Taking a bike on a plane can be quite frustrating, but if you are going to travel with it anyway, you will need to know how to pack your bike for checked baggage and how much it will cost to take it on the plane.
You can take a bike on a plane on most airlines. some airlines will count it as a standard checked bag, but conform with your airline first, airlines recommend detaching your bike and pack it in it box or case if possible.
This post covers everything you need to know about taking bikes on a plane in both carry-on and checked luggage.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
- Most airlines allow bikes as checked baggage.
- Pack your bike in a hard case, bike bag, or sturdy cardboard box.
- Remove pedals and turn handlebars sideways.
- Standard checked bag fees usually apply.
- Overweight bikes (over 23 kg / 50 lbs) may cost extra.
- Motorized or battery-powered bikes are not allowed.
- Label your bike box as “fragile.”
- United, JetBlue, Alaska, British Airways, and Qatar all accept bikes with conditions.
- Always check your airline’s rules before flying.
What The TSA Says About Bicycles?
The TSA does not have any restorations for bicycles.
But in the screenshot they say that you need to confirm with your airline.
But obviously, most bikes are too large to fit on board the airplane and to be carried in carry-on baggage, so most airlines do allowed them only as checked baggage.
Can You Check A Bike On A Plane?
Yes, most airlines allow bikes in checked baggage, and most of them will consider your bike as one of your checked bags if it is within the size and weight limits.
Here is an example of American airlines’ rules about traveling with bicycles:
You can travel with 1 non-motorized touring, mountain, tandem, or racing bicycle if the:
- Bicycle is in a hard-sided case, bicycle bag, or box built for bicycle transport
- Handlebars are fixed sideways
- Pedals are removed; or
- Pedals and handlebars are wrapped in plastic foam or a similar material
Please note that if your bicycle is not in a hard-sided case, it will be treated as a fragile item.
Cost
Standard checked bag fees for your destination apply up to 50 lbs / 23 kg and 126 in / 320 cm (length + width + height), or a $150 fee applies from 51 lbs / 23 kg to 70 lbs / 32 kg.
How To Bring A Bike On A Plane?
How do you take your bike on a plane? Airlines set different regulations for traveling with sports equipment, and bikes are required to be packed and protected properly in a bike box or a solid cardboard box.
You will need to detach your bike before heading to the airport.
Here is a detailed video with packing tips before taking your bicycle on a plane.
It is advised to put a notice or a fragile sticker on top of your expensive bike box to notify airport security and baggage handlers that your bike is fragile and should be handled carefully.
How Many Bikes Can You Bring on a Plane?
Most airlines allow one bike per passenger as part of checked baggage, provided it’s properly packed and protected.
You can bring more than one but you will need pay extra fees or special arrangements.
If you are planning to bing more than one bike, make sure that you contact your airline or just double check their specific policy before start packing your bike.
Traveling With Bicycle On Airlines
United Airlines
According to United airlines, bicycles are accepted in checked baggage, but they must be packed appropriately.
To pack your bicycle as checked baggage:
- Pack it in a sealed box using plastic foam or similar protective material inside. The box should be a hard-sided case or constructed from durable cardboard.
- Secure the handlebars sideways and remove the pedals before packing the bicycle. All loose items should be inside the box.
- Motorized or battery powered bicycles are not permitted.
- United will not be responsible for damage to any checked bicycles that are not packed as described above.
- Oversized bag fees do not apply to checked bicycles. Standard checked baggage fees and overweight service charges still apply.
JetBlue
JetBlue allows its passengers to pack bikes in checked baggage, but bicycles should be in a hard-sided, padded case designed for bicycles.
If not in a hard-sided case, bicycles will be accepted with the handlebars secured sideways and pedals removed.
The bike must also be encased in plastic foam, a cardboard box (domestic flights only), or similar material to prevent damage.
The maximum size for a bicycle case is 80 inches in overall dimension (length + width + height).
If the bicycle and container are less than 62 dimensional inches and under 50 pounds, the bike fee will not be assessed.
Bicycle cases should contain bicycles only. Cases containing additional items may be subject to excess bag fees.
Alaska Airlines
Bikes will be considered as normal checked baggage on Alaska Airlines, and if you add other items unrelated to the equipment with your bike, additional baggage fees may apply.
Refer to their checked baggage policy for charges and waivers.
British Airways
You can take bicycles in a bike cover or box as part of your checked baggage allowance on British Airways.
If you’ve used your free checked baggage allowance, you’ll have to pay to put your bike box in the hold.
British Airways recommends calling them in advance, as space is limited on smaller aircraft.
Qatar Airways
Qatar airways allow bicycles as checked baggage or cargo.
Please ensure they are properly packed in a strong, custom-made cardboard box.
Tires should be deflated, pedals removed, and handlebars turned and fixed lengthways.
Final thoughts on taking bikes on planes.
There are no restrictions on taking bikes on planes if they are packed appropriately in a hard case or solid box.
The only issue most passengers face is the excessive fees some airlines apply.
So it is preferable to call your airline before deciding which one to take your bike with.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
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