak to a supervisor you will get your way.
Never had a problem with US customs though, even though they usually have way too much "tough guy" attitude.
Aaaand this is why I might try the hockey bag method next time. Hard cases are a pain in the ass because you have to carry them with you for the remainder of the trip as sometimes its not possible to store them for the trip's duration (like for long roadtrips).
I am sorry. I am just super jealous.
Usual I took of my rear triangle, pulled out the fork and stuffed everything in an north face XL duffel. That way teh frame was also nicly padded by my undies. however I could never fit both wheels into the same bag so i used an extra padded double wheel bag.
I was flying so much (Sky Alliance) i had a second piece of luggage for free anyway so it didn't cost me thing to travel with my bike but specially with US-based airlines where you have to pay for luggage anyway a piece of regular sized luggage extra is still cheaper than a bike ...
Used a large Easton wheeled hockey bag (40" Long x 18 x 18 I think) and packed the complete well-padded frame (corner to corner) and front wheel in that, then I used a smaller heavy duty duffel bag for the rear wheel and fork - then sprinkled the rest of the parts and my clothes between the bags and brought them carefully up to a few pounds under the maximum weight.
The bike is a Large Specialized Enduro S-Works with... um... 26" wheels (tires removed), and for padding / protection I just stretched a bunch of T shirts around the wheels in alternating directions... maybe 4-5 shirts per wheel.
Used many of the tips above... arrive early, smile and be friendly if not appearing to be a bit of a newby to flying.
Just basically walk up to the counter matter of factly assuming "this is my checked bag - and this is my second checked bag that I paid the extra $80 for when I booked / checked in online..." As we finished check in and bag weighing, she gives me a slightly sideways look and has me wheel the larger bag over to the oversize conveyor.
I made it a point to book the entire trip with one airline (KLM) to avoid different policies and attitudes, and I figured if anyone would be bicycle friendly it would be a Dutch airline.
So on the way there, I only got charged the regular (online discount) $80 for the extra checked bag, and on the way back it was about the same.
My bag weighed 49LBs with tools
Depending on the airline (some allow 2 checked bags) put the wheels in one box, and put your bike in the other. Customize the boxes into odd, absolute minimum shapes. Later, you will beg the check-in desk to go easy on you for the dimensions due to "financial hardship." Pad everything, re-insert rear axle. Protect your hubs with layers of cardboard. Add personal items packed around the bike parts like Angusprox said. Make full use of your carry-on.
Extra tips: bring a roll of blue tape, and packing tape. "It's not a bike; its some bike parts." Cannondale boxes seem to be the best. You can use your bike box as a hitchhiking sign. Cut your own handles in the box. Bundle all small items together so nothing falls out.
I have done this in various countries, and rarely, if ever, invested any money in flying with bikes.
www.sandsmachine.com
Meanwhile, I find that people put WAAAAAAYYYY too little emphasis on how they're going to deal with the bikes and cases while on vacation. I've rented station wagons that would hold two bikes, and arranged shuttle vans with assurance that the back would be available for bikes. But those took a good amount of extra phone time to get guarantees that I wouldn't be left ......... holding the bag. These options cost a bit more than basic transport too. Then, where will you be keeping the case while you enjoy your bike? It's a big big piece of empty luggage. Hope there's a garage where you're staying.
Matt, great article, one correction:
>>> Lufthansa's limit is 23kg for the bike.
We arrived at YVR last year for a flight to Munich (Alpcrossing trip). Evoc bag and Carbon Covert plus helmet and gear all packed in my bag. Just under 32kg.
Booked through Air Canada and received confirmation from Air Canada that 32kg is ok. I'm a bit OCD and wanted to make sure I won't have to deal with any issues, so I've checked the Air Canada website and even called them to confirm. When we arrived, the actual flight was with Star Alliance partner Lufthansa who has a 23kg limit. This was Crankworx weekend and a number of German and Austrian Enduro riders were booked on the same flight to Munich. So the fun began... we all scrambled to re-pack our gear trying to get the Evoc bags down to 23kg. Still paid a hefty additional fee as now all our regular luggage was overweight. NOT IMPRESSED! This was total bs, especially since I inquired beforehand. Talked to service desk supervisor and submitted written complaint, but no positive response. Again, there was a number of pro-riders affected as well and they all were super surprised.
2nd point: Partly because I live a good distance away from the airport, plus a ferry journey, I always try and book an early flight and stay overnight prior at a budget hotel near the airport. For the early flights EasyJet allow you to check in your luggage the prior evening, when the airport can be far from busy, so bag drop has been swift, and more importantly that saves a lot of hassle going through the bag drop on the morning of the flight when the airport is always insanely busy.
back in 2006 British Airways was just so good. You could bring 2 regular 32 Kgs luggage + a sport equipement (32 Kgs) + a cabin suitcase and a laptop size suitcase..... With no extra charge!
Now it's just one luggage or sport equipement and 2 cabin luggage.
I will do so next year; I think I will pre-register two bikes and bring two cardboard boxes (2x 32kg, all clothes stuffed in them), a carry-on and no other baggage. I expect to pay for two bikes, but no additional baggage fee (intercontinental flights usually allow 2 checked bags).
Also you can save space in luggage and bring helmet as a headdress;
Last Time:
Use nylon bag for $40 + straps + bubble protection from local store for $5 bucks (all weight less than 3 kg)
All bike with equipment, tools, shoes and spares weight less than 23 kg. Paid nothing to airlines
And yepp we have 23 kg limit.
Stockholm - Shanghai - Auckland, twice as expensive as Auckland - Hongkong - Stockholm
Be careful if you fly to the States though as usually the internal flight on the way back will be with a carrier (normally Delta) who will charge you $150 for baggage.
From the Air Canada website.
Bicycles are accepted on a space available basis only and should be pre-registered at time of booking. Each bicycle counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.
Weight and size limits:
Maximum weight: 32kg (70lb)
Maximum linear dimensions (length + width + height): 292cm (115 in)
Air Canada Cargo handles the shipment of bicycles that exceed these limits.
Waivers
No overweight or oversize charges apply to bicycles, provided they are within the maximum weight and size limits indicated above.
Charges
If your baggage count (bicycle + number of bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply, in addition to a fixed handling charge.
Handling charge
In addition to any applicable additional checked baggage charges, bicycles are subject to a handling charge of $50 CAD/USD (plus applicable taxes) for carriage on Air Canada and Air Canada rouge flights, as well as on Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz, Sky Regional, Air Georgian and Exploits Valley Air.
The handling charge applies to one-way flights and for each way of travel on round-trip and multi-segment flights.
A single fixed handling charge is waived:
When you purchase a Latitude or Business Class fare for travel within Canada, and between Canada and the U.S.
If you are an Altitude member, provided your baggage count (bicycle + number of bags to be checked) does not exceed the maximum number of items allowed by your Altitude status.
Packing instructions
The bicycle must be placed - with handlebars fixed sideways and pedals removed - in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping or in a bicycle suitcase (in the case of collapsible bicycles). Tires must be partially deflated.
If otherwise packaged, the bicycle may be refused for carriage. Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.
A maximum of one bicycle and one helmet are allowed per guest.
All applicable oversized, overweight and extra piece fees apply. For example, if a bicycle is more than 115 inches in combined dimensions both overweight and oversize fees will be charged.
WestJet may refuse carriage of improperly packaged bicycles. Before flying with your bike, please:
Remove pedals.
Partially deflate your tires.
Fix handlebars sideways.
Pack the bicycle in a box or bag to protect your bike and prevent leakage from bicycles containing hydraulic fluid.
My fee has always been $50...pretty sure some personable dialogue/friendly banter helped.
Many airlines now offer this, some luggage (no bike bags I'm aware of tho) have built in gps.
nsmb.com/air-canada-destroys-bike
Also the AirNZ bit not correct. Sporting equipment including bikes you can travel free with, as long as they're under your 23kg bag limit. Otherwise you just have to pay for another 'standard' bag which was $200. You can buy a 'heavy' bag not sure how much that costs.
The 23kg limit is tight. I just brought a road bike back from the states... didn't take my MTB just hired. Nearly got stung $200 bucks for an extra bag (empty bike bag) going up.. just grabbed a rolled of tape out of car and taped my 'normal' bag to bike bag.. was then one item no probs cause under 23kgs.
One trick I used and have used it on internal flights here to Q'town is to take a lot of stuff out of your bike bag.. get someone to hold onto it. Get it checked in at the desk where it's weighed, then you have to take it to oversize baggage to get on plane. As you walk to oversized just fill it back up with all the junk you took out. They don't weigh it again as it's checked and tagged just xray and send it through. Works a treat!
Overall its pure bias, as most airlines allow Golfers to check their heavy awkward cases for the same price as normal checked luggage. That's $50 vs $400 for an international flight!
I used the Dakine bag, and it was pretty nice. A bag with wheels is a plus if transporting a DH bike.
nsmb.com/air-canada-destroys-bike
Cargo holds were and always have been pressurized+heated...
Unless you flew your bike on an unpressurized fighter jet...
Bikes fly for free, regardless of box size.