This is how much it costs to take a bike in your flight baggage
If you want to discover the world by bike but can't start in Germany because you don't have months to travel, you will have to transport your bike and luggage by plane. In principle, this is not a major problem if you pay attention to various details and have a sufficient travel budget. Around 20 years ago, some airlines still allowed you to come to check-in with your bike unannounced. Sports baggage was often carried free of charge. These relaxed times are definitely over. The regulations for carrying and packing differ from airline to airline. Transport prices are now so high, especially for long-distance flights with scheduled airlines, that many long-distance cyclists are already considering buying or hiring a bike locally. E-bikes and pedelecs are not transported by most airlines for safety reasons.
Registration and booking
Practically all airlines require prior registration of a bicycle, preferably at the time of booking or at least two to three days before departure - either online, by telephone or at the travel agency. This can also clarify whether bicycles will be taken on the flight at all. On certain routes, especially where small aeroplanes are used, bicycles are not permitted in luggage. It is also important to know whether the airline is changed when changing planes and whether other regulations may apply as a result. If bicycles are only registered at check-in, the airline may refuse to transport them or at least charge a higher fee.
When registering your bike, you should also find out about transport costs, packaging regulations, maximum weight and luggage dimensions.
Most airlines treat bicycles as sports or special baggage, which is carried for a fixed fee. With some airlines, the weight of the bicycle is offset against the free baggage allowance. If the weight of the bike and equipment (clothing, tools, panniers, etc.) exceeds the free baggage allowance, excess baggage must be paid for. Heavy bike luggage can therefore cost over 400 euros per leg on a long-haul flight. A precise comparison of the conditions of carriage and costs can save a lot of money.
Preparation and packaging
With the exception of a few airlines, such as Lufthansa, all require packing in a bike case, bike box or bike bag. Also: Turn the handlebars crosswise (90 degrees), deflate the tyres (50%), unscrew the pedals, remove loose parts such as the pump, saddlebag, bike computer, etc. See box for packing tips!
Check-in
Always arrive at the airport in good time, as the bicycle still has to be taken to the bulky baggage counter after the baggage tag has been attached, and this is often at the other end of the departure hall. For some flights, early check-in is also offered.
Insurance cover
As bicycles are usually insufficiently insured by airlines, it is advisable to take out suitable luggage or bicycle insurance.
The transport conditions often differ depending on the airline and flight route.
How to pack your touring bike safely
- Get an old bike box from the bike shop
- Deflate the tyres (approx. 50 %)
- Shift the front derailleur to the smallest chainring
- Remove the pump, water bottle, bike computer and saddle bag and stow them in your luggage
- Remove the front wheel for transport. Clamp spacers into the fork to protect against bending
- For disc brakes, clamp a brake spacer between the brake pads
- Turn the handlebars 90 degrees to the right without loosening the bolts
- Turn the brake and gear levers downwards so that they do not protrude
- Unscrew the pedals and attach them together with the quick release, e.g. to the bottle cage, using adhesive tape or cable ties
- Lower the saddle as far as possible or remove it and attach it to the bike
- Unscrew the rear derailleur to protect the derailleur hanger and attach it to the chain stay using cable ties or adhesive tape
- Extended protection: Wrap the frame with heating pipe insulation material from the DIY store
- Attach address tag with home address and first local address to the bike
- After packing, label the outside of the bike box with your name and home address.
