With the bike on the plane: Hardly anything has as many pitfalls as taking your bike with you on the plane. As part of our travel special, we also took a closer look at the individual airlines and checked which conditions must be met and what costs may be incurred for taking a bicycle with you.
Bicycle on the plane - costs and regulations of the airlines
It is always important to check the luggage regulations of the preferred airline, because this is the only way to avoid nasty surprises at check-in. Excess luggage in particular can be very expensive or, in the worst case, the bike is not taken at all. Here, as so often, the regulations of the airlines differ greatly and are difficult to understand.
Observe guidelines and regulations
Baggage allowances are different and weight is different. With some airlines, the bicycle is part of the checked baggage and is therefore included in the ticket price, with most airlines the bicycle is special baggage, sports baggage or sports equipment and must be paid for separately. For intercontinental flights, up to €250 per leg is charged for sports baggage. The length of the flight connection usually determines the fee, with most airlines distinguishing between the following flights: domestic, continental and intercontinental
Example of different fees:
- Bicycle transport with Lufthansa: free of charge within the baggage allowance, otherwise from 70 euros, maximum 32 kg
- Ryanair: not included in free baggage allowance, from 60 euros, maximum 30 kg
- Qatar Airways: Included in the baggage allowance, from 80 euros, from a maximum of 30 kg
Maximum size and weight
There are also big differences between the airlines when it comes to permissible size and weight, and these should definitely be taken into account. If you exceed the permitted maximum weight and size, it either becomes very expensive, you have to hand in your bike as air freight, or you are ultimately not allowed to take the bike with you at all
[blog specific=”169946″ posts_per_page=”30″ taxonomy=”post_tag” order=”desc”]Bicycle on the plane - costs at the airlines
For the most popular airlines, we have listed the fees for flying with a bike in this section. You will also find out what weight and size limits apply and how to register your bike.
Air France
Registration:
For certain flights: Registration via customer service no later than 48 hours before departure
Groups of 10 people must always register sports baggage
Cost:
€40 to €125
Weight
23 kg or 32 kg in Business and La Première fares
Dimensions:
In certain aircraft, the cargo space is sufficient for a maximum length of 180 cm
Height + width + depth: maximum 300 cm
Transport conditions & special features:
- Bicycles, including folding bikes, are not part of the free baggage allowance and are therefore always considered sports baggage
- Fee is usually paid at the airport
- Air France sells bicycle boxes measuring 175 x 21,5 x 86 cm at most check-in counters
- E-bikes without a battery can be taken along
Bicycle must be carried on the plane as follows to get prepared:
- Remove or fold pedals
- Dismantle the front wheel and attach it to the frame
- Turn the handlebars parallel to the frame
- Pack the bike in protective packaging made of cardboard or hard plastic - soft case bike cases are not mentioned, but should work in practice
Take your bike with you on the plane: Rules for sports equipment and special baggage at Air France
British Airways
Registration:
Registration by phone is recommended at least 72 hours before departure
Cost:
Weight
Dimensions:
maximum 190 x 95 x 65 cm
Transport conditions & special features:
- Smaller British Airways aircraft have limited stowage space. Therefore, the bike should be registered beforehand for the flight
- Bicycle can be taken as part of checked baggage
Bicycle must be packed in a bicycle box or bicycle cover - the British Airways website also mentions a bicycle box, a soft case and a hard case bicycle case as transport options. - Personal items and clothing are not allowed in the bicycle box
Bike should be prepared as follows:
- Lowering tire pressure is recommended
- Fasten the handlebars to the side of the frame
- In the case of a bicycle box, soft case or similar transport bag: remove the pedals or fold them inwards
British Airways: Take your bike on the plane - Baggage allowance and important baggage information
Condor
Registration:
Possible up to 8 hours before the flight. The included sports baggage in Business Class must also be registered no later than 8 hours before departure.
Cost:
Online: 44,99 euros to 69,99 euros
At the airport: 120 euros to 135 euros
Business Class: Included in the fare
Weight
maximum 30 kg - more weight can be booked according to the excess baggage rate
Dimensions:
maximum length x width x height: 200 cm x 40 cm x 100 cm or
maximum length x width x height: 300 cm x 40 cm x 60 cm
Transport conditions & special features:
- Bicycles must be registered on the plane
- E-bikes are not transported
- Bicycle must be packed: bicycle bags or bicycle cases are recommended
Condor regulations for sports luggage and special luggage – take your bike with you on the plane
Easyjet
Registration:
Online or via customer service possible
Cost:
Online 49 euros
At the airport 63 euros
Weight
maximum 32 kg
Dimensions:
not specified
Transport conditions & special features when transporting bicycles on the plane:
- Handlebars must be attached parallel to the bike frame
- Pedals must be dismantled or folded parallel to the frame
- Transport packaging necessary
- Only one bike is allowed per package
- Other objects are not allowed in the transport box
- E-bikes are not permitted
Terms and conditions for taking bikes on planes with Easyjet
Emirates
Registration:
At least 24 hours in advance
Cost:
Individual
Dimensions:
maximum 300 cm (L x W x H) if sports baggage exceeds the total mass, it must be sent as cargo and cannot be checked in as checked baggage
Transport conditions & special features:
- Sports baggage including bicycles are accepted as part of the free baggage allowance booked
- Remove and rotate handlebars
- Dismantle pedals
Emirates: Baggage allowance for sports equipment - bike carriage on the plane
Iberia
Cost:
From 45 euros – Can be carried on long-haul routes as part of the baggage allowance
Weight
up to a maximum of 23 kg at the normal baggage rate, after that excess baggage rate
Transport conditions & special features:
- E-bikes are not transported
- fold the handlebars
- Dismantle pedals
- tire deflated
- Properly packed: Pack the bike in a box or bag for bike transport
- At many airports, packaging measuring 20 x 131 x 72 cm (L x W x H) is sold for 21 euros
- Especially large sports equipment must be transported with Iberia Cargo
Special luggage and sports equipmentBicycles at Iberia - bike transport on the plane
KLM
Registration:
As early as possible and no later than 48 hours before departure. Online in the “My Trip” menu or by phone at the KLM Customer Contact Center (hotline). The dimensions and weight must be given to the hotline
Cost:
Price is variable and can with that baggage calculator be calculated exactly
Weight
maximum 23 kg
Dimensions:
maximum 176,5 x 23,0 x 101,5 cm (L x W x H)
Transport conditions & special features:
- Transported: folding bicycle, bicycle and tandem
- No carriage of e-bikes
- Transport only possible in special packaging
- Pedals must be dismantled
- Handlebar must be placed parallel to the frame
- Tire pressure must be reduced
- KLM bike boxes can be bought at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol for 20 euros
KLM special baggage regulations – taking bicycles with you on the plane
Lufthansa
Registration:
Bicycles can be taken on the plane via the Lufthansa Service Center (hotline) up to 24 hours before departure. Taking your bike with you on Lufthansa is recommended as early as possible.
Cost:
€70 to €250
Weight
maximum 32 kg
Dimensions:
Maximum circumference: height + width + depth = 315 cm
Transport conditions & special features:
- Sports equipment or bicycle boxes should be provided with a name and telephone number inside and out
- Sports baggage can be transported free of charge within the free baggage allowance. The number and weight of the luggage in the booked travel class must be adhered to
- The bicycle must be packed in a bicycle case or similar packaging
Lufthansa regulations for sports baggage
Norwegian Air
Registration:
We recommend that you register your bike on the plane early. Sports baggage must be checked in at least one hour before departure
Cost:
from €52 when booking online
from €60 when booking at the airport
Weight
maximum 25 kg
Dimensions:
maximum circumference: 300cm
maximum L x W x D: 250 x 79 x 112 cm
Transport conditions & special features:
- E-bikes are not transported
- Bike case or hard case is recommended
- At Los Angeles (LAX) and Bangkok (BKK) airports, bicycles are only transported in hard cases or boxes.
Sports luggage at Norwegian for bike transport on the plane
Qatar Airways
Registration:
-
Cost:
Sports baggage is accepted up to the free baggage allowance booked
Weight
2 x 23 kg or 1 x 30 kg - depending on the route
Dimensions:
158 cm to 300 cm - depending on the route
Transport conditions & special features:
- Bicycle must be packed at least in cardboard packaging
- Tires must be deflated
- Pedals must be dismantled
- The handlebars must be crossed and fixed
Baggage allowance on Qatar Airways
Ryanair
Registration:
However, registration is recommended
Cost:
from €60 when booking on Ryanair website
from €75 when booking via the hotline or at the airport
Weight
maximum 30 kg
Dimensions:
maximum: 81 x 119 x 119 cm (H x W x D)
Transport conditions & special features:
- Bicycles are only transported in a protective box or bag
TAP Air Portugal
Registration:
Sports equipment must be confirmed in advance: Some aircraft have restrictions on the carriage of sports equipment. Therefore, the TAP Contact Center (hotline) or the TAP counter should be contacted in advance.
Cost:
from € 55
Can be carried as checked baggage
Weight
maximum 32 kg
Dimensions:
maximum 158 cm (L x W x D)
Transport conditions & special features:
- Bicycles and tandems are transported
- E-bikes are not transported
- Handlebar must be turned to the side
- Pedals must be dismantled
Sports gear at TAP Air Portugal
Transavia
Registration:
Bicycles must be registered on the plane. Due to the limited space, it is recommended to register the special baggage directly at the time of booking.
Cost:
€49 per flight
Weight
maximum 32 kg
Dimensions:
-
Transport conditions & special features:
- Early check-in is recommended
- Bicycles and folding bicycles are transported
- E-bikes are not transported
- Recommendation to reduce tire pressure significantly
- Dismantle the pedals or fold them up
- Rotate the handlebar lengthways
- Pack the bike in a bike box or bike case
- Bike pumps that are CO2 compatible will not be transported
Special luggage at Transavia for bike transport on the plane
TUIfly
Registration:
In advance by service center (hotline). TUIfly expressly refers to limited capacities. Sports baggage can also be booked online for many flights. Either in the second booking step or on www.tuifly.com in the “Extras” menu.
Cost:
65 euros each way
Weight
maximum 30 kg
Dimensions:
-
Transport conditions & special features:
- E-bikes are not transported
- Bike must be packed well
- Pedals must be removed
Sport and special luggage at TUIfly for taking your bike on the plane