Flying with a bike and airline luggage requirements

Choosing to fly with your bike takes some extra planning. Dependant on the length of your holiday it can also save you a lot of money compared to the cost of bike rental. Each airline has a different policy regarding flying a bike. Some will include your bike as part of your overall luggage. Others will charge an extra fee to fly with your bike. A little research prior to booking your flights can save you a lot of money. This is especially the case if your trip involves multiple flights. If this is the case, be sure to research each individual airline for their rules.

The table below outlines the luggage requirements of the major airlines including their rules as regards to bikes. But first a little explanation of what is in the table.

Airline name – click on the link to be taken to the airline website page that includes the bike rules.

Bike allowed free if with luggage allowances – this column identifies whether an airline charges a separate fee for bikes. Remember that for the bike (or any luggage) to be considered free it must be within the allowed weight and dimensions. If it is outside of these then normal excess baggage fees will apply.

Fee (per leg) – this is the fee that will be charged for your bike. You need to consider that this fee is charged “per leg” so the fee will be doubled for a return flight.

Maximum dimension allowed for bike bag – this is designated as either linear or length. In the case of linear you need to add together the length, height and width of the bag/box and ensure it is less than the amount set. Where the limit is based on length you need to make sure the longest side of the bag/box does not exceed the limit.

Maximum weight allowed for bike – airlines set a maximum weight allowance for bikes which is set out in this column. The maximum weight for any single piece of luggage is 32kg and anything over this weight will not be accepted even if your total luggage allowance is above this. Some airlines set a maximum limit for bikes at 23kg even though an economy fare will allow you 30kg which is something to keep in mind.

Pre-booking required – there are quite a number of airlines that require you to advise them if you are planning on bringing a bike. Some require this at the time of booking while others stipulate it must be completed within a certain period of time prior to travel. If you do not do this your bike won’t be allowed on board.

By clicking on the + button next to the airline name you can see the luggage allowances based on the fare type. Where an airline charges a fee for all luggage the columns are blank.

Disclaimer: this table is correct at 1 June 2020. Please ensure you check with the airline directly before you book your travel to confirm that the rules have not changed.