Flying with a bike

Every airline accepts a bike as checked sports luggage in a hard case — but fees, weight limits and how far ahead you must book all differ. Here's how the major airlines flown from Ireland compare. Then hire a protective Bike Box Alan easyfit/TT case from €100 per week

Flying with a bike — common questions

Can I take a bike on a plane?

Yes. Almost every airline accepts a bike as checked sports luggage, provided it's in a hard case or padded bike bag and within the weight limit. Fees, weight limits and how far in advance you must book vary by airline — see the table above. A hard-shell bike box like a Bike Box Alan protects your bike far better than a cardboard box or soft bag.

How much does it cost to fly with a bike?

Two costs: the airline's bike/sports-equipment fee (typically €50-€60 each way, shown per airline above) and your bike box. Hiring a box from Bike Box Hire Ireland costs €100 per week for Bike Box Alan EasyFit/TT — far cheaper than buying a €1000+ case you'd use a few times a year.

What is the best way to pack a bike for a flight?

Use a hard-shell bike box. Take off the wheels, pedals and handlebars (or rotate the bars), deflate the tyres a little, protect the frame and disc rotors, and secure everything so nothing moves. We email step-by-step packing photos and videos after you book, and every box includes free live location tracking so you can follow it from check-in to carousel.

Can I fly with a bike on British Airways?

Yes — British Airways accepts bikes as checked sports luggage in a hard case or bike bag. The bike fee is Free with checked-bag allowance. Bike counts as one of your checked bags if your fare includes luggage. Always confirm on the airline's own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.

Can I fly with a bike on Virgin Atlantic?

Yes — Virgin Atlantic accepts bikes as checked sports luggage in a hard case or bike bag. The bike fee is Free with checked-bag allowance. 23kg for economy, 32kg for business class. Bike included in standard checked baggage. Always confirm on the airline's own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.

Can I fly with a bike on easyJet?

Yes — easyJet accepts bikes as checked sports luggage in a hard case or bike bag. The bike fee is €49 online / €63 at airport. Treated as Large Sports Equipment. 32kg weight limit. Box only — no clothing or extras inside. Always confirm on the airline's own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.

Can I fly with a bike on Ryanair?

Yes — Ryanair accepts bikes as checked sports luggage in a hard case or bike bag. The bike fee is €60 online / €75 at airport. 30kg weight limit. Excess kilo charges apply if over. Box must be sealed and labelled. Always confirm on the airline's own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.

Can I fly with a bike on Jet2?

Yes — Jet2 accepts bikes as checked sports luggage in a hard case or bike bag. The bike fee is €40 online / €50 at airport. 32kg weight limit. Always confirm on the airline's own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.

Can I fly with a bike on Wizz Air?

Yes — Wizz Air accepts bikes as checked sports luggage in a hard case or bike bag. The bike fee is €45–63 depending on route. Sports equipment fee applies. Book online for the lower rate. Always confirm on the airline's own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.

Can I fly with a bike on Lufthansa?

Yes — Lufthansa accepts bikes as checked sports luggage in a hard case or bike bag. The bike fee is €80 minimum fare for sports equipment. 32kg weight limit. Standard sports baggage allowance. Notify Lufthansa when booking. Always confirm on the airline's own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.

Can I fly with a bike on KLM / Air France?

Yes — KLM / Air France accepts bikes as checked sports luggage in a hard case or bike bag. The bike fee is €40–125 each way depending on route and when you pay. 23kg limit economy, 32kg limit business class. Always confirm on the airline's own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.

Can I fly with a bike on Emirates?

Yes — Emirates accepts bikes as checked sports luggage in a hard case or bike bag. The bike fee is Free with checked bag allowance. 23kg weight limit. Free with checked baggage allowance. Always confirm on the airline's own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.

Can I fly with a bike on Qatar Airways?

Yes — Qatar Airways accepts bikes as checked sports luggage in a hard case or bike bag. The bike fee is Free with checked baggage allowance. 23kg for economy, 32kg for business class. Always confirm on the airline's own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.

Can I fly with a bike on Other / Not listed?

Yes — Other / Not listed accepts bikes as checked sports luggage in a hard case or bike bag. Most airlines fall between 20 kg (budget) and 32 kg (full-service). Always check your specific airline before flying. Always confirm on the airline's own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.