Travelling with your bike can be an adventure in itself, but when it comes to transporting it by plane, the task can become complex and costly. Between each airline's rules and additional fees, it's essential to be well informed before you leave. To make things easier, here's an updated guide to the conditions and tariffs applied by several airlines for transporting bicycles, along with advice on the best bike carrying cases for the plane available from Buds-Sports.
Airline comparison (2024)
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Air France: Air France accepts bicycles in the hold at rates ranging from €40 to €125, depending on the destination. Requests must be made at least 48 hours before departure, and the bike must be in a protective cover, with pedals removed and handlebars aligned with the frame.
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British Airways: At British Airways, your bike can be included in the baggage allowance if its dimensions and weight meet the conditions, otherwise a supplement applies. The bike must be in a secure carry-on bag, with handlebars attached and pedals removed.
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EasyJet: Bicycle transport with EasyJet costs between €49 (if paid online) and €63 (at the airport). The weight of the bike must not exceed 32 kg, and it must be packed in a box or bike bag.
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Ryanair: To travel with Ryanair, the bike must be placed in a protective box or bag, at a cost of €60 for online bookings or €70 at the airport.
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KLM: KLM charges a supplement for transporting bicycles, with rates varying according to destination. It is mandatory to book transportation in advance and pay the supplement at the airport.
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Lufthansa: Lufthansa imposes specific conditions and the transport of bicycles must be confirmed via the Lufthansa Service Center. Rates and conditions vary according to destination.
Why choose a Buds Cover to carry your bike on a plane?
Buds bicycle carrying cases are specially designed to provide maximum protection while respecting airline weight and size constraints. Here are just a few of the features that make Buds covers ideal for air travel:
- Reinforced protection: With padded walls and impact-resistant materials, your bike is protected from possible shocks when handled by airport staff.
- Ergonomic design: Buds covers feature reinforced handles and wheels for easy airport transport.
- Easy disassembly: With dedicated spaces for wheels, handlebars and pedals, the covers make it easy to disassemble and reassemble your bike.
- Optimized weight: Buds covers are made from lightweight materials to minimize overload costs while offering maximum strength.
Tips for safely packing your bike
In addition to using a quality cover, here are a few tips to prepare your bike for air transport:
- Deflate tires to avoid pressure damage.
- Remove the pedals and place them in the dedicated compartments.
- Align the handlebars with the frame to reduce clutter.
- Protect the frame with foam or cardboard, available in Buds covers.
- Label your bike with your contact details and add a lock if necessary.
Conclusion
Travelling with a bicycle requires meticulous preparation, and each airline imposes its own rules. By choosing a quality transport bag, such as those from Buds, you ensure your bike is optimally protected, while facilitating check-in formalities. Discover the full range of Buds covers and choose the one that best suits your type of bike and your destinations.
To find out more about Buds bike carrying cases designed for air travel, visit our website : buds-sports.com.
