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How to fly with your bike | Packing, weight limits and surcharges explained

Our complete guide to travelling with your bike on a plane

Benedict Pfender

There’s always good riding to be had at home, but sometimes you need to get your bike fix somewhere else.

Often, flying remains the easiest way to get abroad, but figuring out how to transport your bicycle can sometimes feel like a bit of a battle. So we’ve done some research to make it easier for you.

We've also got 15 tips for travelling with your bike from our readers, a separate article with detailed advice on how to pack your bike , our pick of the best bike boxes and bike bags , as well as our guide to bicycle insurance - just in case things do go wrong on your flight.

How to pack your bike for travel

If you’re flying with your bike, you’re going to have to pack it up. The days of chancing it and showing up at the airport with an unpacked bike are over. Instead, we recommend you take a bit of time to prepare.

Whether you’re using a basic bike bag or a more elaborate hardshell case, always ensure your pride and joy is stowed securely and safely.

As a rule, you’ll have to take off your wheels, pedals and bars.

We’ve put together two detailed guides on how to pack your bike for travel, which should provide you with all the information you need to keep your bike safe in transit.

Note too that your airline may have additional restrictions on carriage of the battery if you plan to travel with an electric bike . Some ban batteries altogether, while others stipulate a maximum capacity, usually 160Wh, that's a lot smaller than most electric bike batteries .

Do I need to deflate my tyres and shocks?

Many airlines, but not all, stipulate that tyres and shocks should be deflated or part-deflated for carriage. Aircraft cabin and hold pressures are lower than that at sea level, around that experienced at 2,500m (8,000ft). This might not cause your tyres to explode, but it's probably worth letting some air out.

On the other hand, some air left in your tyres will help to protect your wheel rims, so squidgy, not flat, is probably best.

What to pack it in – a bike bag or box?

We would advocate a dedicated bike bag or box, but recognise that the cost can be off-putting, especially if you don’t plan on travelling with your bike very often. So, there are some cheaper alternatives you could consider.

A cardboard box

You could try to get a cardboard bike box from your local bike shop, though it’s unlikely to be a particularly compact option, so it’s worth checking the baggage size restriction with your airline.

Cardboard is also not the most impact-resistant material (nor durable if it’s sitting outside in the rain), so we’d recommend padding out the box to protect your bike.

It is worth bearing in mind that some airlines don’t accept anything other than a 'recognised bike bag', so you should check beforehand precisely what is meant by this.

While this option is decidedly cheaper than buying a dedicated bike bag or box, if you are travelling regularly then the prospect of investing in a bike bag can seem more reasonable as a purpose-built solution for transporting your bike. It should protect your bike better as well.

A dedicated bike bag or bike box

There are two options here: a hard or a soft case. The former will usually provide a bit more security and protection, while the latter is generally a little cheaper, lighter and easier to store when not in use.

You also get hybrids that are designed to combine the best of both worlds. That usually means a soft shell that has an internal frame to add extra rigidity and protection for your bike.

The main advantage of a dedicated bike bag is it's designed specifically to hold your bike and as such has padding in all the appropriate locations. Being purpose-built means it will also have compartments, straps and all the necessary measures to hold its contents and accessories securely.

We have additional reviews of bike travel cases on site.

As always, the sky's the limit when it comes to protecting your ride – we reported on this decadent $50,000 bike case from Fairwheel bikes a while ago, but there are definitely some more reasonable options available.

We’ve listed some of our favourites for you below:

Evoc bike bags

Evoc bike bags have become a go-to in the cycling world. We gave the Travel bag a 4.5-star review . It’s not the cheapest, but provides very good protection and still comes in cheaper than a hard case.

Scicon Aerocomfort

The Aerocomfort is a soft-sided bag, but includes an internal bike stand and the design provides space to keep the bars and seatpost in place. There are options for MTBs and triathlon bikes, as well as road bikes. Look out for airlines' maximum linear dimension limits though.

Biknd produces soft bags that add additional protection with inflatable side panels. We’ve reviewed the JetPack in the past, and while it's pricey it performed very well.

B&W hard case

If you want the ultimate in protection, a hard case is the way to go.

Something such as the B&W Bike Box is a cheaper option that provides good protection. However, it doesn’t appear to fit mountain bikes.

BikeBox Alan

There are numerous other examples out there. One we have particularly liked in the past is the BikeBox Alan, although it's another box that might fall foul of airlines' maximum linear dimensions regulations.

• Buy the BikeBox Alan

Split your bike in two

In order to pack bikes smaller, frequent travellers might choose to go with travel bikes that have a frame that can be split in two.

These usually enable you to then check your bag as normal, rather than as outsize luggage, saving significant costs.

One of the slickest solutions we’ve seen is the Ritchey Break-Away.

We've reviewed the Break-Away Carbon , and while it's quite an investment, it could easily be used as your only bike. There’s no compromise on ride quality, just a tiny bit of added weight due to the fittings that enable the frame to be disassembled.

S&S couplings

S&S couplings are a precision-fitted, threaded linkage that can be retrofitted to many (round-tubed) frames.

The tubes of your bike can then be split for transport but reassembled without any performance impact. In fact, S&S couplings are said to be stronger than the tubes themselves.

There are a limited number of approved frame builders and you can check out the list here . S&S makes cases specifically to fit the compact, disassembled frames.

Take a folding bike

If you just want a bike to get around a city when you arrive, a folding bike can be a compact solution that will pack into a case that's a lot smaller than a standard bike bag.

Brompton sells a wheeled soft case for its folders, and B&W has a hard-case option with a drag handle. Other folding bike brands also offer soft or hard cases for their bikes, such as Gocycle's travel case for its electric folding bike .

You may be able to avoid airlines' oversized baggage restrictions, but look out for baggage weight limits and, if you're taking an electric folding bike, restrictions on carrying batteries.

What else to pack

Don’t forget, you’ll need to take all your riding accessories with you too. Make sure you have your essential tools, pump, nutrition, bottles, clothes, helmet and anything else you usually take with you when riding.

Bear in mind that bike bags tend to add quite a bit of weight on top of the bike itself (and so will your padding if you’re doing a DIY version). Keep an eye on the maximum weight limit for luggage on your flight and make sure you don't exceed this or pack any restricted items.

Some airlines stipulate that a bike box can't be used to transport anything except your bike.

If your bike goes missing in transit, you can potentially hire a bike while you're at your destination. However, other items such as cycling shoes in the right size and your favourite helmet are going to be trickier, so you might want to take those in carry-on luggage.

There's usually a maximum packed weight for the bag, that's often 32kg but may be lower. Airlines may also stipulate maximum 'linear dimensions', which is the sum of a box's length + width + height.

Travelling without a bike

So far, the focus here has been on travelling with your bike. However, you may want to consider just leaving your bike behind and hiring one at the other end when you arrive.

There are an increasing number of providers who offer high-quality bike rentals in various destinations, and in some cases this can work out cheaper or easier to organise than transporting bikes yourself, especially when you consider transfers. Often they're dream bikes and stock is updated annually, so you might get to ride an almost-new top-spec bike – and not have to clean it.

Getting your bike on a plane – fees and weight limits explained

The above information is all well and good, but when selecting your flight things start to get complicated. As a rule, we will use a comparison site such as Skyscanner or Tripadvisor to figure out which flights are cheapest, although you might find a better deal on an airline's website and some airlines are not covered by comparison sites.

However, hold fire before booking your tickets – figure out how much transporting your bikes will cost because we’ve found that in some cases choosing an initially more 'premium' flight can work out cheaper overall.

Different airlines will treat bikes differently, with some accepting a bike bag as part of your baggage allowance, even though it's outsized, while others will require you to pay a surcharge on top of your flight cost to be able to carry your bike with you.

Sometimes, we have found it cheaper to upgrade your class of travel rather than adding additional baggage to your booking. You’ll often have a more generous baggage allowance, so it can be worth looking through the fine print to figure out what will work best.

One thing we would add is it’s always worth calling ahead to let airlines know you intend to carry your bike. Find out all the information you need in advance because paying for excess weight allowance or excess baggage at the airport is almost always prohibitively expensive. Keep a note of who you talked to and when.

If you have a transfer flight on a different airline, you should make sure both carriers will accept your bike on board.

It's recommended that you insure your bike because airlines won’t cover any damage to your bike. Make sure to check your bike over once it arrives at the other end too so that you can flag up any issues immediately.

We’ve collated the terms and conditions of the major airlines here, but do please also take the time to double-check them yourself - they do change, usually for the worse.

Flying with a bike from the UK and in Europe – rules, costs and weight limits explained

Most of these airlines fly internationally and long-haul. However, for the purposes of this article we’ve done a rough grouping according to whether the airlines fly predominantly in Europe, the US or Australia.

Details updated 23 March 2023

• Requires approval from customer service department at least 48 hours before flight
• Bikes are not a part of baggage allowance
• 23kg maximum weight
• Bike transport within Europe and to some French DOM-TOMs costs €55
• Price ranges from €40 to 125 depending on five different flight zones
• Max dimensions of 120x90cm
• Max ebike battery 160Wh, must be removed from bike
• Weight limit of 23kg
• For more details visit Air France here
• A bike will cost €50 per flight or €40 if booked online
• Weight allowance up to 23kg
• Part of standard baggage allowance for flights to/from North America
• For flights to/from North America, bikes can be carried as part of your luggage allowance
• Extra luggage is charged at €75 / $100 each way
• Business class passengers carry sports equipment for free
• Electric bikes: contact customer services
• For more details visit Aer Lingus here

British Airways

• Bikes allowed as part of your free checked baggage allowance if packed
• Call 72 hours ahead of time to confirm your bike reservation
• Permissible dimensions of 190x95x65cm
• No clothing or other personal items to be packed with bike
• Above 32kg, you will have to ship anything as freight
• No electric bikes
• For more details visit British Airways here
• A bike is counted as large sports equipment
• One piece per booking, no refunds
• Costs £45 per flight pre-booked / £55 at airport with weight allowance up to 32kg
• Must be packed in a bike box
• No items other than your bike may be transported in the bike box
• 32kg maximum weight
• For more details visit EasyJet here
• Okay, we know this one doesn't leave the ground
• Email [email protected] to book a space
• Drop off at luggage area before departure
• Only available on certain services from London to Paris
• Folding bikes in a protective bag/case up to 85cm long can be taken on board
• For more details visit Eurostar here
• Register in advance to reserve space
• 32kg max weight
• £43/€50 for short haul flight
• For more details visit Eurowings here
• Bike counted as part of luggage allowance for long-haul flights
• A €40 fee applies for short-haul flights if booked in advance, €50 for medium-haul
• Weight allowance up to 32kg
• Permissible dimensions of 131x72x21cm
• Can buy a 131x72x21cm box for €20 at some airports
• No ebikes, no tandems
• For more details visit Iberia here

Ita Airways

• €60 per flight in Europe, €100 per flight intercontinental if booked in advance
• Not larger than 300cm
• For more details visit Ita Airways here
• Must be pre-booked
• Taking a bike starts at £30 / €37
• For more details visit Jet2 here
• Not a part of baggage allowance
• Within Europe €55
• Prices range from €40 to €100 depending on five different flight zones
• Max linear dimensions 300cm, up to 23kg
• Ebike batteries must be removed and be smaller than 160Wh
• For more details visit KLM here
• Register bike at least 24 hours before departure
• Bikes counted as part of your baggage allowance (except in Economy Class Light)
• Weight allowance up to 23kg for economy, 32kg for business
• Sum of linear dimensions of 2.8m maximum
• Additional baggage costs from €70 to €250 / $80 to $287
• For more details visit Luthansa here

Norwegian Air

• Adding a bike will cost £30 online / £50 at airport
• Max size 250x79x112cm
• Print and take travel receipt to airport
• For more details visit Norwegian Air here
• Fixed £60/€60 fee per flight
• Max weight 30kg
• Must be packed in a bike box or bike bag
• For more details visit Ryanair here
• Space must be reserved in advance
• Bikes are part of your baggage allowance
• Must be packed in a box or bag
• Additional fees outside allowance are very expensive
• ebike battery must be removed, max 160Wh capacity
• For more details visit Swiss Air here
• Considered 'Special Luggage' and subject to a minimum €100 fee
• Add to booking online
• Max weight 32kg
• Max linear dimensions 2.7m
• For more details visit Vueling here
• Subject to Sporting Equipment fee of €45 if booked in advance, €65 at airport
• Add to booking online or via call centre
• Can carry an ebike battery up to 160Wh separately in carry-on baggage
• For more details visit Wizz Air here

Flying to, from or in the US with a bike – rules, costs and weight limits explained

• Bikes must be registered at least 24 hours in advance
• Specifically requests bikes are packed in purpose-built bike bag
• Bike can be counted as part of your baggage allowance, except on some flights where there's a $50 (CDN/US) fee
• Weight allowance up to 32kg for bikes, with no overweight charges for bikes below 32kg
• Maximum linear dimensions of 292cm
• No other items in bike box
• For more details visit Air Canada here

Alaska Airlines

• Alaska will waive $100 oversize and overweight baggage fees and charge bikes at standard rate of $30 for first bag, $40 for second bag, $100 for each additional bag
• Weight under 51lb, sum of dimensions less than 115 inches
• No items except bike in box
• For more details visit Alaska Airlines here

American Airlines

• Bike can be taken as part of checked allowance if in bike box/bag
• Must be under 50lbs / 23kg
• Must be under 126 inches / 3.2m in linear dimensions
• Above this will incur a fee of $150, increasing allowance to 70lbs / 32kg and 126 inches / 3.2m
• For more details visit American Airlines here
• Bag can be carried as part of your checked luggage on most flights
• Weight allowance up to 50lb
• Maximum linear dimensions up to 292cm
• Above those limits, bicycle is charged at minimum $150
• Limited release form must be signed unless in a hard case
• For more details visit Delta here
• Carrying bikes between US and Europe costs £66 / $83 within Europe, £92 / $116 to/from US per flight leg
• Pre-book for 20% discount
• Weight allowance up to 70lbs / 32kg
• Maximum dimensions of 87x22x40in / 221x56x102cm
• For more details visit Icelandair here
• Carried as part of checked baggage if under 50lb/62 inches
• $100 / £80 / €90 per leg plus any applicable checked bag fee for larger items
• Must be under 99lbs
• No liability for damage if packed in a soft-sided case
• No other items in bike case
• For more details visit JetBlue here

Southwest Airlines

• Bikes can be carried as part of checked allowance for a $75 fee per flight leg
• Must under 62 inches / 1.57m in linear dimensions
• For more details visit Southwest here

Spirit Airlines

• Bikes are charged at $75 each way
• Counts towards part of your checked allowance
• For more details visit Spirit here
• Bike can be carried as part of your luggage allowance
• Maximum of 292cm linear dimensions
• $150 for travel in North America if limits are exceeded
• $200 for travel everywhere else if limits are exceeded
• For more details visit United here

Virgin Atlantic

• Bikes allowed as part of your free baggage allowance, unless travelling Economy Light
• Pre-booking not required
• Overweight baggage charge from 23kg to 32kg
• Overweight luggage or adding extra bags starts at £65
• For more details visit Virgin here

Flying to, from or in Asia Pacific – rules, costs and weight limits explained

Air new zealand.

• Items can be carried as part of your checked allowance
• Must be in a bike box/bag
• Items may weigh up to 23kg
• May not exceed 2m long
• Can pack accessories in box
• For more details visit Air New Zealand here

Cathay Pacific

• Contact at least 72 hours in advance to book bike
• Bike must be transported in a hard case or "recognised bicycle box"
• Bike counts as part of checked allowance
• For more details visit Cathay Pacific here
• Bikes must be booked at least 24 hours in advance
• Can be carried as part of your checked baggage allowance
• Weight limit of 23kg or 32kg depending on the class you are flying in
• Maximum linear dimensions of 300cm
• Additional charges are rather expensive
• For more details visit Emirates here
• Bikes are exempt from oversize rules
• 300cm linear dimensions
• For more details visit Etihad here
• Bikes can be carried, but must pay oversize fee
• Charged at AU$25 per flight
• Max 32kg weight
• Make sure to purchase enough weight allowance
• For more details visit Jetstar here

Malaysia Airlines

• Bikes will usually be accepted as checked baggage, with different allowances by cabin class
• Maximum 158cm linear dimensions
• Maximum 204cm linear dimensions to carry as oversize baggage
• Fees vary depending on airport
• For more details visit Malaysia Airlines here
• Bike can be carried as part of your baggage allowance
• Maximum weight of 32kg
• Dimensions of 140x30x80cm
• For more details visit Qantas here
• Bike will be carried as part of free baggage allowance
• Minimum $200 to add extra items of luggage to your booking
• For more details visit Qatar Airways here

Singapore Airlines

• Bikes are carried as part of free baggage allowance
• Weight limit of 32kg
• No stated dimension restrictions
• For more details visit Singapore Air here

Virgin Australia

• Bike accepted as part of checked luggage
• Must be packaged in specific bike case (soft or hard)
• Weight limit of 23kg (32kg in business class)
• Size restriction varies by type of aircraft
• Must be checked in at least one hour prior to departure
• ebike batteries maximum 160Wh
• For more details visit Virgin Australia here

At the other end

Once you land at your destination, be sure to consider how you are going to transport your bike. In all likelihood, you’re not going to be riding away from the airport, so check luggage restrictions on any public transport that you might be taking so you don’t run into any trouble.

Make sure you know how to get your bike to where you're wanting to go.

It may also be worth considering whether you need to fly. There are quite a few options that offer to transport you and your bike more conveniently. For example, in the UK, Bike Express offers transport to mainland Europe at relatively reasonable prices.

Always make sure you double-check terms and conditions before making your booking, and if in doubt contact the airline you intend to fly with.

We've flown with our bikes countless times and while it can seem a bit of a logistical headache, with a little bit of effort it's easy enough to get everything sorted out.

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How To Fly With Your Bike: The Ultimate Guide

Exploring new terrain on your bike is one of the true joys of cycling. But if you’re unprepared when flying to your destination, your trip can be ruined by expensive fees, damaged equipment, and logistical challenges. Luckily, flying with a bike can be fairly easy and affordable if you plan ahead. What do you need to know before embarking on your next cycling adventure?

Table of Contents

• Flying With a Bike: An Overview
• Baggage/ Case Options
• Packing Your bike
• Typical Costs/ Airline Policies

Flying With a Mountain Bike

Flying with a bike: an overview .

There are three major variables to consider any time you fly with your bike. First, the safety of your equipment—you want to be confident your bike will arrive intact and undamaged at your destination. The second factor is the cost of getting your bike there, which can vary dramatically depending on the airline and on how you pack it. Finally, the third factor is simplicity— it can be difficult and time-consuming to rebuild a fully-deconstructed bike, especially if you’re in a hotel room or unfamiliar environment with limited tools.

Every method of traveling with a bike balances a mix of these three factors. No option is perfect, but understanding the pros, cons, and logistics of each in advance can help you determine which is best for you and your equipment.

Basic Advice 

However you choose to get your bike to your destination,  you’ll need some basic technical knowledge and tools  to do so. All travel cases and bags require some amount of deconstruction— usually at least the removal of pedals, wheels, and handlebars. It’s notable that for some modern road bikes with fully integrated cockpits, this can be a very laborious and time-consuming job, and these bikes may require special cases that allow handlebars to remain attached.

Many airlines are becoming more bike-friendly, but  fees can vary dramatically . In some cases, you may save money overall by choosing a more expensive airline with lower baggage fees. And note that no matter how welcoming an airline is to cyclists, baggage handlers may be very rough with your bike, and airlines are often not responsible for damage that occurs during transit.  Consider purchasing luggage insurance  for your trip, especially if traveling with an expensive carbon bike. Some homeowners’ and renters’ policies, as well as certain credit cards, may cover your baggage already, so check your specific policies for details.

Don’t save anything for the last minute . Practice packing your bike well in advance, and consider all aspects of your trip’s logistics and how they relate to your bike. Will your box or case fit in your transport upon arrival? Will you be able to comfortably rebuild and later repack your bike in your lodging? How will you get your bike to the airport when it’s time to head home? 

Finally, it’s worth considering whether it’s actually necessary to bring your bike on the plane with you in the first place. Bike shipping services can send it in advance, and this option may be economical depending on your destination and itinerary. Alternatively, if having your own bike with you isn’t necessary, consider renting one from a local shop for the duration of your stay.

Note: A few bikes have frames specifically designed to come apart for easy packing. These bikes can be worthy investments for frequent flyers, but this post is primarily intended for athletes traveling with their existing standard bikes.

Flying With a Bike: Packing Options

Three main options exist for packing your bike for flight— cardboard bike boxes, soft-sided bike bags, and hardshell cases. It’s also worth mentioning that a few bikes are made with special frames designed to come apart for easy packing, and these bikes can be excellent options if you are a frequent traveler. But the packing discussion in this post

Cardboard Bike Boxes

A cardboard bike box is the simplest container for your bike during travel. Cardboard boxes do have a few things working in their favor— for one, they’re easy to get (often for free) from almost any bike shop. Most are large enough to fit your bike nearly intact, so they are fairly easy to pack.

But that’s about it when it comes to positives. Cardboard boxes are prone to damage, especially in wet conditions. Cardboard boxes are easily punctured, and their handles often tear out and rip off. Bikes packed in cardboard boxes need significant additional padding and must be very carefully packed to arrive safely. Additionally, cardboard bike boxes are large and ungainly. They might not fit into small vehicles bringing you to and from the airport, and they’ll definitely incur oversize baggage fees. To add insult to injury, most airlines won’t insure or cover any damage to bikes packed in cardboard boxes. Use at your own risk.

Cardboard Box Pros: Cheap, easy to pack. Cons: Large, fragile, difficult to transport, airlines won’t insure, always incur oversize fees.

Bike Bags/ Soft Cases

Soft-sided bike bags vary widely in their design and features. Most have straps and wheels that make them easy to move around, and they’re generally small enough to fit in a rental car without a problem. On the downside, many airlines require a liability release for bikes packed in soft-sided bags. Also, they aren’t cheap— costs typically range from about $400–$600 USD. Some companies allow you to rent one for your trip instead of purchasing the bag outright. 

Larger bags allow you to leave your fork on your bike and may include an internal mount for your frame which can make them easy to pack. They usually include some amount of internal padding and protection, but you may want to add additional padding to your frame and components. These bags are usually lighter than hard-sided cases, but they are still quite large, and invariably incur oversize luggage fees. 

Smaller bike bags are designed specifically to avoid airline oversize fees and are about the size of a large suitcase. These bags are somewhat challenging to pack and require significant bike deconstruction— fork, handlebars, pedals, both wheels, and rear derailleur usually need to be removed. But if packed with some extra padding on crucial components, they’re quite sturdy and safe, and are by far the easiest option for transport to and from the airport. This blog post’s author has used one of these bags for several years, with no damage or additional fees.

Soft Case Pros: Easy to transport, can avoid airline fees. Cons: Difficult to pack, expensive, often require extra padding.

Hard-Sided Cases

Most protective of your bike but also the most expensive option, hard cases range in size and design. Some are quite compact and challenging to pack. Others are extremely large and heavy, but allow you to travel with your bike almost fully assembled. All offer the promise of robust protection against impact, though some travelers believe baggage handlers are more likely to be rough with hard cases than soft-sided bags. On the plus side, if you use a hard-sided case, airlines are usually willing to insure your bike and compensate you if damage occurs during a flight.

Hard cases are generally less convenient to transport and get around than soft bags, but some have multiple handles and wheels to make things easier. Unfortunately, most hard cases are big enough to incur an oversize luggage fee. It’s also quite obvious what’s in one of these cases, so if your airline charges a bike-specific fee there’s no avoiding it when using one. 

Hard Case Pros: Highly protective. Moderate packing difficulty. Cons: Heavy, awkward, expensive, usually incur extra fees.

Packing Your Bike

When it comes time to pack your bike for travel, there are two main tasks— protecting your equipment and preparing it for potential opening and inspection. The more systematic and organized your packing job, the more likely it will be safely repacked after inspection by transportation safety agents.

Packing Your Bike Step-By-Step

• Remove any components needed to fit the bike in your chosen container. This almost always means removing the handlebars, pedals, and front wheel. Depending on your luggage it may also require removing your rear wheel, fork, and seat post. Put shipping spacers or thru axles into your dropouts, and put spacers into your disc brake calipers.
• Wrap your bike and components in padding. Some cases include this, but many riders use bubble wrap, pipe insulation, or pool noodles sliced in half and cut to size. Securely tape or zip-tie the padding in place.
• Attach handlebars/ fork/ seat post to your frame and zip-tie in place. Where you put them depends on your case and your bike, but by attaching everything together it will be easier for TSA agents to put your bike back into your case after inspection, and less likely anything will get lost. 
• Remove rear derailleur and any other protruding component (computer mount, derailleur hanger, eTap batteries, etc) that could potentially be impacted if your bag or case is mistreated. Wrap these parts in padding/ attach to your frame. Wrap your chain in padding and attach it to your chainstay. Remove disc rotors from your wheels and wrap in bubble wrap or clothing.
• Photograph your gear before you put it into your bag. It will come in handy if you need to file a claim with the airline, and will help you repack your bag on the way home.
• Write your name and contact information on a sheet of paper and tape it to your bike. Insert the bike into your bag or case. Insert wheels into the case, slightly deflating tires if needed to fit.
• Fill extra space in your bag or case with kit and shoes. Wrap your pump in padding and insert it. Wrap other components you removed in padding (such as pedals, rotors, and saddlebag) and place them together in a small bag, which can also go into the extra space or pockets in your travel bag/ case. Put every tool you used to deconstruct the bike into a small bag, wrap in padding, and place them in the luggage, too. 
• Close the bag/case and carefully feel around the outside. If any part of your bike (such as your chainring) can be felt protruding, reopen and reposition/ attach extra padding to this area. 
• Verify all old barcodes/ destination stickers are removed from the exterior of your luggage. Mark the exterior prominently with your name and contact information.

Other Important Packing Tips

• Bikes are often damaged by contact with objects inside the case. Add padding anywhere two parts touch each other in the luggage. Wrap every loose component in padding and secure inside.
• Bent disc rotors are the most common damage during travel. Even if your case doesn’t require it, remove your rotors, wrap them in padding, and secure them somewhere safe.
• Zip-tie everything together inside the case, so if a security agent removes your bike during an inspection they won’t lose anything or have trouble putting it back in. Make it foolproof!
• Don’t forget your tools. Many bike tools are prohibited from carry-on luggage, so wrap all the tools you’ll need together and secure them in your case. Don’t forget an air pump, and always bring a torque wrench!
• Your tires won’t explode on an airplane. Some airlines require you to deflate your tires, but always leave enough air in tubeless setups to keep the tires seated. 
• Most airlines prohibit CO2 containers in carry-on  and  checked luggage. Remove them from your flat kit and grab new ones at your destination’s local bike shop.
• Electronic groupsets bring some additional considerations. Remove batteries from SRAM derailleurs, so they don’t get lost if your case is opened. Shift levers can be inadvertently pushed inside of bags and cases, so remove the coin cell battery from SRAM shifters and unplug shifter cables under Shimano hoods.
• If your power meter has a removable battery, remove it during packing to prevent battery drain.
• Remember to bring chargers for any electronic components, including head units, lights, and derailleurs.

The Typical Cost of Flying With Your Bike

So you’ve got your bike packed and ready to fly. How much will it cost? 

The answer depends on the airline and your specific equipment. Some airlines charge no special fees, while some charge an all-inclusive fee for bikes, and some layer multiple fees for bike, luggage weight, and luggage size. Check your airline’s policies, but you can usually use this formula to find your expenses:

Cost to Bring Bike = Bike Fee + Standard Checked Bag Fee + Oversize Fee (if Applicable) + Overweight Fee (if applicable)

For most airlines, oversize fees kick in if the combined length, width, and depth measurement of your luggage add up to more than 62”. While many popular bags and cases do exceed this limit, these fees are inconsistently enforced by gate agents. Overweight penalties usually start at 50 lbs, and for even larger and heavier bags most airlines have more severe fees. 

All told, costs can vary dramatically. If you have a lightweight road bike in a small, soft bag and you’re flying on an airline with no bike fee, you’ll only be charged for a standard piece of checked luggage. On the other hand, with a large mountain bike, in a hard case, on an airline with a bike fee, you may need to pay $300 or more each direction in bike, weight, and oversize charges. Discount carriers usually charge more in additional fees, so do your homework and research potential costs before you buy your ticket. In the end, it’s often worth paying a little more upfront for a premium carrier without bike penalties.

Best Airlines for Flying With a Bike

Here is a comparison of major airlines’ policies on bikes, to help you find the best option for your next trip. Note: If an airline layers multiple fees, all are listed. Some fees marked N/A may still be incurred if your case is very large/ heavy. Policies are accurate as of 10/5/21. Prices USD unless noted.

Adaptive Training

Get the right workout, every time with training that adapts to you.

In most ways, bringing a mountain bike on an airline is the same as bringing a road or gravel bike. However, mountain bikes are generally bulkier, with thicker tubes and wider axles. This means mountain bikes may not fit in all travel cases, and you may need a case or bag specifically designed for large bikes. Pay close attention to weight, as adding extra kit and equipment to a bag containing a mountain bike may incur an expensive overweight penalty.

When preparing your mountain bike for travel, it’s often easier to remove the handlebars from the stem, than it is to remove the stem from the steerer tube. If possible, flip your fork backward to shorten your wheelbase and make your bike more compact for packing. As with road bikes, always remove your brake rotors, and only deflate your tires enough to fit your luggage. Don’t allow your tires to come off the bead, and bring a small container of sealant in your checked bag just in case you need it upon arrival.

If your bike still won’t fit, let some air out of your suspension to reduce height (but make sure you bring your shock pump with you). Resist the temptation to fly with your dropper post down— a long flight with the cartridge under pressure can stress the hydraulics, so remove the post from your frame instead. And on that note, service any hydraulic components in need of maintenance  before  you travel. Extended periods in your bag in an unusual position can push worn seals beyond their limits, and you don’t want to arrive at your destination to find a crucial part no longer works.

Finally, bring a large rag or towel along with you for your trip. You might not have the ability to wash your bike at your destination before repacking it for your return, but at least you’ll be prepared to give your equipment a good wipe-down.

Sean Hurley is a bike racer, baker of sourdough bread, and former art professor. He is a connoisseur of cycling socks and a certified USAC level 3 coach. Rumor has it he also runs a famous cycling instagram account, but don't tell anyone about that.

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Flying With Your Bike as Checked Luggage: Tips For a Trouble-Free Trip

If you’ll be traveling by plane to a bike race, tour, or cycling vacation, you’re probably wondering: how the heck do I fly with my bike? The short answer: you can bring your bike on a plane as checked luggage, just like a suitcase (sort of).

People fly with bicycles all the time, so it’s not as odd as you might think. You’ll need to do a little homework to choose the best (cheapest) airline and pack your bike properly, but your bike will almost certainly arrive safely at your destination.

I love to travel on my bike, which means I often travel with my bike to faraway places. I’ve taken my bike on an airplane at least 15 times (I might have lost count) on four different continents and a number of U.S. states.

I’ll be honest, I was pretty nervous the first few times! That tense wait at the oversize baggage claim seemed endless. But now that I know what I’m doing, it’s really not that hard, and I’ll explain everything you need to know in this post.

Read on to learn how to keep costs down, understand airline policies, find or make a bike box, pack your bike securely, and plan transportation to and from the airport.

Related reading:

• Shipping vs. Flying With Your Bike
• Bike Box or Roller Bag: Which is Most Convenient?

Table of contents:

• Cost of flying with a bike
• Understanding airline policies
• Choosing a bike box, bag, or case
• Packing your bike for air travel
• What to expect at the airport

When you buy through affiliate links in this post, I may earn a small commission. Thanks for your support! I always offer unbiased opinions based on real experience from the road and trail. Learn more .

How much does it cost?

The cost of flying with a bicycle depends on the airline, which is why you need to choose your airline carefully.

I’ve seen fees anywhere from $0 to $250+ for a one-way itinerary. Some airlines make exceptions for sports equipment even if oversize and overweight, some charge a reasonable fee, and some get greedy. Generally speaking, if an airline does charge a bicycle fee, longer routes will be more expensive.

In the United States many airlines are becoming more bike-friendly. Currently Alaska Air, Delta, American Airlines, and United all allow bike boxes for the price of a regular checked bag (usually around $30).

I’ve found international airlines to be hit or miss, sometimes charging as much as $250+ for a bike (looking at you, Lufthansa) and sometimes charging nothing at all (thank you EVA Air!).

Alternative: Shipping Your Bike

If you’re stuck with an airline that charges a lot to check a bike as luggage, you might look into shipping your bike with bikeflights.com or shipbikes.com . It’s not cheap, but if you’re flying domestically within the US it may be comparable to the more expensive airline fees, and it’s definitely more convenient.

You’ll need to arrange a pickup location at your destination (perhaps your hotel or a local bike shop) and pack your bike very carefully . To learn more about the pros and cons, see Shipping versus Flying With Your Bike .

How To Choose an Airline and Calculate Cost

If you’re a bargain hunter like me, you’ll want to do some extra work to understand which ticket is cheapest with your bike included . Airline policies often include weight and size limits that are easy to exceed when flying with a bike. And with more airlines charging for checked bags of any kind these days, figuring out the total bill isn’t always easy.

When checking a bicycle as airplane luggage, the total cost of your ticket will be the sum of all these costs:

• cost of personal ticket
• cost of checked luggage (if not included in ticket, as is common on budget airlines)
• cost of an overweight/oversize/bicycle fee as indicated by the airline’s weight and size limits, unless specifically waived for bicycles

A few websites attempt to keep a list of fees by airline, like this one on thepointsguy.com . This can be a good place to start, but I highly recommend checking each airline on your own to understand the fees in detail. Here’s how.

1) Find the airline’s policy.

Search google or the airline website for “sports equipment,” “special baggage,” “excess baggage,” “bicycle fee” or similar combinations of terms until you find the airline’s policy. Usually it will be something like this one from Alaska Air , or this one from Eva Air (both have bicycle-friendly policies with no oversize or overweight fees, yay!).

2) Check oversize and overweight limits and fees.

Many US airlines have standard checked baggage limits of around 50 pounds in weight, and 62 inches combined dimensions (this is the length + width + height of your box, all added together, also known as linear inches). International airlines often have different limits, typically in metric units, so check carefully.

Here’s the catch: most cardboard bicycle boxes will exceed these dimensions . One typical box I’ve used was 43″ x 11″ x 32″, which adds up to 86 linear inches which is definitely over the common limit. Bike boxes could potentially exceed the weight limit too, if you have a large heavy bike and pack some accessories in the box with it.

This means your bike box is likely considered oversize and possibly also overweight and you will have to pay those fees, unless there’s an exception for bicycles.

3) Check for a bicycle fee waiver / exception

Some airlines waive overage fees for bikes and other sports equipment — yay! If you can’t find bicycles specifically mentioned in their policy, be prepared to pay the fees.

Beware, I have seen airline websites say bicycles are accepted with no extra fees, but only if they’re below size and weight limits that are essentially impossible for any real adult-size bike. Check the size and weight limits carefully!

4) Find how many checked bags are included in your ticket.

Some budget airlines, and even not-so-budget ones these days, do not include any checked baggage with their cheapest tickets.

If your ticket doesn’t include any checked bags, or if you exceed your baggage allowance, you’ll need to pay for a checked bag (your bicycle) regardless of whether the oversize/overweight fees are waived for bicycles.

5) Let the airline know, if necessary.

Some airlines request that you contact them at time of booking to reserve space for your bicycle box on the plane. If this is what the policy says, do it. I’ve only encountered this a couple times, usually on a very small plane or an international airline in a bureaucracy-loving country.

6) Add up the total cost of the flight.

Putting all this together, the best flight may not always be the one with the cheapest ticket.

For example, you’d be better off buying a $400 ticket on Alaska Air (which only charges $30 for a checked bag with no extra fees for bicycles) than a $350 ticket on an airline that charges $150 in oversize/weight fees for bicycles.

The Alaska Air cost will come to $400 + $30 = $430, while the other will cost $350 + $150 = $500. All else being equal, save the $70 and fly with your bike on Alaska (in this example).

Tips for Multi-Flight Itineraries

Itineraries with layovers usually aren’t a problem when flying with a bicycle. Just like any other checked luggage, your bike will usually be checked through to your final destination. There are just a couple uncommon cases to watch out for.

Multiple Airlines, Especially International

Checked luggage fees for multi-airline itineraries can be tough to decode, even without a bicycle along for the ride. It’s complicated, but the most common case (for flights originating in the US) is that you only pay the checked luggage fee for the first airline on your itinerary.

One exception is when you arrive in another country and then take a connecting domestic flight to your final destination in that country. In this case sometimes you must pick up your checked luggage during your layover, pass through customs with it, and recheck it.

If there’s a place to recheck it near customs, you probably don’t need to pay again. But if you’re required to recheck your luggage at the airline counter, essentially checking in all over again, then you may have to pay the fee of that airline, regardless of whether you already paid a fee for the bike on your earlier flight.

Difficult Layovers

A typical multi-leg itinerary, where your luggage is checked through to your final destination, will work fine with a bike too. Do make sure to read the fine print and keep an eye out for these more challenging layover scenarios:

• You must pick up your checked luggage, go through customs, and then recheck it. This can happen when flying through a main hub into a new country and then catching a smaller regional flight. Sometimes they make it easy to recheck your luggage nearby, but other times you have to transport it a long way yourself.
• Connections between different airlines where your checked luggage is not transferred for you, especially if flying in and out of different terminals in a large airport.
• Budget or DIY itineraries that fly in and out of different airports in the same region! Avoid these with a bike box, for sure.

If you do decide to take on one of these challenges — sometimes they’re inevitable when trying to get to interesting places — be sure your layover is plenty long enough to deal with it.

Bike Box, Bag, or Case?

Now that you have your ticket, you’ll need to decide how to pack your bike for air travel. The two most common options are a cardboard bike box (cheapest) or a purpose-built bike bag or case. For some types of international travel you might need to get scrappy (more on this below).

Related: Bike Box vs. Roller Bag: Which is More Convenient?

Check the Airline’s Policy

The airline has the ultimate say over whether they accept your bike as checked luggage, so read their policy carefully and be prepared to discuss it with the check-in agent. Some specifically require a hard-sided box or case (common in the United States) while others say something vague about how it must be “adequately protected.”

Liability is the airline’s main concern; they don’t want to transport a bike that can be easily damaged or might damage other customers’ luggage. If you have the option, pack your bike properly in a bag or box.

If you’re traveling internationally and need to DIY a scrappy packing job, check the airline’s policy carefully and be prepared to show it to the check-in agent. They’re often not familiar with the details of their own policy, and I’ve had some close calls!

Bicycle Case or Bag

If you travel with your bike often and usually fly into and out of the same city, a dedicated bike bag or hard-shell case may be worth the money. They do a good job of protecting your bike and save you the hassle of having to beg for a cardboard box from every bike shop in town.

The downsides: cases and bags can be expensive, and you need a place to stash it while you ride. If staying at a hotel you can ask if they’ll hold it for you — in my experience they often will. This obviously doesn’t work if you’re riding point-to-point, unless you’re willing to pay to have the bag or case shipped from your start to finish location. In both these cases a foldable bag is smaller and easier to deal with than a hard shell case .

After years of using cardboard boxes for point-to-point rides, I finally sprung for a Dakine Bike Roller Bag to use for shorter trips and it’s actually quite nice.

Here are some popular cases and bags that work well for flying with a bike:

Evoc Bike Travel Bag

Dakine Bike Roller Bag

Thule Round Trip Transition Bike Case

Cardboard Bike Box

A cardboard bicycle box is the cheapest and most common way to fly with a bike, especially for touring cyclists riding point-to-point.

Where do you get a bike box? If you have a bike shop nearby, call and ask if they have any to spare. Often they’ll give you one for free since their new bikes come packaged in them. UPS and FedEx locations usually sell bike boxes.

Be sure to check the size carefully , especially if you’re on a large bike or 29er. Not all bike boxes will fit large bikes. I ride a 29er mountain bike and often need to use the larger boxes that eBikes ship in.

If you’re traveling, try asking at hostels and other places where bicycle travelers hang out. I’ve seen people find bike boxes at train stations! Occasionally airlines will offer them at the airport; call first to find out. If all else fails, you can make one yourself from cardboard scraps (see below for more details).

If you really can’t track down a bike box, you can order one from BikeFlights in certain countries, including the US. They also provide bike shipping services if you decide you’d rather not fly with your bike.

Making Your Own Bike Box

Say you need to fly with your bike out of a small town or a country without many bike shops, and you can’t find a bike box. Your next step is to find the biggest, thickest pieces of cardboard you can, and a few rolls of packing tape, and settle in for a project. You can often find large cardboard boxes discarded from furniture or appliance stores, or you can scavenge for scraps around town. Ask around and you’ll eventually find something — everyone loves to help a traveler on a bike.

Will the airline accept your DIY bike box? Admittedly it’s a gamble. I had zero issues flying out of Khartoum, Sudan with the “bike box” pictured below, or from Chile with a similar setup. In Portugal I was hassled for my box in the second picture despite the policy not requiring any box at all. Ultimately they accepted it, but only after I showed the supervisor their own policy.

If using a scrappy packing method like this, it helps to get it wrapped at the airport with one of those giant saran wrap machines.

Completely Unboxed?

I know cyclists who’ve toured all over the world with their bikes packed only in huge plastic bags, like the kind mattresses come wrapped in. They said they’ve never been turned away by an airline. Other bike travelers report simply wheeling their bike up to the luggage counter, removing the pedals and turning the handlebars, and deflating the tires a bit. The idea is that baggage handlers will treat a bicycle more carefully than a box since they can see what it is.

My guess is that this method is easier to get away with outside the US, especially in less developed areas where you’re less likely to find a bicycle box. I wouldn’t try it in the US unless I had no other options.

How to Pack a Bike for Air Travel

Once you’ve decided how you’ll transport your bike, the next step is to do some basic disassembly and protective packaging . The details will depend on the type of container you’re using and what kind of bike you have. A fancy carbon race bike will require a bit more care than a sturdy steel touring bike, for example, and smaller containers require more disassembly.

I’ll be honest: the first time I flew with my bicycle I was very intimidated by the disassembly and packing part. The only reason I made myself do it (instead of slinking down to the local bike shop and paying them to do it) was because I was even more terrified of putting it back together on the other end in Vietnam, and I wanted the practice. Turns out it’s not actually that hard.

You can find a number of good tutorials on how to box your bike. This video is pretty good, as is this article (it’s very thorough, so not all steps may be necessary for you). I won’t recreate these guides here, but I will give you the general principles behind the process to help you remember the steps.

When boxing a bicycle for flying, these are the goals:

Fit the bike in the box by removing or adjusting any parts that don’t fit and packing them in where they fit better. This usually includes front wheel, pedals, handlebars, racks, seat. Sometimes the rear wheel too if the box is too small. Use tape or zip ties to attach everything to the frame in a safe place so it can’t move around inside the box.

Protect the bike , especially anywhere a sudden blow could cause damage. The fork, rear derailleur, and disc brake rotors are especially vulnerable. I usually remove my front rotor from the wheel, detach the rear derailleur from the hanger and tape it (wrapped in bubble wrap) to the chain stay, and put a spacer into my QR fork to protect it from side impact (if using a thru axle, screw it back into the fork after removing the wheel). Carbon frames may need to be protected with foam or other padding along the tubes.

Protect the box from any sharp parts that could cut through it, such as chain rings (if removing the rear wheel), the pokey ends of the wheel axles or quick release skewers, or shift levers pointing at odd angles. A bit of foam or extra cardboard taped to the inside of the bike box in key areas will do the trick.

A few other essential tips for boxing your bike:

• Take all the small bits – pedals, quick release skewers, bottle cages, etc. – and put them together in some larger container that definitely can’t fall out of the box, even if a fairly big hole were to be ripped.
• When disassembling your bike, use only the tools you’ll have with you on your trip. Then be sure to PACK THOSE TOOLS.
• Be very, very careful to pack everything you took off your bike! Definitely don’t leave anything important sitting on the living room floor. Not that I have any experience with that.

Pro tip: pack extra tape in your carry-on. You never know when a luggage inspector will demand to open your box, or a weak spot will show up as you drag it through the airport.

Label The Box or Bag Clearly

Whichever packing method you choose, make sure the whole package is very clearly labeled with your name, contact info, and if possible the address of where you’re headed (could be the hotel you’re staying at when you arrive, or your home address if heading home). Take a sharpie pen and write this information in big letters on at least two sides of the box.

Personally I also like to doodle a few smiling stick figures and bicycles, draw a big arrow pointing upright, write “fragile,” and sometimes also “thank you” with a smiley face. So far my bike has never been damaged on a flight… Maybe this is why? :)

If the bike is inside a box or case, tape your contact information to the frame too just in case something goes horribly wrong.

What to Do With Other Gear

If you’re flying with a bicycle, you’re probably also flying with bike-related gear: at least a helmet and shoes and tools, and perhaps a full set of bike touring panniers or bikepacking bags. How do you transport all this other stuff?

Three options: include it in your bike box, check it separately, or carry it on (or a mix of all three, as needed).

Including other gear in your bike box: I don’t think twice about tucking my helmet, shoes, tools, and other bike basics into my cardboard bike box. When I’m bike touring I’ll sometimes add my sleeping bag (helpful as protective padding) and other light bulky items. There are, however, a few risks to this:

• If the airline has a weight limit (often 50 pounds, but check for yourself) you’ll need to keep the box below that. In my experience it’s surprisingly easy to hit this limit with a sturdy larger bike — just the box alone can weigh over ten pounds! And they often do check.
• Airline policies that waive overweight fees for bikes often state that ONLY the bike may be in the box. If you pack it full of other stuff and they catch you, you’ll need to pay the fee. I’ve never had anyone check, but if I’m flying with my bike under a fee waiver I limit extra stuff to only a few very bike-related items (helmet, etc).
• A heavier bike box is harder to maneuver and more likely to tear.
• If something goes wrong and the box busts open on the runway, your tent / helmet / underwear etc. may not make it (but this is highly unlikely).

Checking gear as additional baggage : The main downside here is the cost of a second checked bag, if not included in your ticket price. If riding point to point, pack your gear in a cardboard box that you can leave behind. Or, tape two panniers together inside a sturdy plastic garbage bag.

Carrying gear on: If just a few odds and ends remain, you might be able to carry them onto the plane. At various times I’ve carried on my helmet, a bikepacking seat bag, and even two small dry bags taped together into “one bag” to meet the airline’s carryon requirements (risky but it worked).

If flying with camping gear, be thoughtful about what you carry on and what you check. Items like stoves, tent stakes, bike tools, and even chain lube can run afoul of TSA rules. See How to Fly with Backpacking Gear for more info.

What to Expect on the Day of Your Flight

Your bike is finally packed and ready to go. Now what should you expect at the airport? Bringing a bike along can complicate your travel day somewhat, but it’s not too bad once you know what to expect.

Getting to the Airport

This can be more complicated with a bike box, for obvious reasons. Public transport is usually not an option, and you can’t just call a taxi and expect the box to fit. Here are a few ideas depending on where you are in the world.

• UberXL, in areas where Uber is available. Usually they can fold down the seats and make room. I always tip at the end (through the app) so that drivers remain open to the extra work of transporting bike boxes.
• Ask your hotel. Usually they can arrange transport in a bigger vehicle, but be prepared to pay more.
• Flag down a minivan or SUV taxi and see if they can fold the seats down.
• If you’re in a touristy area with airport shuttles, some may be able to fit bike boxes, but make sure you ask in advance so you’re not dealing with an unpleasant last-minute surprise.
• Bike to the airport with your packing supplies! Never done it, but I’ve heard from people who have.

No matter how you plan to get to the airport, leave plenty of extra time . You may need to switch to plan B for transportation, and you may need extra time to navigate the airport check-in process with your bike box.

Checking In at the Airport

Next task: Getting that massive box to the airline check-in counter. Look for rolling luggage carts or, if you can’t find any, carry or drag the box by the handles. You may find an employee willing to help you in exchange for a tip.

At the airline check-in counter, smile and be nice . It’s up to the person behind the desk to enforce the airline’s luggage policy. Depending on their mood, the size and weight limits may be enforced strictly or not at all. Don’t put them in a tough place by asking for favors, but don’t give them any reason to be tough on you either.

Know the airline’s bike policy and be able to reference it on their website or hand over a printed copy. If you believe an airline employee is misinterpreting the policy, politely ask for clarification and get a supervisor involved if necessary. I’ve found that employees sometimes don’t know their airline has an oversize/weight exception for bicycles, but they’re happy to waive the charges once they know it’s ok to do so.

Drop off the box where they tell you. Usually this is right there at the counter, but you might have to wheel or drag it nearby to a special place for oversize luggage.

Keep your luggage claim tag. I sometimes don’t pay much attention to this when checking regular luggage, but when flying with a bike box it’s especially important because they don’t always end up with the other luggage. If you need help finding your box when you arrive, having the claim tag will help.

Once your box is checked, congratulations, the hardest part is done! Take a deep breath, find your gate, enjoy your flight, and get ready to greet your bike on the other side.

Inspections : Don’t be surprised if your box is opened, inspected, and re-taped while it’s out of your possession. This is standard practice for TSA in the United States, and I’ve experienced it in Canada too. They are looking for contraband or items prohibited from checked luggage. In my experience they re-tape the box well enough, but this is another reason to have everything well packed and protected.

Clearing Customs During an International Layover

If you have connecting flights, usually your bike will be checked to your final destination and you can “enjoy” your layover in peace.

In rare cases you’ll need to pick up checked luggage, go through customs with it, then recheck it during your layover. This is common when you have a layover in a new country followed by a domestic flight to somewhere else in that country.

Sometimes this is easy: you pick up the luggage, load it onto a cart, walk a few yards and then drop it off again. Other times there’s no cart, you’re required to recheck at a different terminal, it’s a mile away and you need to clear immigration first (yikes!). Try to figure this out (ask Google) before booking your itinerary, or that two hour layover you thought was sufficient may actually be a mad scramble.

If you need to recheck your luggage at the airline counter, be prepared to go through the steps in “Check in your bike at the airport” all over again, including potentially paying another bike fee.

Picking Up Your Bike at Baggage Claim

I know the feeling well: you’re waiting in suspense to be reunited with your beloved bike, anxious to see whether your packing job held up. The luggage starts arriving at baggage claim and your bike’s not there … Where is it?!

Don’t panic yet. Bike boxes are often taken to a separate Oversize Baggage area, so be sure to check there. I’ve also had mine show up on the regular luggage carousel too, so don’t panic until you’ve checked both.

Hopefully there are luggage carts available, but if not, try the drag method: grab the handle on the skinny end and drag it behind you out to the curb.

In the rare case where your bike isn’t waiting for you at baggage claim, report it to the airline immediately before leaving the airport. And don’t panic. It’s hard to lose a giant cardboard box! It’s probably just delayed or misplaced and you’ll be reunited shortly.

Transportation from the Airport

Hopefully you gave some thought to this beforehand, because taking the subway or hopping on a motorbike taxi are not good options with a bike box!

One option, if you’re an experienced bike traveler, is to assemble the bike at the airport, leave the box in the trash/recycling, and ride away. The simplicity is appealing, but I’ll admit I rarely do this. It takes for-freakin-ever to fly to most other countries from the US and I am always dead tired after 24 sleepless hours of travel.

For those who prefer to assemble their bike in the peace and quiet of a hotel room, look for a van or larger taxi with seats that fold down. You’d be surprised what bike boxes will fit in — I’ve seen two large ones crammed into the back of a small minivan with no trouble.

For peace of mind I suggest booking an airport transfer with your hotel in advance, if that’s an option. Be sure to tell them the dimensions of your bike box(es) and any other luggage so they can make sure it will fit.

Assembling the Bike

Congratulations! You and your bike made it to an exciting new place and you’re ready to start your adventure. Here’s what to do next:

• Right away, open up the box and check for damage or missing items. Do this asap because some airlines require you to file a damage claim within just a few hours of picking up your luggage.
• Eat a good meal
• Take a shower if your flight was long
• Take a nap if you’re jetlagged
• Open a beer or brew a cup of tea

Then, and only then, put your bike together . Hopefully you took it apart yourself so you know how this works, but if you’re struggling, YouTube has all the answers. Doing a practice run at home first can really lower stress levels if this is your first time. It’s not actually rocket science though, so have some faith in yourself and give it a go.

Quick FAQs About Flying With a Bike

That depends on the airline’s policy, so search online for “(airline name) bicycle fees” and check their website. Fees generally range from $0 to around $300 depending on airline, length of flight, and how big your bike container is. Some airlines charge a specific fee for bicycles, some charge their standard overweight and oversize fees, and a few charge only the standard checked baggage fee and waive overages.

Yes, almost all airlines accept bikes as checked luggage. Before booking your ticket, check the airline website for their fees and policies. In some cases you may need to make a reservation for the bike in advance.

Some airlines do provide bicycle boxes for a fee, but many don’t. Call the airport in advance to find out.

In the United States, some airlines that only charge a standard checked bag fee for oversize bikes are: Alaska, American, United, Delta. Check each airline’s policy for details.

Many airlines don’t require any special booking for bicycles, but a few require you to reserve a spot along with your ticket or notify the airline in advance. Search online for your specific airline’s bicycle policy to find the details.

Airline bike policies typically require that bike tires be deflated, supposedly to prevent pressure changes from causing them to explode. This is actually a myth – the pressure difference isn’t big enough. To satisfy the airline’s policy you should deflate your tires partially, enough to reduce any (perceived) risk of problems but not enough to risk unseating a tubeless tire or causing damage to your tubes.

Flying with your bike, checked as luggage in a cardboard box, is often the cheapest and fastest way to travel with a bike. Some trains like Amtrak will transport unboxed bicycles, which is slower but quite convenient. For a low-hassle trip ship your bike via Bike Flights or Ship Bikes .

In Conclusion

I know this might seem like a lot, but I promise, flying with a bike really isn’t that hard. Just use common sense, leave yourself a little extra time, and have faith that you can navigate any unexpected issues that come up. Now that I think about it, these are basically the core tenets of bicycle travel anyway. It’s all part of the fun, right? :)

More Bike Travel Resources

If you’re looking to fly with your bicycle, you might also be interested in the Bicycle Travel Resources page , or these popular guides:

• Fixing Bicycle Saddle Pain for Women
• What To Pack in Your Bicycle Touring Repair Kit
• 6 US Rail Trails Perfect for Bike Camping
• Cycling Chile’s Rugged Carretera Austral
• Bicycle Touring in Southeast Asia: Is it for you?

About the Author

Hi there, I’m Alissa, founder of Exploring Wild. I’ve traveled over 20,000 miles by bike and still can’t stop planning my next ride (and helping you plan yours). Pavement and panniers or singletrack and seat bag, I love it all. On my bike I feel free. Learn more about me here .

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9 thoughts on “Flying With Your Bike as Checked Luggage: Tips For a Trouble-Free Trip”

For those using a cardboard box here are some cool products.

http://www.bikeboxrollers.com

What a very inspiring site. Thank you so much,

At last minute you let your package in the hands of the airline company, when it is tagged, weighted.”. It is always a good idea to take a picture of it. It will help if it get lost or damaged.

I have 2 bikes’ one in a case and one in a bike bag ….alaska or bike friendly airlines take 2 for checked baggage ? Thx bill from boulder,colorado

Hi Bill, I think it will depend on the airline, best to check their individual policies. You may get lucky but my guess is that most will only waive fees for one item per passenger. Good luck!

Thanks for this great article! I drove here to South Florida from Indiana with my bike, and it’s been so fun riding it around. Unfortunately, when I return at Labor Day to close up my mom’s apartment that’s being renovated, I have to fly as time is short, yet I know I’ll miss my bike so I’m thinking about flying with it. I appreciate all your tips and info! Happy riding!

Alissa, this is the best I could find on this topic and many more. Calmed me nerves. Thank you

It is crucial to remove all accessories such as water bottles, speedometers, and mudguards when packing a bike for shipping. You have to put them in a separate plastic container or in a hard case because they have the tendency to be misplaced due to their miniature sizes. Make sure that you label the container “accessories” to avoid accidentally throwing them out.

Thanks for the great article. We took our bikes in boxes to Germany last summer (July 2024) and flew with Lufthansa. We took our bikes as our checked baggage and were not charged for them.

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Tips on how to travel with your bike

How to travel with your bike

Packing your mountain bike for flights can seem a daunting prospect, but we’ve put together our top tips on how to travel with your bike to make it as stress-free as possible.

We researched and now want to share our thoughts on how to travel with your bike around the world

By Euan Wilson, H+I Adventures owner

Our passion for mountain biking and adventure travel has taken us – and our bikes – to all four corners of the globe . Whilst traveling with our bikes has got easier over the years, transporting our precious mountain bikes safely on planes, trains, and automobiles is always a worry. So we thought we would share with you some valuable hints and tips on how to travel with your bike.

Flying with your mountain bike is probably the most stressful of all public transport options because you have to hand your beloved bike over to airport staff before you board and just pray that it gets to the other end at the same time as you, and in one piece. There are various different bike packing options, which we’ll come on to later, but first, here are a few key tips on how to pack your mountain bike for flying and reduce the chances of your bike being damaged in transit.

• Remove your front wheel (and insert your axel to prevent your forks being damaged)
• Remove your pedals
• Remove your rear derailleur
• Remove your stem, not your handlebars. It is easier to replace your stem with handlebars attached, then align your handlebar position/ angle on arrival
• For hydraulic brakes, be sure to put something in between your brake pads to prevent them being forced together
• Make sure most of the air has been expelled from your tyres (this is a requirement of the airlines)
• Make sure your mountain bike is marked clearly with your name, and your home and destination addresses

Above: Preparing the bike for travelling needn’t be a chore if done right!

How to pack your mountain bike in a bag for travel

Over the years we’ve been exploring the world – from Europe , to South America , to Africa , and beyond – with our mountain bikes and we’ve tried almost every bike packing option available: from the cheap and cheerful cardboard bike box from the local bike shop, to more expensive, hard-shell boxes. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, for example, the cardboard option is inexpensive and easy to access, but also requires a lot of extra protective packaging to secure your bike and is very time-consuming to pack/ unpack. The hard shell, on the other hand, offers a good deal of protection for your mountain bike, but is extremely cumbersome to transport around train stations and airports.

Having tried and tested most products on the market, we were blown away when we discovered the Evoc Bike Travel Bag , which we’ve actually enjoyed travelling with for many years now. The cunning German design means that you’ll have your bike safely packed away in under ten minutes , but more importantly, it will be built up and ready to ride within ten minutes of you arriving in our destinations around the world ! While all your riding buddies are struggling with rear mechs and bubble wrap, you’ll be relaxing with a drink!

A couple of final points: check how much the airlines will charge to transport your bike before you book your flights; and make sure you check the fine print of your luggage insurance to see if it covers you for sports equipment. It’s likely that your bike won’t be insured and you may need to take special insurance to cover you for loss or theft of your bike in transit.

If you have any inspired tips on how to pack a mountain bike for flying leave a comment and share them with other mountain bike adventurers.

Found this useful? Why not read up on these posts too! “ Why a 20 litre backpack? ” and “ What to pack for your mountain bike adventure “.

The first day of your mountain bike tour New Zealand starts off bright and early at 8.30am, when your guides will meet you at the designated pre-trip hotel. We’ll transfer to our local base so you can build your bike or get kitted out with a rental.

Once everyone’s geared up, we’ll pack the van and hit the road. Before we set off your guide will go through the all-important pre-trip briefing.

Your warm-up ride and first taste of singletrack here in New Zealand, will be a traverse of the volcanic crater rim that separates Christchurch from the impressive Lyttelton harbour. You’ll have the chance to shake-down your bikes and legs after your travels before we drop in to the fantastic Christchurch Adventure Park. You’ll enjoy a mix of flow trails and pedalling, and you’ll get spectacular views out to the Southern Alps which will be our destination later in the tour.

After a couple of laps we’ll chill out on the deck at the Park with a cold drink and lunch, before we head off in the direction of the Southern Alps to check in to our mountain lodge for the night.

If time allows we’ll saddle up for another ride before our welcome dinner, this time with more of a ‘big mountain’ feel.

Not wanting to miss a minute of this stunning landscape, we’ll enjoy drinks as the sun disappears behind the hills. When we’ve had our fill of stargazing we’ll bunk up in our shared accommodation and get ready for the start of something truly epic tomorrow.

Eat well and muster up all your strength over breakfast, because today we hit Craigieburn – world-renowned for its flowing singletrack trails that weave and wind through the area’s beautiful beech forests.

The mountainous terrain of the Craigieburn Range has spectacular views that rival the grand majesty of the American Rockies, so we’ll spend most of the day riding through and enjoying the varied trails Craigieburn has to offer. Mountain biking with these incredible views will take your breath away.

Once we’ve had our fill of this epic riding, we’ll drive through the mountains to the historic Gold Mining town of Reefton.

Over a hearty dinner we’ll share stories and prepare ourselves for tomorrow’s ride on the legendary Ghost Road.

Continue reading

Related stories.

Can You Bring a Mountain Bike on a Plane? a Comprehensive Guide

Planning on a vacation with family or friends could be a lot of fun, but sometimes, it could also be a little complicated, especially when you’re traveling with heavy and bulky luggage like a mountain bike. A common question usually raised by bikers whenever going off on a faraway place is this: can you bring a mountain bike on a plane?

You can bring a MTB on a plane as long as you follow airline guidelines and pack it according to the rules. In order to travel you’ll need to partially dismantle it, clean it properly, and store in a suitable bag designed for bikes.

Some also travel for the main purpose of going on world-renowned bike trails. In this article, we will be providing you with guidelines on how you can safely bring your mountain bike on a plane, so you could have an enjoyable time sightseeing on your favorite ride. After all, it would be pretty amazing to enjoy the magnificent views of a destination while going on a bike ride.

Mountain Bike Airline Guidelines

Step 1: make sure your bike is squeaky clean, step 2: prep your tools, step 3: dismantle the bike, step 4: put them all in the case, bonus pro-tip, option 1: shipping, option 2: renting.

Bringing a mountain bike on a plane can be quite a challenge, but with these tips, we hope to make your life a little bit easier. Just take note of these considerations and your off-road trip will be a breeze.

• Before anything else, the most important thing to know is if your chosen airline allows bringing a bike on a plane. You want to do this early on, as you don’t want your whole trip ruined because of airline restrictions. While most airlines allow it, sadly, some prohibit bikes on their planes. In the event that your airline will not allow you to bring your bike on the plane, check out the last section of this article for alternative options.
• Make sure to read up on the baggage policies of the airline. Take note of weight restrictions before purchasing a ticket. The maximum baggage limit varies from airline to airline. Obviously, knowing the weight limit will help you determine whether you can bring your bike or not. Vacations are supposed to be fun, you don’t want to have any regrets just because you didn’t read the fine print.
• Find out how much the fee is for bringing a bike. Whichever airline you pick, there will always be a bike fee. Usually, the cost ranges from $50 to $250 one-way. It’s better to check with your airline ahead of time to help you budget your finances appropriately.
• When you finally get on the plane, you have to double check that your bike is secured tight in a bag. There shouldn’t be any pieces rattling or moving around inside the bag as that may cause severe damage to your bike as it is being transported.
• Once you have reached your destination, it is critical to check the condition of your bike. If it is damaged in any way, shape, or form, you will have to report it immediately to your travel insurance company. If you don’t report right away, chances are they won’t pay you.

Prepping Your Mountain Bike for the Trip

Once you’ve had all the airline regulations all sorted out, now it’s time to ensure that your mountain bike is ready for the long trip ahead. You might think that it’s going to require a lot of work to pack your bike and bring it on the plane, it is actually not as arduous as you would think.

Don’t worry now, preparing your mountain bike for that foreign trail you’ve always wanted to try is not as difficult as packing up a road machine. Plus, we’re here to provide you with step-by-step guidelines to make sure your mountain bike flies safely on your trip. After having read this article, you will surely have a relaxing, stress-free journey.

The first step to prepping your bike is to clean it well. First of all, certain countries such as New Zealand have strict regulations about foreign dirt entering their country. If you think those dirty tires look badass, think again. Better do some research, as bringing a dirty bike on your trip might result in getting it impounded.

Secondly, who wants to go on a trip with a muddy bike? Wouldn’t it be so much better if you bring a clean bike to a new country and then have it get dirtied up with foreign mud?

Once you’ve given your mountain bike a good bath, it’s time to dismantle certain parts. Here are the tools and items you’ll need in order to get this all done:

• A Bike bag or box. Now, if you will be going on multiple off-road trips with your mountain bike, it’s advisable to invest in a good bike case. You don’t want to open your bag after a plane trip and see a damaged brake rotor or derailleur hanger. That will just cost you an entire day and a lot of money to have it repaired in a foreign country. That’s not how you want to start a vacation.

Another great thing about having a bike case is that you could also use it to store other items apart from your mountain bike. You’ll have to pay a bike rate anyway (with no weight restriction, mind you), so better maximize that extra space. As we all know, airlines have a weight limit for passengers’ checked baggage.

So, feel free to transfer bike clothes and other items to your bike case to save up on baggage space. You could even use your bike clothes to further protect your bike frame. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone.

• Allen Keys or a Multi-Tool Set
• Pedal Wrench
• Bubble Wrap or Foam
• Booze (not required, but highly advised)

Once all the tools and items are ready, it’s time to dismantle certain parts of your bike. You’ll need to do this if you want to safely bring your mountain bike on a plane. There’s no need to be overwhelmed, as we will walk you through this every step of the way. It’s actually pretty simple!

• Place a mark on your seat post and handlebars. You will dismantle these parts when as you pack the bike for travel. Stick a piece of tape around these bike parts and mark them with a pen.
• Take out the rear wheel. As you remove this, make sure to put a hub spacer or something similar in the frame’s rear. You might need to take out the rear derailleur as well. Make sure the derailleur is protected with foam or bubble wrap.
• Take out the tires. Before removing, though, ensure that the bike’s chain is moved on to the biggest anterior chainring and the smallest posterior sprocket.
• Take out the pedals. As you do so, be reminded that the pedal wrench or allen key must be turned in the right direction.
• Remove the handlebars off the stem. After taking this piece out, we suggest that you reattach the stem faceplate just to remove the chances of it getting lost. Make sure to secure the bolts tight so they won’t move around. Check your bag first, though — some cases might need you to remove the stem completely, while others might require you to position the stem such that it is facing the back.
• Secure the thru-axles so that you may easily reattach the rear wheel back onto the bike frame.
• Dismantle the front wheel. Make sure that the fork is protected by making use of an axle spacer. If you do not have one available, an old axle or hub will do the trick as well.
• Deflate the tires. Airlines sometimes don’t require you to deflate bike tires prior to flying, as plane cabins are pressurized anyway. However, other airlines do require it, so might as well do so just the same to avoid trouble. Just be sure to leave just a small bit of air in: this step is critical if you want those rims protected. Also, it’s important that you wrap the linkages with some bubble wrap for protection.
• Take out the handlebars and seat post. In certain bike cases, you will need to remove the seat post. Others come with a fitted dropper, so instead of removing the seat post, there is no need to do so. Just position it properly and you are good to go.
• Protect those disc brake pads. In order to stop them from contacting each other, place a pad spacer such as a piece of cardboard in between your front and rear brakes. It’s a small step that will come a long way, trust us.
• If you have any excess chain, use some zip ties to attach them to the bike’s frame. Use some bubble wrap or cardboard to wrap the chain as well. This will help eliminate the chances of the chain scratching or damaging your mountain bike. It will also prevent grease from spreading all over the bike case.
• Protect the bike frame by applying foam or bubble wrap all over it. Go crazy!
• You’ve done a good job so far. Reward yourself and have some of that ice cold booze.

Now that you’ve taken apart the pieces of your mountain bike, it’s time to bag them up. Don’t just throw all of them in randomly. Follow these steps for some organized packing.

• The first to go in the bag are the wheels. Before placing them inside the case, make sure to detach the skewers first. Place the skewers inside any of the bag’s side pockets.
• Now it’s time to place the bike frame inside. Bike cases usually have straps and fittings to allow you to put the bike properly in place. If there aren’t any, not to worry. In this case, you may use some cardboard, foam, or bubble wrap to secure the bike safely.

The bottom bracket must be placed on the block in the center of the case. The chainring must hang down to the side. These blocks are adjustable, so you may customize them depending on the size of your mountain bike. In case the case does not have blocks, just remove the chainrings and grab some bubble wrap. Fill the bottom of the case with bubble wrap for protection.

Next up, place the posterior axle into the rear block. Make sure that the axle is placed on the correct rear block slot.

• Using the straps provided in the case, attach the handlebars to the case. If the case doesn’t have any straps, use zip ties instead. Make sure to secure it properly to prevent any movements during the flight. Bag the pedals and seat post as well.
• If there is still some space left in your case, throw in your helmet and other protective gear. It is also good practice to bring some tools you might need while on vacation. We also suggest that you place energy drinks inside the bag. Just make sure that you have enough cardboard, foam, and bubble wrap to protect the bike and all its parts from rattling around.

When going on a foreign bike trail, we highly recommend that you bring boatloads of biking clothing. Mountain biking, as we’re sure you know, is a very exhausting and sweat-inducing sport. After a tiring day of riding your bike, we bet you’d hate the idea of putting on the same shorts and jersey the following day.

We’re sure you wouldn’t want to waste precious time at laundromats, either, so just to be on the safe side, take with you at least 4 pairs of shorts and jerseys for a 2-day bike trail. Make sure to bring as many socks as you can too.

Other Options

As promised, we’re giving you these alternative solutions in the event that your chosen airline prohibits you from bringing a mountain bike on a plane. These might be more expensive than taking your bike with you on the plane, but, if you’re really hell-bent on bringing your bike, then at least you have these options available.

We’re not gonna lie, this option is really pricey, especially if you’re traveling to a different continent. For instance, if you have your mountain bike shipped to Lima, Peru from Toronto, Canada, it will cost you around $600 CAD.

However, if you are traveling within your continent, say, Europe or North America, then this option might actually better than bringing your bike on a plane. It’s much more convenient, as you won’t need to carry the bike at the airport. Additionally, couriers will take better care of your mountain bike than airline baggage handlers because it’s easy to avail of travel insurance using this method. Some of the better shipping companies are as follows:

• Bikeflights. This company takes pride in being the simplest and most affordable method to get your bike shipped.
• FedEx. This company provides insurance for your bike case.
• UPS. This is a little pricier option, though. Also, the Adventure Cycling Association shares that it ships longer than FedEx. They don’t cover insurance either.

Another good option for you is to simply rent a bike wherever you are staying. Usually, we advise riders and all bike travelers, in general, to take their bikes with them. It’s easier to ride using a bike that’s already familiar to you, except of course if you own a crappy one.

However, in certain circumstances, bike renting is just way more convenient than bringing it on a plane or having it shipped. For instance, If you’re going on another trip after your bike trail trip, wouldn’t it be such a hassle if you still carried the bike around everywhere?

To help you out, here are a few tips you need to know when renting a bike:

• Rent in advance, especially during peak season when shops are usually slammed with customers.
• Research on the rental company’s available bike models, age, and brands.
• Find out how frequent their bikes are maintained and inspected. Ideally, it should be done every time it’s been used for rent.
• Find out the damage policy. If a piece gets damaged or broken by accident, will you have to pay for it?
• Lastly, do not take sizing for granted. This is a critical aspect of smooth bike riding. For example, a medium Santa Cruz will not necessarily fit you the way a medium Specialized will. If you are set on renting a bike, figure out what brand and model you want first, and find local shops within your area that has that bike available. Then, proceed to that particular local shop and try out the bike to identify what your size is.

Sacred Rides has worked with various bike shops and rental stores in many destinations so that there are plenty of superb mountain bikes available for rent for you. Regardless if you’re traveling with them or going on a trip alone, don’t hesitate to give them a call to know your options.

Now, once you’ve done all these preparations, there is one final thing you need to do: sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

I always had a thing for cycling sports and love almost anything that involves bikes and boards. I work part-time as a designer in the tech industry and work on my blogs whenever I can.

How to Travel with a Bike by Air (And Two Rad Travel Bags Perfectly Suited for the Task)

By: Author Alisha McDarris

Posted on Published: April 18, 2024  - Last updated: June 4, 2024

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Ever wanted to travel with your bike to a cool mountain bike (or gravel bike, or road bike) destination, but didn’t because you looked at the cost of renting a decent steed for the week and had a low-grade heart attack? We get it. For years, we thought the only way to travel with a bike was to make a road trip of it. Which can be a super fun time, especially if you have a solid, multi-functional bike rack like the Yakima Exo System , but sometimes, it’s just too dang far and you don’t have the time.

Fortunately, road trips aren’t the only option if you want to travel with a bike: you can absolutely fly with a bike, too. Yes, fly with your bike. As in, check it as luggage when you’re jetting from one destination to another on a commercial airline. Exciting stuff, right? So we’re gonna break down how to do it, what to expect, and then compare two excellent bike travel bags so you can take your bike with you the next time you fly to a place with gnarly single track to shred!

How to Travel with a Bike: Airline Restrictions when it Comes to Flying with a Bike

First of all, it’s important to know that you can’t just roll your bike into the airport, take it to the baggage check area and toss it on the scale. You’re going to need either a dedicated bike travel bag–like the two we’re going to talk about in a minute–or potentially even a bike box, like one a bike might have been shipped in (whether that was to you or a bike shop near you). Airlines require it.

Most airlines also treat bikes differently than traditional luggage and have different size and weight restrictions, which usually works in your favor. It means bikes have more wiggle room in the size department so you’re less likely to be charged extra. But you will want to look on your airline’s website before booking tickets for details about traveling with bikes. Details will typically be listed under “special items” or “sports equipment” in the area of the website that offers info about checked baggage. There, you’ll find details on whether oversized fees are waived for bikes, if there are different size restrictions, or if bikes cost extra, which they do on JetBlue and Hawaiian.

And while most airlines have bike-specific size restrictions that accommodate their larger size, weight restrictions are another thing entirely. The specifics depend on the airline, but in general, if your bike is heavier than 50 pounds, you’ll be charged an overweight fee. Which could be double or more the price of a typical checked bag. We’ll get into why that matters when picking out a bike travel bag in a minute. For now, here are some domestic airlines and their guidelines for checking a bike as luggage.

Airline Bike Restrictions

• Alaska : Oversize and overweight fees are waived. Regular checked bag fees apply.
• American : The usual checked baggage fees apply when checking a bike. There may be oversize or overweight fees.
• Delta : Normal baggage fees and overweight/oversize fees apply.
• Hawaiian : Depends on where you’re flying. Travel from one Hawaiian island to another with your bikewill cost $25. To or from anywhere elsecosyts $100. Overweight fees apply.
• JetBlue : In addition to a checked baggage fee, bikes cost $100 extra per direction of travel But there are no overweight or oversize fees.
• Southwest : As long as bikes fall within regular checked baggage dimensions you can check them for free like other luggage (up to two bags). If a bike is oversized or overweight there may be additional fees.
• United : Normal checked baggage fees will apply, including overweight fees.

What to Expect at the Airport

When you arrive at the airport with your bike appropriately packed, you’ll probably drop off your bike at the regular check-in counter and bag drop. But when you arrive at your final destination, you’ll probably pick it up on the oversized baggage belt. So don’t sit around waiting at the regular baggage carousel and panic when your bike doesn’t arrive. Go find the oversized area.

Don’t forget!

In addition to your bike, don’t forget the necessities for riding and re-assembling your bike once you arrive at your destination:

• Helmet (We love our Sena M1 Evo intercom helmets )
• Knee and elbow pads if necessary
• Torque wrench
• Portable tire pump

Types of Bike Bags for Travel

But let’s talk about bike travel bags. There are two main kinds: soft and hard .

Soft cases are pretty much what they sound like. The base will be rigid, but the sides and walls will be fairly flexible and just slightly padded. Soft bags are nice for a few reasons:

• They fold up to take up much less space in your garage or closet when they’re not in use.
• They tend to weigh less than hard cases.

Then there are hard cases . Some people prefer these despite the fact that they take up more room when not in use and they weigh more for one reason:

• They are more protective. After all, It’s a lot harder to damage your bike when it’s in a hard-sided case when it’s getting tossed around luggage bays at the airport.

So if you have an especially nice or expensive bike, you may prefer the peace of mind that comes with the additional protection of a hard bike case, even if the weight of your bike and case together tip it over the overweight limit. But we tested two bags to see which we preferred, the Dakine Bike Roller Bag and the Thule RoundTrip MTB (both with mountain bikes, though there are also road bike versions available).

Dakine Bike Roller Bag

A true soft bike bag, The Dakine took a bit more time the first go-round trying to figure out what buckles and straps were supposed to go where and how to position the included foam block to support the frame, but once I had everything in there, it all felt pretty secure and I had no problem doing it again in less than 10 minutes when it came time to travel home. And despite the soft sides, my bike didn’t get dinged or dented in transit.

• At 18lbs, this bag is lighter, meaning when used to pack my mountain bike, which is 28lbs, I was able to squeeze at just under max weight limits when I packed just a small set of tools in the bike bag with my bike.
• The bag is made of 100% recycled materials.
• Easy to pack and unpack a bike after one trial run.
• Protective sheathing.
• Several pockets.
• Durable and comes with a 10-year warranty.
• More affordable ($500).
• It was a pain to pull around the airport. It was heavy and kept running into the back of my leg because there’s no leash or extendable handle on it.
• Doesn’t offer quite as much protection at a harder-side case.
• Tricky to figure out how to mount the frame in the bag initially.

Thule RoundTrip MTB

Then we have The Thule RoundTrip. Which is kind of a cross between a hard and soft case. That’s because it collapses like a soft case, but has semi rigid side panels to help protect your bike a bit more than a traditional soft case during transport. The Thule has a built-in stand on which you mount your bike outside the bag, take off the handlebars, and then move the whole frame, still attached to the top of the stand, from the tripod legs to clip-in points on the bottom of the bag.

• Semi-rigid sides kept my bike more protected from rough handling.
• A built-in stand made it slightly easier to dis-assemble and re-assemble my bike.
• Thanks to a removable caster wheel, the bag was much easier to roll through the airport.
• Several Pockets.
• The Thule bag is heavy at 30lbs, which put my bike in the overweight category without a single extra piece of gear in the bag.
• The stand was too tall for me and not adjustable, plus can only be used with the front wheel removed.
• The bike rail is hard to remove when a frame is mounted without significant upper body strength.
• Expensive ($999).

Bottom Line: Which Bike Bag Would I Choose?

Well, my situation being what it is, as in, since my mountain bike is a bit on the heavier side, I’m going with the Dakine just because I absolutely do not want to pay an exorbitant overweight fee every time I travel with my bike. And honestly, my bike isn’t that expensive–comparatively speaking, of course.

That said, if I did have a carbon frame, or a more expensive bike that I was committed to protecting at all costs, I think the Thule bag would be the right choice.

Basically, it depends on you and your bike. The Thule may be heavier and more expensive, but It will definitely offer more peace of mind when it comes to protection–without the rigidity and storage space requirements of a hard case.

The Dakine might not seem as protective, but it did just fine at getting my bike to and from Texas without any problems, plus it was lighter and didn’t require as much of an investment upfront.

But tell us what you think. Do you have one of these bags? Are you thinking of getting one? Let us know in the comments below! I’m super curious to hear which features are more important to you.

Either way, pack up your bike, take it with you the next time you head to Whistler or Bentonville or Fruita, and wander on.

Looking for more travel and MTB content? Find our favorite MTB gear here , and learn whether you can use a backpack as a carryon in this post !

Alisha is a freelance outdoor journalist and photographer based in Ogden, UT. She loves backpacking, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and snowboarding (even though she’s terrible at it). She’s also pretty sure she’s addicted to coffee. alishamcdarris.com

How to travel with your bike like a pro

1. how do i book my bike on a train or plane, 2. double check the weight limit, 3. what do i pack my bike in.

Bike bags are smart and easy to use

© Hanna Jonsson

Bike boxes save weight and money

4. How do I pack my bike in a bag?

• Pedals: Take them off and put them in a bag or a case.
• Wheels: Remove both wheels and slot them into their allocated slots. Put a piece of cardboard or brake blocks between the brake pads front and rear in case your brake levers accidentally get pushed in during transit. If you feel like being extra careful, remove your brake discs from the wheels as well.
• Derailleur : Take it off and zip-tie it to the rear triangle of the frame to protect it.
• Handlebars : Remove and turn them to one side. You can do this either by taking off the whole stem and handlebar combination or simply unscrewing the stem's front plate, which holds the handlebars in place.
• Bike in the bag : Put the bike into the bag and strap it in securely using the straps so that the bike stays in place. There's normally a protector for the frame that also holds the handlebars in place as well.
• Extra help: Get more bike travel tips here .

5. How do I pack my bike in a box?

• Remove components: Take off your pedals, derailleur and handlebars, as described above.
• Protection : Your bike is less protected in a box so you need to protect the frame and parts yourself. Use bubble wrap or a similar protective material on your forks, handlebars, frame and derailleur.
• Fasten loose parts : Zip-tie your handlebars to one side of the fork and your derailleur to the rear triangle, making sure where you're placing them is protected to prevent rubbing.
• Wheels : If your box is big enough, keep the back wheel on your bike and only remove your front wheel. It's better for stability and protection. Place the front wheel to one side of the frame, with the brake disc towards the frame. Place protective cardboard and bubble wrap between the wheel and the frame, and make sure it stays on tight. Zip-tie the wheel to the frame. (Tip: If your box is too small for the bike's height, try letting the air out of the shock to lower it.)
• Tape your bike box: A bike box is less hardy than a bag so you'll have to strengthen its weak spots. Tape the entire bottom, as well as the corners. Also reinforce the area around the handles with extra tape, as they easily rip, as well as on the inside of the box where the front wheel will be placed.
• Put the bike in: By now your bike should be a one-piece package and your bike box strongso all you have to do is lift the bike into the box and tape it shut.
• Personal details: Write your name and email address on the box, just in case.

6. What should I think about when packing the bike?

• Multitool with Allen and Torx keys
• Pedal spanner
• Zip-ties and cable cutters
• Chain lube and bike grease
• Spare mech hanger
• Tyre pump and a shock pump

Pack smart and make sure it's properly fastened

7. What to think about when going to the airport or station.

8. what to think about at the airport, how to pack your mountain bike for travel, take your bike on a 1-week road trip to california, want more of this.

How to Travel Overseas with a Bike (Without Breaking a Sweat!)

When I travel with my bike to different parts of the world, a lot of people usually ask me; how did you get your bicycle here? Did it cost you much money? 

But I understand them, flying with a bike seems to be an expensive and stressful undertaking. 

See, when I started doing long-distance cycle touring , I never thought I would actually be able to fly with my bicycle to faraway places.

For most cyclists who wish to ride their quality bikes in a different country or continent, flying with a bike is always a big concern.

But guess what? It’s possible and totally safe to fly with your bike. And it doesn’t have to be expensive as many people perceive it. 

Over the past few years, I have traveled with my bike overseas many times, and I’m not going to lie, it was always a worry during my first few trips. 

I made every possible mistake one can make when trying to bring my touring bike to another country. 

Packing a bike for flights was quite a daunting task for me for the first few times. I wasn’t really sure of what I was doing, but I tried so hard to ensure that everything went right. 

Luckily, with some research and experience, I’ve learned a few things that make the whole process fairly easy. 

Are you wondering how much it will cost you to get your bicycle from one continent to another. No need to worry! Just relax and keep reading. 

In this article, we will talk about everything you need to know about traveling with your bike overseas, from packing to the costs involved. 

Table of Contents

• 1 How Do I Travel Overseas with My Bike?
• 2 How to Pack Your Bicycle in a Bike Box
• 3 Can I Fly with an Unpacked Bike?
• 5 Final Thoughts

How Do I Travel Overseas with My Bike?

Cycling internationally is an incredible way to explore the world , especially if you are using your beloved bike. But the question is, how do you get it to another continent, really? 

Here are some top tips to guide you and help you fly with your mountain bike, road bike, or touring cycle easily:

Shop Around for Lower Baggage Fees

If you are like me, always looking for ways to stretch your bucks further, you may want to use Skyscanner or Momondo to find cheap flights. 

In general, you have two alternatives when it comes to travelling with your bike. You can fly with your bike and pay for the extra luggage or ship it to a bike shipping company.

You can expect to pay about $150 to $200 for flying a bike internationally in most US carriers like Delta, American, or United. 

However, the price will be much lower for domestic flights, especially with carriers like Alaska airlines. You can pay as low as $25. 

If you are traveling locally and realize that the baggage fees are way high, you can still use BikeFlights or ShipBikes. It will eliminate the checking stress entirely. 

But this may not work for international carriers as the cost will probably be more. Your bike could also get stuck in customs and cost you lots of money.

A delay of your bike’s checking could also ruin your trip, especially if you were traveling to participate in a cycling race or organized bicycle tour. 

Personally, I prefer flying with my bicycle and paying the extra fees. This way, I’m confident that I won’t have to wait for the bike a couple of days after arriving at my destination. 

Understand the Airline’s Policies

Before you pay for your flight, it’s essential to research and understand the airline’s policies. 

Keep in mind that each airline has different policies when it comes to baggage fees and requirements. 

You can search the policies on the airline’s website for ‘oversize luggage,’ ‘sports equipment,’ or ‘special baggage’ to see their baggage allowance maximum weight and size.

Then read the policies and understand them well to ensure that you can handle any issues you face during your bike charging process. 

When reading the policies, be sure to check the oversize and overweight limits and charges, just so you don’t get caught by surprises during the process. 

The standard baggage allowance maximum weight for most Airlines in the US is about 50 lbs. and 62 inches in size (all dimensions combined). 

But you need to double-check the policies in your preferred airline as international airlines may have different limits. 

If your bike bag is within this weight and dimension, you won’t have to pay for oversize or overweight fees. 

Unfortunately, most bike bags surpass these dimensions, and yours too will probably exceed. Other bike boxes packed with heavy steel bikes will top even the weight limit too. 

If you are dealing with an airline that offers an overweight and oversize exception for bikes, that’s even better! Your packed bike counts in baggage allowance, so you won’t incur extra costs to have your bike on the plane. 

Pack Your Bike Properly

Packing a bike for overseas travel can be quite a terrifying task for any beginner. You are not sure if you’ll do it well, but you still want to be the one doing it. 

Then the assembling part, when you arrive at your final destination for mountain biking or bicycle touring hits your mind, and you become even more terrified. 

I’ll be honest, this also terrified me the first time I flew with my bike. So, I wanted to disassemble the bike and pack it myself to ensure that I also practiced how to put it together. 

But it wasn’t really a cup of coffee. I almost gave up during the process and wanted to go to my local bike shop and pay them to do the packing for me. 

Luckily, I managed to put the bike into pieces, and the next worry was now about where to pack it. 

I had to hassle for a cardboard box as it was the only viable option at that moment. 

Speaking of cardboard boxes, let’s talk about the best packing methods for touring cyclists who want to fly with their bikes. 

Bike bags are a great way to pack up your bike for flights, especially if you travel often with your bicycle. 

It will do a good job of keeping your bike safe and save you the hassle of having to visit or call every local bike shop begging for a cardboard box. 

The only downside of bicycle cases is that they are a bit expensive compared to other methods. You also need to attach the case to your bike when cycling. 

While the bicycle case will not add any significant weight to your bike, having to stash it when riding can be quite an inconvenience if there is no extra space for it.

Cardboard Bicycle Box from a Local Bike Shop

This is the most popular packing method for most cyclist enthusiasts. It’s also my favorite way to carry my bike when riding point-to-point. 

Cardboard bike boxes are the kind of boxes that new bikes come in. But how do you get a cardboard bike box? 

It’s simple, just call a nearby bike store and ask them if they have any mountain bike box to spare. Most bike store owners will give you a bike box for free. 

Try to look for a mountain bike box as they are usually the biggest, and they are plenty. The bicycle shop owner will find it easy to give it freely.

After all, they put them out for recycling once they remove the new mountain bikes packed in them.

If you can’t find a cardboard box in the nearby bike shops or just don’t want to go through the hassle, you can order one from BikeFlights or buy from UPS and FedEx locations.

DIY Bike Box  

If you don’t have a bicycle case and can’t get any cardboard box, you can still make your own bike box. This happened to me when cycle touring in Sudan, Africa. 

I didn’t have a bike case or bag, so I had to look for big and thick pieces of cardboard and roll packing tape to make a box.

Now, if you don’t come up with something perfect, like an actual cardboard box or bike case, will the airline accept it? 

I’d say that most non-US airlines will be a bit lenient, and you won’t have much trouble flying with your bicycle. 

However, most airlines in the US will ask you to get your bike in a hard-sided box for the safety of your bicycle. 

So, where do you find the cardboard? You just ask around in stores that sell big appliances that come packed in cardboard. 

For example, stores that sell refrigerators, big screens, washing machines, or even furniture can give you free cardboard. 

If you don’t manage to find big cardboard that will fit your bike, no need to worry, you can make something with small scraps, scissors, and lots of tape. 

Choose an Appropriate Transport Means to the Airport

Getting your bike to the airport is another tricky part when it comes to travelling overseas with your beloved bicycle. 

Here are a few options that will work, depending on where you live:

• Use UberXL if you are in an area where Uber is available. The UberXL driver will fold the car seats down and make room for your packed bike. 
• Catch an SUV taxi or minivan and see whether they can bend down the seats for your bike box to fit. 
• Ask your hotel if they can make transport arrangements to the airport in a bigger vehicle. For this method, though, be ready to pay some extra bucks.
• If you are in a busy area near the airport, you can easily find an airport shuttle. Some of these shuttles can fit bike boxes, but be sure to ask beforehand to avoid any terrible surprises a few hours before your flight.
• Ride your bike to the airport and bring all the supplies you need to pack the bike. If you settle for this method, leave early to ensure that you have enough time to pack your bicycle.

Whichever transport method you choose, it’s always a good thing to leave extra hours in case you need to switch to a different method.

You also need more time to navigate the airport for the check-in process with your big bike box. 

I wouldn’t recommend relying on public transport as your bike box won’t fit in all vehicles. 

If possible, spend your last night of the trip in a hotel and pack your cycle the night before. This way, you’ll be ready to take an UberXL or a minivan taxi to the airport.

Be Nice at the Airline Check-In Counter 

Once you arrive at the airport, you have to get your big box or bike bag to the baggage check counter. 

Major airlines will have rolling luggage carts to help users get their loads to the counter. 

If you don’t find a rolling cart, carry your bike bag or drag it by the handles. Some employees are good-hearted and willing to help. If you find one, they’ll help you, probably for a tip in most cases. 

When you manage to get your bike at the airline check-in counter, be nice and friendly to the person behind the counter as they are in charge of enforcing the airline’s luggage policy.

Remember, size and weight limits can be enforced strictly, leniently, or not at all, depending on the person’s mood.

However, being friendly doesn’t mean you have to push this person too much and put them in a tough position by asking for favors.

You just have to be friendly and avoid giving them any reason to be hard and strict on you. 

If you think that the employee is somewhat misinterpreting the airline’s policy, you can politely ask for clarification or have a supervisor interpret if necessary. 

In some cases, newer employees may be unaware that their airline offers an overweight or oversize exception. But they’ll gladly waive the excess baggage fees once they know it’s allowed.

Then drop off your checked luggage exactly where they tell you, which is usually right there at the counter. 

For excess baggage, though, you may have to drag the bike to some special place where they direct you.

Also, don’t be surprised when they open and re-tape your box. This is a common practice in the major airlines in the United States. I’ve also experienced it in other countries like Canada. 

The airport guys simply want to ensure that you don’t carry any contraband or prohibited items in your checked luggage. 

But the good thing is that they re-tape the box well to keep your bike protected. 

Stay Calm When Picking Up Your Bike Bags 

Many cyclists tell me that they usually panic for the first time at the baggage claim. And I’ve been there too. 

Waiting in suspense for your favorite bike to appear, but it doesn’t. Then you start to panic, wondering where it is. 

But there is no need to worry yet. Big boxes are often put in a separate oversize baggage area, so you should check there instead. 

Sometimes the box can also show up on the regular baggage carousel, so it’s prudent to check both before concluding that your bike didn’t make it to the other side. It’s actually hard to lose such a huge box. 

Once you get your bike, look for a van or a larger taxi to take you to a hotel. You must be tired after a long flight. Then you can assemble your bike peacefully in a hotel room.

Alternatively, you can assemble the bike right at the airport and ride away to your happy trails, especially if you are not dead tired. 

Hopefully, all the parts of your bicycle are still intact, and it rides well as you expected. Then you are set to cycle tour and explore your dream country. 

How to Pack Your Bicycle in a Bike Box

Some airlines have specific requirements when it comes to travelling with your bike. They may require you to use bike boxes, which may be available for sale in the airport. 

For such airlines, you won’t have to pull your bike apart before leaving home. This saves you the hassle of having to carry a packed bicycle as you can simply ride to the airport where you’ll do all your packing work. 

If the airline doesn’t provide specific information on how to pack your bike for the flight, you can use these general guidelines: 

• Remove the front wheel and attach your axle to avoid damaging the forks.
• Remove the pedals and the rear derailleur.
• Turn the handlebar around to ensure that it’s parallel to the bike’s frame.
• Remove any other detachable part of the bike that could be damaged during the flight, including disc brakes rotors, seat, and racks. 
• For hydraulic brakes, put a blockage between the brake pads to ensure that they are not forced together during transportation. 
• Sometimes you may have to remove the rear wheel, especially when working with a small box.
• Deflate the two wheels. 
• Cover your bike’s frame with bubble wrap or any similar protective material you can find to prevent damage. If you need more protection for your bike’s frame tubes, you can also use pool noodles. 
• Cover any vulnerable parts with padding before putting your bicycle into the box. If you don’t have any padding, you can use your soft gear. 
• Take all the small parts that could get lost and put them in a larger container that won’t fall out of the box during transportation or pack them in your travel bag. The small items include pedals, quick-release skewers, bottle cages, and lights.
• For mountain bikers whose bikes have dropper posts, packing the bicycle with the post down is more convenient than removing it.
• Put everything into the box carefully to ensure that you don’t leave any part. Keep in mind that leaving some important bike parts means that you won’t be able to put your bicycle together when you arrive at your destination. 
• Once you pack your bike and nothing is left on the floor, it’s time to tape the box. 

When packing your bicycle, make sure that you use only the tools you’ll carry on your trip and remember to pack them. Otherwise, you might find it difficult to put your bike together. 

Another thing that usually saves me from unnecessary trouble and stress is packing my derailleurs separately. 

I have heard some dismay stories from other mountain bikers about bent derailleurs, and I can only imagine the disappointment. 

Cleaning the bike first is also an excellent way to make the packing process easier and less messy. 

Can I Fly with an Unpacked Bike?

Yes, you can fly with your unpacked bicycle. However, most airlines insist on enclosed bikes. 

I have never done this, but I know of some Australian and Canadian cyclists who have cycled across the world and traveled with their unpacked bikes. 

They claimed to have used huge plastic bags, and not one airline ever turned them away. It’s easier to do this in smaller airports in places where you can’t find a bike box.

I think using a plastic bag makes your bicycle visible, and everyone can see what it is, so they can handle it with more care to avoid damaging it. 

Checked baggage handlers will also not put any weight hard-edged bags on your bicycle. They will also carry one bicycle at a time to avoid causing any crashes. 

Unlike when your bike is in a big box, and the checked baggage handlers can’t really tell what it is unless you’ve labeled it. The package may be treated roughly, and your bicycle could get damaged.

Now, if you want to travel with your unpacked bicycle, my advice is that you remove the pedals, deflate the tires, and adjust the handlebars to be parallel to the bike frame.

It would also help if you remove any small parts that may fall off and get lost, such as water bottles and bike lights, and pack them in your travel bag or cycle touring panniers. 

Q: Can You Take Your Bicycle to Another Country?

A: Absolutely! You can take your bicycle to another country as checked baggage or cargo. You just need to ensure that your bicycle is well packed in a bike bag, case, or box. 

For most people, taking a bicycle to another country is a tiring and stressful business. Although it doesn’t have to be!

There is no need to worry about taking your bicycle to another country as you can simply pack it and bring it as luggage. Most airports allow cyclists to do this, and some of them don’t add any extra bike fees. 

The best thing to do is to check for an affordable airline and understand their baggage policies before bringing your bicycle. 

Then look for an effective way to pack your bicycle for long travel. You can use a cardboard box, like the one they use to ship new mountain bikes, buy a bike bag, or make your own box. 

If all these alternatives don’t seem to work for you, use a clear plastic bag and tape your bicycle. 

As mentioned earlier, some airlines won’t have any problem with cyclists who pack their bikes in plastic bags. 

When packing your mountain bike or road bike for your travel to another country, be sure to remove any detachable and fragile parts and pack them separately. 

Pack the bicycle well and ensure that nothing is rattling inside or sliding loosely. I’d also advise taking your bicycle to a nearby bicycle store for packing if you are not sure of how to dismantle and pack it. 

Now, if you don’t want to go through the hassle of having to pack the bicycle yourself or think that it will be a real downer on your travels, you can still use bike shipping services. 

They’ll come and pick your bicycle from home and take it to your desired destination at a fee.

Q: Can We Carry Bicycle in International Flight? 

A: Yes, we can carry a bicycle on an international flight. Many international airlines allow people to carry sports equipment like bikes as a checked bag or box. 

In many airlines, bikes are treated like any other luggage, and such airlines require you to pay excess baggage fees as overweight or oversize fee.

However, if your bicycle is within the size and weight limit, you won’t have to pay any extra luggage fees. 

Now, when flying with your bicycle overseas, the way you pack your it matters a lot. It determines whether your bike will arrive intact or you’ll have to replace some parts. 

In general, there are three main packing methods, including bicycle boxes, bags or cases, and cardboard boxes. Most cyclists prefer cardboard boxes to other methods for many reasons. 

Cardboard boxes are cheap, and you can get one for free from a nearby bicycle shop. They are also easy to dispose of after the flight. 

Whichever method you prefer, the most important thing is to ensure that you disassemble the bicycle by removing the front wheel and any other detachable and fragile part before packing it. 

Then use other protective materials like bubble wrap and other padding foam to keep the frame tubes and other sensitive parts safe. 

If you do not want any part of your bike to get lost during the flight, pack the small removable pieces in a different bag. This includes the quick-release skewers, rear derailleur, lights and pedals. 

Once you are done packing your bike, label the box clearly and include details like name, contact, and probably the address of your destination. 

When carrying a bicycle on a flight, it’s also important to read the airline’s policies and understand them well to ensure that you can handle any issues that arise. 

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Fly a Bike Overseas?

A: Different airlines will charge varying amounts of bicycle fee, with some treating bikes as a part of regular baggage allowance while others requiring cyclists to pay for the bikes on top of their flight cost 

Depending on your destination, size, and weight of your bicycle, the bike fee can range between $30 to $300 each way. 

Some airlines will charge absolutely no bike fee, as long as the packed bicycle is within the size and weight limit. Others will waive any oversize or overweight fee for sports equipment like bicycles. 

Today, some budget airlines do not include any checked bags in the cheapest tickets. 

If your ticket doesn’t include a checked baggage allowance, you’ll have to pay for your checked bags regardless of their weight and size. 

So, it’s crucial to do a quick Google search and see which international airline is appropriate for your bicycle. 

Sometimes the airlines charging slightly higher airline fees are better than others that charge more on the checked baggage.  

In some cases, you may find that it’s actually cheaper to upgrade from business class to first class. You’ll pay less for your checked luggage, save a few bucks, and enjoy having extra leg room. 

Final Thoughts

Travelling with a bike overseas can be quite a daunting task when doing it for the first time. 

The good news is that you’ve learned some top tips for flying with a bicycle. Hopefully, you’ll apply them to avoid problems and get ready for any unexpected issues. 

Be sure to pack your bicycle well and do some online search to find more affordable flights. 

And when you arrive at your final destination and are finished with the bike boxes, fold them up and put them into a reclining bin to keep the environment clean. 

Once you fly with your mountain bike several times, it will become another fun part of your bicycle travel. 

If you haven’t bought the bike yet and want to travel regularly, I recommend that you look for flight-friendly bikes. A foldable road bike that fits within the baggage allowance limit will save you a few bucks as you won’t have to pay oversize fees.

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Lisa Hayden-Matthews

• November 30, 2021
• No Comments

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Simple Flying

A guide to flying with bicycles.

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Checking your bike in like baggage, airline policies, folding bikes, parking your bike at the airport.

• Most major airlines accept bikes as checked luggage, but you will need to disassemble some parts and pack them in a box or bag alongside the bike frame.
• eBikes and electric bicycles are usually not allowed to be transported due to lithium battery restrictions.
• Some airports, like Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Singapore Changi International Airport, provide free bike parking for travelers. However, you will need to bring your own locks.

While many of us stick to public transport or rental cars as a mode of transportation when abroad, others look to take their bike with them, this article will dig deep into some of the world's major airlines and busiest airports as to the process for traveling with your two-wheeled friend.

Understandably, you can't book the seat next to you to store your bike, nor is there a bike rack in the galley of the aircraft, and for these reasons, among others, your bike usually will need to be sent as cargo or stored in the hold. With some airlines, the only exception is if you are traveling with a fold-up bike, but we will get to that later.

The most common way to transport your bike on the trip with you is to check it in alongside your suitcase . Depending on size and weight, many airlines will accept a bike as a checked piece of luggage. Check the guide below to see how your preferred airline stacks up. Usually, you will need to disassemble some parts of your bike for the trip, like removing the wheels and placing them in the box alongside the bike frame.

For example, Star-Alliance carrier United Airlines will accept your bike if sealed in a box or wrapped in plastic, along with the handlebars turned, pedals removed, and all small, loose parts removed and stored safely. Oversize fees are waived on properly packed bicycles, but it's best to check your respective airline's website just to be sure. Most motorized bikes, or E-bikes, can't be checked due to the lithium battery .

Check out our guide on the ins and outs of flying with a folded bike .

Details are noted below for some of the world's most popular carriers. As pointed out by The Plane Edit , various policies are in place and vary between carriers, so always check with your airline before showing up to the airport with your bike in tow. The details below are subject to change:

There remain a few common denominators here:

• eBikes and electric bicycles are usually not able to be transported
• You can only pack bike parts into the bike box or bag; other items are prohibited.
• You must follow the airline's policies for packing the bike to be permitted to check this in as sports equipment.
• Many recommend deflating your tires
• Ensure your airline knows you plan to check a bicycle

Throwback: When Virgin Atlantic Provided Premium Passengers Free Motorbike Transfers

A particularly unique way to get to the aircraft.

While the standard bike remains popular, the world has evolved, and now we can don a helmet and ride off into the sunshine on an E-Bike or even a folding bike. However, once again, each airline will have a different set of rules depending on your form of transport. Folding bikes have risen in popularity for those looking for a small but simple solution to get around. Folding bikes are ideal for those who use a hybrid way of getting to work, where they might cycle and then catch the metro before cycling a little more. The ease of folding your bike up to the size of a suitcase makes it easy to get around. In this instance, some like to travel with a folding bike abroad. For more information on traveling with a folding bike, read here .

While many airports around the world may provide bike parking in some form or another, Simple Flying decided to put the spotlight on a few airports around the world to see what they are doing for their cyclist travelers:

In the Netherlands, where traveling by bike is extremely popular, the nation's busiest airport, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), has free bike parking for up to four weeks. There are many easy bike paths leading up to the terminals, and the bikes are checked over frequently for security and to ensure they are not being left past the official timeframe. The airport also provides secure bike lockers, where you store your bicycle with your lock.

Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN) also provides complimentary bike parking outside Terminals Two and Four , near the Changi Airport Connector. However, you must bring your locks. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), one of the busiest airports in North America, can be found outside parking building P3 or on the first floor of P6. Australia's Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) also provides bike parking outside Terminals One to Three; locking them anywhere else will mean they are removed.

Copenhagen is also making it easy for cyclists at the airport with specially designed bike storage racks near Terminal Two and Three. These parking areas are accessible and close to the airport terminals.

If you're traveling with your bike and plan to use this on arrival at your destination, be prepared with another form of transport in mind, just in case your flight arrives with no checked baggage at all, as this Swiss Air Lines flight did in October.

Source: The Planet Edit , Schiphol , FlyLAX , Changi Airport , Melbourne Airport , Copenhagen Airport

• Passenger Experience

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A complete guide to air travel with your bike.

Whether you’re traveling for a big race or just excited to explore some new terrain, bringing your bike is a must. Unfortunately, air travel is a little more (fine, a lot more ) complicated than strapping your bike into the rack on your car just before you hit the road. Bringing your bike on an airplane requires much more planning on the logistics front, as well as the financial front. 

Do all airlines allow bikes? How much will this adventure cost? How do I keep my bike safe on the airplane? These are all some basic considerations to keep in mind when you’re planning your trip. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are plenty of other things to know… before you go. 

But there’s good news ahead! Through our own experience and research, we’ve compiled a complete guide of how to take your bike on an airplane. Up next, we’ll share all the details, so you can avoid any surprises along the way while successfully getting your bike from point A to point B. 

Which Airlines are Bike Friendly?

First and foremost, what airlines even allow bikes? While many airlines claim bikes fly free, or that they’re a “bike friendly airline,” there’s often some hidden messages to decode. 

For example, there are airlines that say you can check your bike as long as it fits within their size restrictions, but unless your bike is child-sized, or you’re fine taking it completely apart to get it to fit into a suitcase, then checking your bike isn’t an option. 

Instead of doing a deep dive into each airline to: 

• Determine whether or not bike travel is even an option, 
• Figure out how you’re going to get your bike on the plane, and,
• Plan for how much this is going to set you back…

… we’ve put in the legwork to make a list for you. And, what you need to know with bike travel in each airline. 

Southwest is a solid option for air travel with your bike, simply for the fact that they make it easy. Southwest will allow you to bring your bag, as long as it’s packed in a hard sided case. However, the bike bag is in place of one of your two luggage items. So you’ll have to pay for any additional checked bags. And, if you’re using a soft-sided case, you’re accepting Southwest’s limited release terms . 

American Airlines

As long as your bike doesn’t weigh more than 50 lbs, it’s treated like a checked bag . And, even better, there are no extra fees. You’re simply paying the traditional baggage fees, which is just $30-$40. 

Once upon a time, Delta charged upwards of $150 for cyclists to bring their bikes on their aircrafts. Thankfully, Delta recently revamped their bike policies, so air travel is much easier. Similar to AA’s bike policies, Delta charges a $30-$40 fee for bikes , as long as they’re packed in a hard-sided case. 

For bikes in soft-sided cases, a limited release form is assessed, so they’re not responsible for any damages. 

If your bike is packed properly and fits the standard weight limit (50 lbs. or less), it’s considered just regular baggage. You’ll still have to pay $25-$35 for the checked bag fee, but that’s not too bad. However, if your bike goes over the weight limit, or it’s bigger than 62 linear inches, you’ll be charged a pretty hefty oversized baggage fee. If it’s overweight, then you can expect to pay $100, but if it’s oversized, you’ll have to shell out $200! Insert scared face emoji here. 

Other Considerations

These are our top three choices for bike-friendly airlines. Each of these airlines is easy to access, as they fly into most airports. These three airlines also make it easy to bring your bike, as long as you follow the rules. 

In addition to the airline specific regulations listed above, these are a few other things to keep in mind that apply to all three airlines:

• Bikes weighing over the specific weight limits will be charged a fee for overweight baggage.
• All bike carrying bags must still fit within the specified range of length and width restrictions. Be sure to measure before you bring your bike to make sure it fits. 
• Read the fine print. As of now, the above information is accurate, but airlines are notorious for sneaking additional fees into airfare, so it’s always wise to double check.
• Each airline has a specific way to pack your bike, but all require pedals to be removed. Some require handlebars facing a certain way, while others just ask that they’re taken off. Check the specific airline you’re flying to make sure you’re following their rules. 

For a quick overview of what you can expect when traveling with your bike on each of these airlines, check out this table: 

The bottom line here is that no matter what airline you’re flying, you’re at their mercy to safely get your bike to your destination. And let’s be honest, what’s more disappointing than booking a trip to explore Moab, or finally realizing your dream of competing in the Malibu Triathlon… only to have your bike get left behind? So once you land on an airline choice, pay close attention to their details. 

How to Pack Your Bike for Air Travel

Your ultimate end game here is to get your bike to your final destination, all in one piece. Well, not all in one piece per se, since you’ll be breaking it down into a few pieces before you go. But you get the drift here. You don’t want to leave too much up to the airline, and if you’ve ever seen luggage being tossed into the cargo hold, then you know exactly why it’s important to pack your bag carefully. 

Choose Your Bag

While it would be really nice to just roll your bike right down the jet ramp and onto the airplane, clearly that’s just not the case. What you need is a storage bag that protects your bike while en route to your destination. And, a bag that’s already anticipated any potential disasters and prevents them before they even happen. 

Here are a few things to consider in choosing the best bag for travel with your bike:

• How easy is it to navigate a busy airport with your bag in tow?
• Does the bag meet guidelines for the airlines you use frequently, or plan to use frequently?
• Is there a separate compartment for the bike chain, to prevent a potentially messy situation when you unpack your bike?
• What kind of bike can you fit in the bike travel bag?
• How sturdy is the material used to make the bag? Again… careful isn’t the main priority for baggage handlers when they’re responsible for getting thousands of pounds of luggage on the plane within a short amount of time. 
• Is the bag easy to store when it’s not in use?

Our FREEDOM Bike Travel Bag considers all of the above, and more. Here are a few key features that make this bike travel bag one to the top choices, and best options for your travels:

• When your bike is securely packed in this bag, the dimensions read 53" x 31" x 15,” so it fits right in with most airline restrictions. 
• The FREEDOM bag is fabricated with incredibly durable ripstop nylon. And, there’s a zipper closure to keep everything safely tucked away inside the bag during travel.
• This bag is made for mountain bikes and triathlon bikes. 
• Everything has a home in this case. There are compartments galore! When you pack your bike, you’ll know exactly where you put everything, making unpacking and assembling a much easier task. 

Prep Your Bike

Again, it’s really important that you pay attention to the specs required for the airline your traveling. But, for each of the airlines we’ve mentioned here, you’ll at least need to follow these steps:

• Remove the handlebars, wheels, saddle and pedals.
• Let just a little bit of air out of the tires. There’s a significant change in pressure with air travel, so this is a necessary precaution to help avoid tire damage. 
• Carefully wrap parts with bubble wrap. Use tape to secure the ends.
• Label each piece. You’ll know what they are, but this will just help streamline your assembly process later.
• Make sure to keep all necessary tools and screws/bolts with your bike when you’re breaking it down. 

If you’re using our FREEDOM bag, this part is easy peasy! Just put each of the parts in it’s designated home. Include tools and screws/bolts. Again, keeping the chain separate is essential, so you don’t unpack your bike to find everything covered in grease. Yuck!

Label the Bag

Make sure you have an identification tag that’s easily visible on your bike bag. While we all like to think it’s impossible to lose a piece of luggage like a bike, this is one of those better to be safe than sorry situations. 

Also, many bags, like our FREEDOM bag, make it known that there’s a bike inside. Other bags do not, so it’s important to label the outside of the bag, to make it easier on those that check the bags, and load them onto the aircraft. 

Tips and Tricks for Air Travel with Your Bike

We’ve done this song and dance a time or two, and learned lots of things along the way. So, instead of learning from your own mistakes, we’ll do you a favor and share all the mistakes we’ve made, so you don’t have to learn the hard way! 

Here are just a few things that will make your life a little easier when traveling with your bike, from packing to unpacking, and everything in between:

• Before you remove the seat, use a piece of tape to mark the height. 
• Remember how they remind you a million times that objects may shift during flight? Take that to heart while packing your bike, and leave as little room for movement as humanly possible. The less wiggle and jiggle inside the bag, the better.
• Keep the tools with the bike, just safely wrapped. Do not, again, do not, put the tools in your carry-on bag. They’ll get taken away at security. Just don’t do it.
• Measure and weigh several times just to make sure your bike really fits the airlines restrictions, no questions asked. 
• Even though your bag might have wheels, there are going to be some points along your journey that you have to hoist your bag into place. Be mindful while packing, so you don’t make your bag too heavy.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! The ins and outs of air travel with a bike. Not just any bike, your bike. So therefore, it’s important that you get it to your final destination without issue. Luckily, if you follow our guide above, that shouldn’t be a problem. 

If you’re planning an upcoming trip and hoping to take your bike on the airplane with you, then a bike bag is a must. Consider our FREEDOM bag to keep your bike safe and secure during travel. Safe travels!

5 Tips for Flying With Your Mountain Bike

July 6, 2013

1. Get a proper case

If you plan on trav­el­ing more than once with your moun­tain bike, or are doing mul­ti­ple legs on your jour­ney, invest in a prop­er case for your bike. Noth­ing sucks more than get­ting to your des­ti­na­tion, open­ing up your card­board bike box and find­ing a bent or bro­ken dérailleur hang­er or brake rotor, and then spend­ing half a day look­ing for bike shops to fix the prob­lem. See the next sec­tion (A guide to pro­tect­ing your moun­tain bike) for more infor­ma­tion on the var­i­ous types of bike protection.

2. Clean your bike before you go

Some coun­tries (like New Zealand, for instance) are real­ly strict about for­eign dirt com­ing into the coun­try; your dirt-caked tires might look real­ly cool, but they could also result in your bike being impound­ed. Do your research, and if you need to, give your bike a prop­er clean­ing and wash­ing before pack­ing it up for trav­el. Plus it’s a lot nicer pulling a clean bike out of your case and cak­ing it with fresh local dirt! 

3. Don’t just use your bike bag for your bike

All air­lines have a max­i­mum weight allowance for your main checked bag­gage, but you can often get around this by trans­fer­ring clothes and oth­er gear from your lug­gage to your bike case (you usu­al­ly pay a flat rate to bring a bike on the plane, with no weight restric­tion). If you’ve fol­lowed sug­ges­tion #2, then you can kill two birds with one stone by wrap­ping your bike clothes (jer­seys, shorts, armour, etc…) around your bike frame to fur­ther pro­tect it. 

4. Bring  lots  of riding clothes

Let’s face it, moun­tain bike gear gets dirty – and real­ly stinky – fast. You may think you can get more than 1 day out of a jer­sey, but trust me – after you’ve put a hard day of rid­ing into a jer­sey or shorts, you’re real­ly not going to want to put them on again the next morn­ing. And you prob­a­bly don’t want to spend a big chunk of our vaca­tion sit­ting at laun­dro­mats, so bring at least 3 or 4 jer­seys and shorts if you have them. Dit­to with socks. 

5. Shipping vs. Flying vs. Renting

If you’re fly­ing to your des­ti­na­tion then you have three options for hav­ing a bike at your des­ti­na­tion: ship it via mail/courier or bring it with you on the plane or rent a bike. 

If you’re stay­ing with­in your con­ti­nent (e.g. North Amer­i­ca, or Europe) then ship­ping your bike may make sense: you don’t have to lug it around with you, couri­er com­pa­nies are usu­al­ly more care­ful with your bike than air­line bag­gage han­dlers, and you can pur­chase insur­ance eas­i­ly. Here are a few ship­ping options:

• FedEx (They will insure your bike case.)
• UPS (Accord­ing to Adven­ture Cycling Asso­ci­a­tion, UPS costs more and takes longer than FedEx. They will not insure your bike case.)
• Bike­flights (Prides itself on being the “eas­i­est and cheap­est” way to ship a bike. 

If you’re fly­ing away from your home con­ti­nent, then it’s usu­al­ly pro­hib­i­tive­ly expen­sive to ship your bike (for exam­ple, ship­ping a bike from our office in Toron­to to Lima, Peru is about $600 CAD) and it makes more sense to bring it with you on the plane. Most air­lines charge an extra fee for trans­port­ing a bike, gen­er­al­ly any­where from $50-$250 each way. Although it’s a bit of a has­sle to pack up your bike and lug it with you to the air­port, it’s usu­al­ly not as much has­sle as you might think.

A final option is to rent a moun­tain bike at your des­ti­na­tion. While we gen­er­al­ly rec­om­mend our Rid­ers – and all moun­tain bike trav­el­ers — bring their own bikes with them (you’ll usu­al­ly ride bet­ter on a famil­iar bike, unless your famil­iar bike is a piece of crap), some­times it’s just more con­ve­nient to rent, for exam­ple if you’re plan­ning on trav­el­ing on after your moun­tain bike trip and don’t want the has­sle of lug­ging your bike around or stor­ing your bike. A few rec­om­men­da­tions re: rental bikes:

• Plan ahead: in high sea­son many shops are slammed and may not have avail­abil­i­ty at the last minute, so book your bike well in advance
• Ask for exact details on brand, mod­el and year of their fleet.
• Ask how often they main­tain their fleet: are they inspect­ed and main­tained after each ride, or on a peri­od­ic basis?
• Ask about their dam­age pol­i­cy: for instance, whose respon­si­bil­i­ty is it if the dérailleur hits a rock and the hang­er snaps off? Or whose respon­si­bil­i­ty is it if the front fork blows out and leaks oil all over the place?
• Siz­ing is super-impor­tant: a medi­um Spe­cial­ized doesn’t fit the same as a medi­um San­ta Cruz. If you’re inter­est­ed in a rental, find out the mod­el and then find a local shop in your area that sells or rents the same bike, and go to the store and try out bikes to find your size. At Sacred Rides we’ve part­nered with great local bike shops and rental shops in all of our des­ti­na­tions to ensure that we have high-qual­i­ty moun­tain bike rentals for our Rid­ers. Whether you’re trav­el­ing with us or on your own, feel free to drop us a line to ask about rental options in our destinations.
• Check your airline’s bag­gage poli­cies. It pays to read the fine print about bag­gage poli­cies: some air­lines even go so far as to pro­hib­it bikes on planes. Read the fine print about weight restric­tions, bike fees, etc.. before you decide to book that flight.

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Mountain Bike Holiday Advice > Travel With Your Mountain Bike

There are lots of guides on how to travel with your mountain bike, especially how to fly with your mountain bike. It is really surprisingly easy. Rather than providing a step by step guide I´ll talk you through some of the ways our guests arrive with their bikes, some links and some things to watch out for.

If you don´t want to travel with your mountain bike then hiring is a good option and we have really good hire bikes. Often if you are coming from outside Europe it is actually cheaper for you to hire a bike when you get here.

Flying With Your Mountain Bike

For a regular bike, in many ways flying is the easiest way to travel with your mountain bike. It really is very, very easy. You need to book it in when you book your trip, and there will be some charges which depend on your flight operator. Then you have a few options for how to package it. The only damage we have ever seen (with over 5000 visits) was bent disc rotors from people who hadn´t removed them. We have had less than 5 groups arrive without their bikes and all of those were with us within 48 hours.

This video helps with a cardboard box.

• The Cheap and Difficult | A Cardboard Box Go to your bike shop and ask for an old bike box. They will probably be pleased because you will save them the hassle of dumping the box. Also it´s a good moment to get some spares for your bike or some fuel for your trip. The GMBN video above is good, however I´d recommend using foam pipe lagging for the frame and thick cardboard to seperate the wheels and handlebars from the frame. Remove the disc rotors, honestly, trust me. Honestly a cardboard box is a last resort if you plan to travel with your mountain bike It is a hassle to move anywhere, there is more likelihood of damage and packing takes ages compared to one of the other options.
• The Expensive and Easy | An Evoc Bike Bag or Similar I would say that 90% of the people who fly for one our our mountain bike holidays pack their bikes in an Evoc bike bag, or one of the similar ones from CRC or similar. These offer great protection and the faff factor is really low. You can go from bag to riding within 10 minutes with a bit of practice. In our opinion the Evoc is head and shoulders above the competitors, the price does reflect that though.
• Hire a bike bag or box. If you don’t plan to travel with your mountain bike regularly then hiring is a great option. Rigid bike boxes are great but remember that enduro bikes are getting longer and wheels have gotten bigger. Make sure that the bike box can accommodate your bike so you aren´t panicking the day before your trip. There are LOTS of places to rent Evoc bike bags or similar, check your local shops, ebay and forums such as Singletrackworld for advice. If you don´t travel regularly this is a great choice.

I wrote a blog around 10 years ago detailing how to pack a bike bag. Honestly, all that is totally irrelevant now, I wont even bother linking to it, the new generation of bike bags removes all that hassle and preparation. If I was travelling with my bike I would either buy or hire an Evoc Pro bike bag for your trip.

Doug (basqueMTB)

There are a few points to note when you are flying with your mountain bike.

• Deflating your tyres. There is really no need for mountain bike tyres, the pressure difference isn´t that big. Maybe just drop them down to 10-15psi so that if you´re using tubeless tyres they don´t leak sealant everywhere. If you´re asked if you´ve deflated the tyres you can correctly say that you have.
• Deflating shocks and forks. See above for my advice!
• Insurance. It is definitely worth getting holiday insurance for your bike so that if it is damaged during your trip you can claim. Many policies will cover crash damage as well.

Flying With Your E-Bike

Currently it is difficult to fly with your electric bike. If you are travelling with your e-bike then I really recommend driving. There are two issues, one is the battery and the other is the weight. The problems are not impossible to surmount, however often if you aren´t driving it is easier to just hire a bike from us.

Problem 1: Weight The best way currently is to take your bike in a bag, using one of the methods above. Note that you need to keep the weight below 25kg or the airlines won´t handle it. Removing the battery is essential for this, (see below).

Problem 2: Battery The battery appears to be the main issue for flying with your electric bike and there are very few ways around this we have observed. Many airlines allowed batteries up to 100WH, however all mountain bike batteries are bigger than this.

• Mail your battery before the your mountain bike holiday starts. You can mail it to us and we will keep it for you and send it back to you after your holiday. You need to talk to the shipping company because the batteries class as hazardous material and there will be paperwork and cost associated.
• If you are coming in a group then what you can do is that most people fly with their bikes and one or two people drive with all the batteries. This seems to work well and the 2 drivers can be switched for the way home.
• If you are lucky and your battery is the same as one which we have we can rent you the battery for the week. This is getting harder and harder as batteries become more and more specific to the bike frame.

Drive With Your Mountain Bike

If I was travelling within Europe I´d take the risk on the train and drink wine and read my book all the way to my destination.

If I was travelling with friends, or taking an ebike, I would share driving with as many of them as I could fit in my van or car. Tunes on the stereo and share the drive.

If I was going to the UK or USA then I would fly of course!

This is a really easy way to travel with your mountain bike and lots of our guests arrive with their bikes in the car. The beauty is that you can visit some places on the way there and back, you can take plenty of spares and you can also load the car or van with Spanish wine and dried meat to take home with you!

There are a few things to watch out for and I´ll go through them here.

• Local Regulations Be aware of the local restrictions for how you can travel with a bike in your car. It is essential that the number plate and lights aren´t obscured and that the bikes have a warning plate on the back. Check this for each country you need to travel through. Additionally in Spain at least, you can´t have the bikes loose in the back of your car.
• Heights Restrictions If you take the bikes on the roof REMEMBER! There are height restrictions on the ferries and on the tolls on the motorways, remember that!
• Security Overnight If you are stoping think about how you will secure your bikes. Don´t leave them in the back of a car, or van, outside a hotel unless you are really sure it is secure.

Driving from the UK There are two main options.

• Take the shorter ferry, or the tunnel, to the north of France and drive around 12 hours down the great but boring French motorways. Expect tolls to cost around €100 each way for a car.
• Take the longer ferry to Bilbao or Santander and then you have a short, and cheap, drive of around 2 hours to our base in Hondarribia.

Take the Train With Your Mountain Bike

You would think that the train would be a really easy way to travel with your mountain bike wouldn’t you? London to Paris on the Eurostar and then Paris to Irun on the TGV. I have done it and it was brilliant, however the problem is that the actual luggage restrictions prevent you taking your bike. While you will often find that you are not faced with any problems if you turn up, in theory the conductor could refuse you entry for your bike bag.

In practice I believe that if you turn up with an EVOC bike bag (other makes exist and we really do not have any connection with EVOC, I dont even own one of their bags!) and a sensibly sized rucksack then you will have no problems. I have personally done this and I know several guests who have travelled like this and it has been fine. I guess it depends on your attitude to risk!

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This entry was posted Friday, December 6th, 2019 at 3:00 pm and is classified as Mountain Bike Holiday Advice .

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Tips for Traveling with Your Mountain Bike

Traveling with your bike can really open up the opportunities to ride new trails and see things you wouldn’t have otherwise. For those of us that travel a lot for work it also helps break up trips with something we like to do and and sure beats the hotel gym. However, traveling with your bike for non-biking specific adventures can prove to be a hassle and stressful at times. Here are some tips I use to make things a little bit easier with transport and trying out new trails.

Traveling with your bike

One of the greatest fears when traveling with your bike is keeping it secure. We all know bikes are not cheap these days so it is a real investment we have hanging off the back of our cars. There are also some other little headaches that can come along the way. Here is how I try to minimize that as much as possible.

Bring your bike in the hotel whenever possible – Especially in areas that are used to having mountain bikers, is is relatively easy to just bring your bike into your hotel room. You know exactly where it is and you’ll sleep better at night with you bike being the last thing you see at night.

Store your bike in your car – If you can’t bring your bike into the hotel (believe it or not some hotels don’t like mud in their lobby’s and rooms), lock your bike in your car. This can be easy with SUV’s but difficult with smaller cars and trucks. It also helps if you have tinted windows to keep onlookers from seeing what you have inside.

Redundant locking – If I can’t get it in the hotel room or my vehicle for some reason, I lock it up outside of the car but not in the same fashion that I would if I was just stopping to get something to eat. The cable locks included with racks (like the Kuat I am using currently) are great for opportunistic, “grab and go” thieves. If your bike is going to be out an secluded for awhile…there is more time to get a cable cutter and lift the bike right off. Here is what I do to secure a bike outside at night.

• Run the regular cable through the frame and both wheels.
• Use the heavy duty Kryptonite lock (The New York Fahgettaboudit Chain that actually carries a $5k bike insurance with it) through the main frame and then locked to the car or locked to the rack in a way it can’t be taken out. The reality is that if you have it through the frame…they won’t be able to get it out without cutting the frame itself.
• Have the rack securely locked to the vehicle.
• Park as close as you can get to the front door and under a light.
• Bring all keys inside with you. Do not leave them locked in the vehicle.

One more thing to think about – Whenever possible, try to have your bike on the rear of your car instead of a roof rack. While roof racks are great for around town, they create a tremendous amount of drag and on longer drives that means your gas mileage will be affected more than if your bike is on the back. It also makes it a lot easier for drive throughs as well as more secure for locking if you are using a hitch mounted rack.

Planning your trip – Where to ride

When we aren’t planning our trips around riding but around some other activity like meetings, shows and other work related or family events, it takes a little bit more planning to find places to ride. Here is how I usually lay everything out on my trips.

What is near or in route to where you are headed? – My trips are always planned in routes based on where I have to be that week. I usually will pull up Google Maps and see what is either in route or close to each destination. A simple “mountain bike trails near” usually works really well. Another great avenue is asking your friends on Facebook for recommendations or going to the mountain biking organization’s website for the state or local area.

Visit a bike shop that is close by – Almost every trail has a bike shop that is close by. They will have any and all information you need regarding that trail. What should you try first? Which areas better suit the kinds of trail you like to ride? Anything you need to watch out for or where you should park? All of this is incredibly valuable information that is often very difficult to find online. You can also pick up a map of the trails here if they are available.

Check Strava – No this is not to set a bar on the segments you need to try to take. One of the byproducts of the wide adoption of Strava by riders is that almost every trail on the planet is now mapped. This will help you when you are out on the trail alone from getting lost.

Must have items – 99% of the time when I am riding during travel I am riding alone. That makes it so that I am in an unfamiliar place, with people that don’t know me and often times during non peak riding hours for the trail. Here are some items you have to have with you.

• ID Bracelet – If you get knocked out by a tree, these bracelets will tell other riders/first responders who you are, who to contact and how to best take care  of you
• Phone (fully charged)
• Extra water – This is important. You might not need much on your local trails but you are now somewhere you don’t know as well. Extra is always better.
• Someone that knows where you are – I always text my wife before I start and when I finish riding.
• Tubes, tools and anything else you need in case of a breakdown – Since you are riding in off peak hours, you might not have the luxury of someone just riding by. Have everything with you.

I have had the oppotunity to ride some new trails in places I would never travel to for riding by bringing my bike with me on trips. It’s extra mileage and really breaks up trips that would be boring otherwise. By keeping a few things in mind, you can really reduce the stress of traveling with your bike and get to ride some incredible trails.

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MOUNTAIN BIKE SETUP 101 – A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO DIALING IN YOUR NEW RIDE

Tips and tricks to getting the most out of your new mountain bike

Mountain bike setup 101.

By Lee McCormack

Congratulations on your sweet new bike! This article will help you set it up for comfort and fun. I’ll assume you’re riding the correct bike size. Do not trust the bike makers’ size charts. For help choosing the right size: • See our article on frame sizing . • Read my book, “Dialed.” • Join the Lee Likes Bikes MTB School . This site has tons of resources on bike choice and setup, riding skills, and physical and mental training. Now that you have a sweet bike in the perfect size and color for you, let’s set up the parts that touch your body.

Most mountain bikes do not come with pedals, so you’ll have to buy a pair. You’ll choose from two styles : 1. Flat pedals. This is the basic type of pedal you first rode as a kid. 2. Clip-in pedals. These attach your foot to the pedal via a metal cleat and spring-loaded clips.

Unless you’re an expert rider who loves clip-in pedals, there is no decision to make. Ride flat pedals . End of story. When you choose your flat pedals: • They must have metal pins. These increase grip and confidence. • The body of the pedal can be plastic or metal. Plastic works great. It costs less than metal, and it tends to slide across rocks. Metal pedals are more likely to grab the rocks. • Get a color you like. Plastic pedals give you all the options. • Don’t spend a lot of money. You can get a sweet plastic pedal with metal pins for $40 (a la the Race Face Chester). More expensive pedals won’t do much for you. But, the right color, that does everything for you.

I’m currently rocking a pair of pink plastic pedals with metal pins.

Now, let’s talk shoes. Don’t try to ride flat pedals with shoes made for clip-in pedals , especially if the metal cleat is mounted to the sole of the shoe. You’ll be so worried about your feet slipping that you’ll miss the pixies dancing in the trailside ferns.

Skate shoes work well. Back in the day we all rode Vans. Rock the black and white checkers for OG cred. Dedicated flat-pedal shoes work best. The soles are designed to engage with the pins, and the soft rubber compound sticks to the pedals. The best shoes use the same type of rubber as rock climbing shoes. Good brands include Specialized, Shimano , Pearl Izumi, Five Ten and Ride Concepts.

What part of your foot should be on the pedal? Stand on the ground in your sweet checked Vans and jump up and down a few inches. Notice the part of your foot you launch from and land on. Put that part of your foot on the middle of the pedal. It’s usually the back of the ball of your foot.

Your bike will come with a saddle . As you become a seasoned rider, you develop strong preferences for the objects you cram into that part of your body. If you don’t have a preferred saddle , you might as well start with the one that came with your bike.

SADDLE HEIGHT

Let’s use the multiplier given to us by the great road racer Greg LeMond. Measure your inseam in bare feet. Multiply your inseam by 0.883.

That’s your seat height. Measure from the middle of your bike’s bottom bracket to the top of the middle of the saddle. Strive for a 30-degree knee bend when your leg is at full extension.

SADDLE FORE/AFT

Mount the saddle in the middle of its rails. That said, for most of mountain bike history, seat tube angles were about 74 degrees. That makes biomechanical sense for a typical rider to make good, comfortable power in the saddle.

Many current bikes have seat tube angles in the 76- to 78-degree range. These steeper angles place you farther forward relative to the pedals, which puts more stress on your knees and quads. If you feel distress in your knees (specifically under your knee cap), try sliding your saddle back on the rails. That shifts the work towards your glutes.

SADDLE TILT

Mount the saddle level. If you feel pressure/pain in the front of your undercarriage, that’s your saddle poking you. Tilt the saddle down a few degrees and see if that helps.

These are all standard starting points. Pain is not “part of the sport.” If you are not comfortable, make a change! I can help you via the online school or a Zoom consultation .

Before you ride your snazzy new bike, take a few minutes to set up your levers, because it starts with your brake levers.

Most riders’ brake levers point down too steeply. This creates stress in your forearm and hands. As a starting point, adjust the levers so they are pointing downward at about 45 degrees from level. The steeper you ride and the harder you brake, the flatter the angle needs to be. My levers are at about 30 degrees from level.

SIDE TO SIDE

Learn to ride with your index fingers on the brake levers and the rest of your digits calmly and confidently wrapped around the grips.

Adjust the levers side to side so your index finger is at the end of the lever. Some levers have a little hook for that purpose. You should be able to pull the lever all the way to the grip without it hitting your middle finger. Most of the time, this means sliding the levers inward 10–20mm.

If your fancy new bike is extra fancy, the brake levers can be adjusted inward and outward. This is called “lever reach.”

Set the reach of your levers so they rest in the first (smallest) knuckle of your index fingers. This makes it easy to keep your fingers there when you’re riding.

SHIFTER AND DROPPER LEVERS

Most of the time these levers are mounted just inward of the brake levers. Start there. Set these levers with the same angle as your brake levers, so all the levers move on the same plane.

If you take the time to make these adjustments, you’ll ride with more comfort and confidence. Have fun out there!

Editor’s note: Lee McCormack is the OG mountain bike guru. He has written 11 books, published thousands of articles, taught 11,000 riders, trained 1,500 coaches and reached millions of people via his videos.  Learn more at www.leelikesbikes.com .

Looking for more in depth bike and suspension setup tips? Check out our Garage Files series on every topic you’ll need to know.

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Product Overview: The D1RT Electric Mountain Bike

Mar 11, 2024

By Kellie Meyers

If you’ve ever wanted to take your electric biking experience to new heights, then now is the time: we’re excited to announce the release of the D1RT , our new electric mountain bike. This e-MTB is packed with high-performing, beneficial, and convenient features that make tackling mountain trails an absolute breeze. If you’d like to learn more about the newest addition to our fleet of electric vehicles, keep reading, because today, we’re going over the very best parts of the D1RT electric mountain bike.  

If you’re traversing down mountain paths, you’re going to want a bike that stands up to the bumps and jolts of unpaved roads. The D1RT is more than capable of taking on this kind of terrain: its adjustable front suspension and pneumatic tires help absorb the shock from all kinds of terrain, keeping your ride going as smoothly as possible. It even comes with a torque sensor, which measures the amount of work you put into your pedaling and adjusts the motor’s output to match your efforts. This creates a more natural-feeling ride, making your adventures even more enjoyable.

You’ll have plenty of power as you set forth down roads less traveled. The D1RT makes use of a 350-watt rear-wheel motor to push you along winding trails and over uneven paths. You can go as fast as 20 miles per hour using either pedal assist or throttle, letting you customize how much work you put into maintaining your speed. The bike also comes equipped with a Shimano 7 Speed Shifter that allows you to easily change gears to adapt to your riding conditions. Plus, with a 36 volt, 10.4 Ah battery, you’ll have the range to explore for miles on end before needing to recharge.

Once it’s time to give the bike a rest, the D1RT’s removable battery makes recharging simple by allowing you to take the battery inside separately: there’s no need to haul the whole bike indoors to charge it. Of course, if you’d rather store the bike somewhere you can keep an eye on it, the D1RT can be charged while the battery is still installed as well. 

The D1RT is a fantastic way for new and experienced riders alike to take on their local trails and spend time harmonizing with the great outdoors. No matter where you decide to ride, remember to stay safe, follow local laws and regulations, and always wear a helmet!

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Cycling the Western Balkans: A wild, yet welcoming, mountain tour

“Hey mate!” a cyclist called to us in an Australian accent as he pedaled by on the rocky dirt road that serves as the main street of the village of Theth deep in Albania’s Dinaric Alps. Along with my friend and travel companion, Dave, I had not seen another bikepacker in four days.

In June, Dave and I rode a section of the new 2,500-mile Trans Dinarica cycling route that connects Albania and the other countries in the Western Balkans through the Dinaric Alps, known as the “Accursed Mountains.” The route starts in Slovenia, crossing through remote parts of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia on public roads with a mix of gravel, dirt and asphalt. By covering so much terrain, the Trans Dinarica is able to offer something for different types of cyclists, regardless of experience and skill.

As we quickly learned, biking the Trans Dinarica is not like cycling in the French Alps or the Italian Dolomites, although with limestone and steep rock faces, some of the terrain looks strikingly similar. In France and Italy, there are cyclists on every switchback of popular climbs, bike repair shops in most towns and a decades-old cycling culture. In Albania and Montenegro, Dave and I went days without seeing a single bike shop and long stretches without even a grocery store. But the scenery is breathtaking, the roads are calm, and this rural zone is eagerly transforming into a tourist destination.

“The idea is to present the Balkans positively and to inspire people to see the Balkans from a different perspective and in a sustainable way,” said Jan Klavora, a Slovenian and one of the creators of the Trans Dinarica. “It is an economical route because it brings business to an area that needs it. It is also cultural because it brings together areas that were divided by war and connects them all.”

The Western Balkan region experienced significant political, social and cultural upheaval in the 20th century, particularly following World War II. After the disintegration of Yugoslavia into six separate states, the Yugoslav wars, a series of ethnically driven conflicts from 1991 to 2001, caused the deaths of 140,000 people.

Slowly, the region’s economy is improving, and tourism is considered a key aspect. Crowds are already flocking to Croatia and spreading down the Adriatic coast to Albania and Montenegro. But the Trans Dinarica route heads deep into the mountains, an area that is still much less visited.

“Cyclists are good customers. We eat a lot, stop for lunch and dinner, and sleep somewhere different every night. It’s a huge economical engine,” Klavora said.

Podgorica, Montenegro to Tamare, Albania

With limited time, Dave and I headed into the heart of the Dinaric Alps in Montenegro. We had packed a water filter, repair kit and GPS, and both of us had gravel bikes with 38-millimeter tires. We planned to pedal a 200-mile loop with lots of elevation gain and cross through mountains from Montenegro to Albania. We picked a route that offered breathtaking climbs into the high mountains, with quiet roads and a balance of asphalt and gravel so that we could cover a lot of ground every day but still enjoy car-free, empty sections.

We bought food along the way, stopping whenever we came across a grocery store, and booked our hotels and guesthouses in advance, using the accommodations listed on the Trans Dinarica website and paying for our rooms in cash. (I don’t love cycling with hundreds of euros, but very few places take credit cards, and ATMs were not to be found after we left Podgorica, Montenegro’s capital.)

Our loop started from Podgorica, with a climb above the Moraca canyon and views of the Mala Rijeka viaduct, the highest railway bridge in Europe. We left early, enduring a hot sun, but we met cooler temperatures after 7,200 feet of climbing into the mountains. After a short descent into a high elevation valley, we stopped at Restaurant Ribnak, a log cabin where the river flows directly beneath the deck, and the waiters catch the fish served for lunch next to your feet. It was too early in the day for lunch, but we had fried potatoes and baklava before continuing on.

The day’s 56-mile route was mainly on paved roads but we saw very little traffic. (It’s possible to split the ride into two days, staying in Kolasin, a small village on the banks of the Tara River.) After our baklava stop, we ascended another 6 miles of switchbacks to Stavna, a collection of mountain hut outposts surrounded by peaks. We were greeted at Kobil Do Guesthouse with a shot glass of rakia (or rakija), a traditional distilled plum liquor popular in the Balkans.

“The grandest climbs of the Balkans are no match for the power of plum brandy,” Dave said as we slowly sipped the 40% alcohol by volume – or 80-proof – liquor. The guesthouse serves dinner and breakfast, and rooms are in individual cottages with single beds and showers.

The next day started with a long, steep, chunky gravel descent to the town of Andrijevica and the valley along the Lim River below. (A nearby paved road is an alternative option, but to us, the panoramic views were worth the slightly spicy descent.) I took my only fall of the trip when I bailed into a bush to avoid skidding out of a switchback. I was fine. Wildflowers were blooming, and even with smoke from wildfires in Greece, the view of Kucki Kom, the highest peak of the Komovi massif, was spectacular.

After rejoining the asphalt 9 miles later, we rode through the valley for a gentle climb then a descent into the village of Gusinje. Once at the intersection of the Ottoman trade routes between northern Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo, today Gusinje is transforming, with a renovation of its central bazaar and a push to become a sporting event hub – hosting triathlons and the Skyrunning European Championships, in which runners navigate steep ridges, all above 6,600 feet.

It’s a 4-mile ride from Gusinje to the Albanian border, where we had our passports stamped in a small wooden building by a border agent who seemed surprised to see anyone at all, let alone two cyclists. Over the border, we dunked ourselves in the clean waters of the Vermosh River, a reprieve from the afternoon heat. Our day’s last climb had views of the Tamara Gorge on the Cem River, one of Europe’s last free-flowing rivers.

With the temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the descent felt like riding through a blow dryer, but we were greeted by a friendly host and excellent air conditioning at Guesthouse Rireyiana in the village of Tamare. Across the town square, the staff at the newly opened Ujevara restaurant were more than happy to serve us an excellent and early 4:45 p.m. dinner of local trout and Greek salad.

Tamare to Shkoder

From Tamare to Theth would be another big day of climbing, with nearly 7,000 feet of elevation gain over 50 miles, and after the previous afternoon’s heat, we decided to leave early. Waking at 5 a.m. for a breakfast of cookies, bananas and peach juice – grocery store options were, shall we say, limited – we ascended some very beautiful switchbacks and then a more gradual climb to Boge, the last outpost before Theth. Not so much a town, Boge does offer accommodation options and small rest stops with cold water and other beverages. It was only 9:30 a.m., but with temperatures rising, we paused only briefly before the last long ascent, which brings you into Theth National Park, which has most of Albania’s peaks above 6,500 feet.

Before the trip, I imagined rugged mountains, small villages and long, empty stretches of road, but I was still surprised by how few cyclists we saw, especially on roads and gravel trails that were perfect for cycling. The sheer remoteness also surprised me.

“Albania feels like the Italian Dolomites, but with less pasta and more wilderness,” Dave said at the top of a climb, where we stumbled across a stone memorial for Baron Franz Nopcsa, a Hungarian geologist, paleontologist and specialist in Albanian studies who died in 1933.

A long descent found us at Theth, a small village mainly composed of guesthouses and several restaurants. We were done riding that day, and celebrated with a three-hour lunch of lamb, Fergese (a traditional Albanian dish with roasted red peppers, tomatoes and cottage cheese), cornbread, Greek salad and local beer at Bar Restaurant Jezerca. We shared a table with a couple who were hitchhiking and backpacking from Austria to Greece. Theth is a popular hiking destination with a 400-year-old “lock-in tower,” which historically offered shelter to people engaged in blood feuds.

After a night at Kompleksi Zorgji, a family home transformed into a guesthouse, we started our final day climbing back up the same descent and headed down toward Shkoder, an important city in northern Albania with nearly 2,200 years of recorded history that sits between Lake Skadar (known also as Lake Scutari, Lake Shkoder and other names) and the foothills of the Albanian Alps. Completing the loop, we took a taxi back across the border to Podgorica for 60 euros ($65) with a driver who had spent 40 years in the Albanian police before retiring. We stopped at his house on the way to unload 15 3-gallon water jugs for his family. I wished I spoke Albanian, because he seemed to have excellent stories.

“They said it’s the wildest part of Europe, and it never once disappointed,” Dave said as we loaded our bikes into the taxi.

Practical Tips

Accommodation options, restaurants, water refills and scenic stops are all marked in the Trans Dinarica route data, available for download. The organizers recommend using a gravel bike with 38- to 42-milimeter tires. Wider tires will offer more stability on the gravel sections, but you lose speed and efficiency on the paved sections. Bring enough cash for food, lodging and emergencies for the entirety of the trip. Expect to pay about 50 euros per night for two-person accommodations, and anywhere from 10 to 30 euros per person for meals, depending on what you ordered. We got pizzas for 7 euros, but splurged for a multicourse lunch in Theth that ended up being about 30 euros each with drinks. Most places do not have a credit card reader and everyone accepts euros, sometimes even Swiss francs and U.S. dollars, but will typically make change in local currency.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times .

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