Flying by bike: Travel, and especially air travel, often requires a great deal of preparation. If you then want to be on the road with your own bike in your luggage, it can get really complicated. In addition, the additional baggage is sometimes very expensive and damage cannot be ruled out. To ensure that everything works out on the trip and what you should definitely pay attention to when flying by bike, we have summarized 10 tips for you in this article.
1. Book flight and Note the registration deadline for special baggage
Is there any capacity to take a bicycle with me on my flight? Before booking, you should check whether flying by bike is even allowed or possible. If so, you should also check as early as possible whether there is still room on the plane for your own bike. Here the procedure differs greatly between the airlines, because with some airlines you can check the available capacities in the online booking process and with others you have to call customer service. Attention, because the guidelines of the airlines are often not immediately understandable at first glance. In any case, you should also keep an eye on a possible registration deadline for special baggage with the respective airline. This also differs from airline to airline: Some companies allow you to check in your bike shortly before you start your journey, while others require you to hand it in up to 48 hours before departure.
2. Check airline policies and regulations
The individual airlines have different regulations for baggage allowance, whereby the available weight also differs. With some airlines, the bicycle is part of the checked baggage and is therefore included in the ticket price and can simply be handed in instead of the normal suitcase. With most airlines, the bicycle is special baggage, sports baggage or sports equipment and has to be paid for separately. For intercontinental flights, up to €250 per leg is charged for sports baggage. Therefore, thorough research on the subject of flying by bike is important in advance. The length of the flight connection usually determines the fee, with the airlines often distinguishing between "domestic, continental and intercontinental".
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Flying with the e-bike?
As a small insert, we would also like to briefly devote ourselves to the topic of flying with an e-bike. Basically, one has to realize that flying an e-bike is hardly possible or very difficult. The reason for this is the safety regulations regarding the battery, which makes it more or less impossible to take it with you. However, there are a few tricks and tips on how to bring your own e-bike with you on holiday. An alternative could be to remove the battery and rent a suitable battery for your own e-bike at your destination. On the other hand, there is also the option of using a special protective case, such as the B&W International E-Bike battery transport case, send your own battery. However, it is also not possible to take it with you on passenger planes. There is bad news for owners of e-bikes without a removable battery, here it is best to use a rental e-bike.
3. Take out bicycle transport insurance
While we're on the topic of "rules and rules of airlines", let's add another important point. Liability for special luggage is often excluded, or in the event of damage there is only a partial refund, which is also the case when flying by bike. It is advisable to check your existing travel insurance to see whether the bike is covered in the event of loss or damage.
4. Pack the bike properly
Similar to the regulations for the weight of special luggage, there are also different regulations on how the bike must be packed. With these general tips, however, you are already well prepared if you want to take your bike with you on the plane.
Flying by bike – packing tips at a glance:
- Unscrew the pedals or alternatively turn them inwards
- Set the handlebars sideways: Unscrew the handlebars and, if necessary, the stem and fasten them to the frame
- Reduce tire pressure or completely deflate the tires
- Take out the front wheel
- Remove the bike saddle or place it in the lowest position
When it comes to “packing your bike properly” you quickly come across the question of what or what to pack it with. There are a variety of options, each with their own pros and cons. For this we have prepared a small overview for you, a detailed article on the topic "bike bag, case or box?" will also follow shortly.
Flying by bike: bike bag, suitcase or box?
The topic of packaging or the question "How do I transport my bike?" is, in addition to booking the flight, another important topic before the journey starts. The following three options are the most popular here: bike bag, bike case or bike box.
The bike box is the cheapest option, but you still need a lot of additional protection and padding material for packaging. In addition, the box has to survive the outward flight in order to be able to serve as packaging on the return flight. In addition, a box can be transported quite unwieldy and further distances to the airport or hotel etc. become a training session.
On the other hand, it is much easier and more comfortable with a bicycle case or a bag. There are numerous manufacturers and options for individual needs. Here, however, the budget often plays a decisive role. As a big advantage, the bike can usually be stowed much faster and tends to be safer in both bags and suitcases. Thanks to the attached rollers, handling is also much easier than with a box.
5. Take the right tool with you
In order to be able to reassemble the bike properly after arrival, it is also important to have the right one Tools to have with you. In order to ensure that the reconstruction works without any problems, it is advisable to use the tool that you have with you on the trip when dismantling at home. In this way you avoid that a key is missing or does not fit and the movements are already practiced. You should also make sure that you do not put the tool in your hand luggage. Because then you run the risk that it will be taken from you at the security checkpoint and you will end up without it.
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6. Label the bike correctly
From time to time it can happen that the bike gets "lost" during the flight or does not get the connecting flight. Here, clear labeling (ideally with home and whereabouts on vacation) on and in the transport packaging can decide on a happy ending or complete loss.
The notice should be attached securely and clearly visible and contain the following information:
- Flight number
- Telephone number, e-mail and address of your first accommodation on the cycling holiday
- Telephone number E-Mail and address of your home address
7. Observe entry regulations
Since the corona pandemic, some countries have still had very strict entry and quarantine regulations. These must be observed, otherwise entry can even be denied or you have to go into isolation directly at the airport. In addition, there are often other country-specific regulations.
A well-known example of this comes from Australia, among others. Due to the sensitive ecosystem, stricter entry regulations apply in Australia, which can also affect dirt on the bike. Therefore, it is important here, for example, to clean the wheel and especially the tires particularly thoroughly.
8. Observe customs regulations
“If goods of a higher value, such as sports equipment, camera equipment, computers and jewelry, are taken on the trip, it is advisable to present appropriate proof to avoid doubts about the origin of the goods and any resulting levying of taxes. According to the customs official website. There are different forms for the individual cases, which you should fill out before you travel and have them with you in the event of a check.
9. Check-in and baggage drop-off at the airport
When you arrive at the airport, in most cases the first thing to do is check-in, and normal luggage can usually also be checked in here. Sometimes the bike is also accepted directly at the check-in counter, but sometimes there is also a special bulky luggage counter. Depending on the airport, this counter may be in a different terminal. Therefore, you should plan enough time for the task of the bike.
10. Fly by bike – examine alternatives
When it came to e-bikes, we had already briefly touched on the “alternatives” item. Basically, for cost reasons and because of travel comfort, you should always ask yourself whether you really have to take your own bike with you.
A top alternative to flying by bike is to rent a bike locally. Especially at popular cycling destinations such as Mallorca, there are numerous offers from various manufacturers and you can even get the same model as at home. If you still want to ride your own bike but don't want to take it on the plane, you can also consider sending your bike in advance. This is sometimes simply done by parcel service or forwarding agency.