The Bikmo guide to taking a bike on a plane

The idea of travelling abroad with a bike can be daunting at first, that’s why our cycle and travel insurance partner Bikmo has laid out some things you may want to consider.

Book a cycle service before you travel

Getting a cycle service before your trip is essential, so a bike issue won’t hamper your holiday. Book one at your trusted cycle shop in advance, so you don’t miss out – checking tyres, brakes, and chains will give you peace of mind and if you need any new gear or tweaks you can get it sorted on the spot.

Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance

Whatever activity you are doing on your bike, it’s vital to be fully covered on your travel insurance. Life happens and unexpected situations arise when we least expect them.

British Cycling members can save 10%* with Bikmo travel insurance by using the discount code BCMEMBER. This can be purchased for a single trip or annual multi-trip coverage that covers cycling, adventure sports. This includes cover for a positive diagnosis of Coronavirus within 14 days of your trip and coverage for any medical costs abroad relating to this. You can see a full breakdown of Bikmo travel policy benefits here.

You can also start planning your next trip with our Tour Finder: just type in the destination, month and type of activity and get recommendations for cycling adventures and trips.

How much does it cost to fly with a bike?

The main cost factor of travelling by plane with a bike depends on the airline you are travelling with. Research the airlines that service your destination before you book your ticket and see which ones offer the best value for cyclists. Some plane operators offer a free service for baggage, as long as it’s part of checked luggage, with others there is an extra fee.

Sometimes it is worth buying a more expensive ticket as your bike might be included in your normal baggage allowance, while with cheaper tickets there is a fixed fee for bikes.

Can you take an electric bike on a plane?

Unfortunately, you can’t take an electric bike on a plane. This is because most e-bikes have lithium batteries which can catch fire if damaged, so it’s the battery that is the issue. Batteries over 160WH are prohibited on a plane. One option is to take your e-bike (without the battery) and rent a battery when you arrive – you would need to pre-book this at a convenient cycle shop.

Buying the right bike bag for a plane

If you’re travelling in and out of the same two destinations, buying a quality bike bag for the plane is essential. If you’re unsure about which product to buy, have a look on Freewheel or visit your local bike shop. They will often help you pack your bike pre-travel and share useful information about taking a bike on a plane. If you’re unsure about how to pack your bicycle for air travel, then there are lots of useful video tutorials online. Start with this Global Cycling Network video for tips on packing your bike box efficiently.

Don’t forget to pack the essentials

Don’t forget to pack other items that you might need. A multitool, mini-pump, appropriate sunglasses, a puncture repair kit, and spare inner tubes are all items that are easy to forget. These often fit nicely into your bike box or bag, so there’s no need for extra plane baggage.

Alternative options to taking your bike abroad

Another option is to organise a company to ship it for you. SendBike can ship your bike door to door and they also sell cardboard bike boxes for ease. Alternatively, you could hire a bike at the destination, but make sure you do your research to get the best bike rental for the route you’re taking – after that, you can focus on the ride.

Relax, we’ve got you covered

As travelling abroad opens up, Bikmo is here to cover you during your travels. We understand the rush to explore new countries on bike, skis, boards or on foot.

British Cycling members can save 10%* with Bikmo travel insurance by using the discount code BCMEMBER. This can be purchased for a single trip or annual multi-trip coverage that covers cycling, adventure sports. This includes cover for a positive diagnosis of Coronavirus within 14 days of your trip and coverage for any medical costs abroad relating to this. You can see a full breakdown of Bikmo travel policy benefits here.

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*subject to a minimum premium

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