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Airline Baggage Regulation for Bikes

 

 

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Attention: In the dark of winter 2007, many airlines have effectively increased cost of a trans-Atlantic ticket for a bicyclist by as much as $300 (Air France, KLM, NWA).  If the base ticket price is $900 that is over a 30% increase in the cost of travel.  British Airways and most of the Asia/Pacific airlines are still bicycle-friendly and don't surcharge bicycles on trans-ocean flights.

Prior to January of 2007 most airlines let bicycles on trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific flights go free, in lieu of one piece of baggage (as long as they were within the two-bag limit and underweight 30kg). Early in 2007, most of the world's airlines seem to have entered into collusion and simultaneously changed their baggage regulations for bicycles. By February of 2007 the regulations, for most airlines, call for all bicycles being charged on these flights.  The charges range from $80 to $160 each way -- $160 to $320 roundtrip!

It is not a weight issues because many of their lean bicycling customers plus their bikes are going to weigh less than many of their other customers without any bags.  It is not a size issue because today’s modern airplanes can, and have, easily accommodated bicycles.  And, if is a bottom line issue, the airlines are delusional, because there aren’t enough bikes flying to make a visible difference in there revenue.

While some of the airlines are talking green, they are simultaneous working to undermine green choices by their customers!

The work around for the bicyclists is not as easy as renting a bike at their destinations.  There are very few rental bikes available in the world that are suitable for serious environmentally-friendly, multi-day, long distance, bike touring.

We encourage bicyclist who are incensed by this to react.  As much as it might be good to write to the airlines, they apparently have big wastebaskets where paper falls silently, but enough people write -- it will at least get full.  It might be more effective to have the local media do a local story about someone who is hurt by the charge.  Almost every region has an airport, so there is also a broader local angle.  Almost every region has a local bike club, if they can be recruited in the cause you might start to get the critical mass necessary to be visible. And, it also wouldn’t hurt to find a representative to Congress who was willing to ask some questions.

Flying with your bike

Airline baggage regulations for bicycles are a moving target and the airlines can be very inconsistent.  One traveler going from Asia to Europe on Malaysia airline paid nothing extra for his bike going, but was charged 483  on the return.  And then, in a one week period we received an email saying American Airline had raised their charge from $80 to $100, and other email say two people had just flown from the U.S. to Spain on American, weren't charged and were told there was no charge for taking a bicycle trans-Atlantic if it was one of two pieces of checked baggage.

The new environment of "cooperation" and code sharing it can add to the confusion.  For example:, we have heard of the following situation:

  • With Air "A" flight number and are flying on an Air "A" plane the bike is free in lieu of first piece if you have no more than two check bags.
  • With Air "B" flight number and are flying on an Air "A" plane the bike is free in lieu of first piece if you have no more than two check bags.
  • With Air "B" flight number and are flying on a Air "B" plane you pay $80 or more.
  • With Air "A" flight number and are flying on a Air "B" plane you pay $80 or more.

For most code-share agreements, it is the rules of the operating carrier (the owner of the aircraft) which prevails in most cases as they are paying for the fuel, loading personnel etc.

If you are flying on ONE ticket with multiple segment (connections) and the different segments have different baggage allowances, you should be given the most generous baggage allowance for the whole journey.  If you bought separate tickets for each segment of the journey, the separate baggage allowance for each segment will apply.

The airlines argument for surcharges are bicycles require special handling and are quite bulky causing luggage holds to be loaded in very specific ways.  This is also true for large musical instruments and very large dogs in kennels.  Many airlines have specific charges for other sporting equipment as well: golf bags, surfboards, ski equipment, etc

The highest charges are generally the American carriers.  The highest one-way fee we have heard of is $110.  While we haven't check with all of the American carriers to see if they have matched this rate, so the chart below reflects some lower rates, it is not usually long before most of the American carriers match the highest rates among their brethren.

Folding bikes that fit in suitcases generally circumvent all of these hassles.

Why can the airlines charge so much for bikes? Because the consumer (bicyclists) rarely complain and haven't organized a boycott, and in the USA the large membership bicycle-organizations (LAB, ACA, IMBA, USCF) all have sweetheart deals with travel industries where they get kickbacks for steering members to specific airlines so they don't advocate for general bicyclists on this issue.

The following is the best information we have.  The airlines don't notify us when they raise their tariffs or change rules.  If you have information that differs from the chart below please email it to us at "ibike@" our domain name.  For a complete report on flying with or shipping your bike see www.ibike.org/flying.htm.

Note: Airlines are adopting a zero-tolerance policy to ANYTHING pressured on board, including tires, gas filled shocks, CO2 cartridges, etc.  While, if in good shape,  most of these items are unlikely to explode, airline and security personnel don't know the maintenance, use or abuse history of any given item, so they draw the line at none.  If you get caught with pressurized gas filled shock, we don’t know of any work around at this time.

As an alternative, though not necessary less expensive, you can send your bike and other luggage to yourself to your destination using a door-to-door shipping service.  The ones we know of are: The Luggage Club, UPS, DHL, FedEx, Carry-my-bags (UK), First Luggage,  Luggage Free, Luggage Forward, Luggage Express.

If you feel you have been wronged by an airline, and you have exhaust you options for reaching a settlement with them, depending upon where you live, you can consider taking them to court.  In the USA, because of the dollar amount, these case are often appropriate for small claims court.  The website "Sue the Airlines" has information on this process.

Notes and Explanations for Table of Baggage Regulations:

Baggage Allowance: To/From North America

Basic free baggage allowance for economy class on domestic and international flights originating or terminating in the USA or Canada. Most airlines flying to and from North America use a "piece concept" on those flights. All baggage usually must meet standards for size and weight. The size is calculated as the sum of the length + height + width. The information here shows the number of bags (dash), the maximum size (slash) and the maximum weight. The allowance may include several bags with different size and weight maximums. Beyond North America (Asia, Europe, Africa and South America) airlines often use a "weight concept" (usually 20 kg or 44 pounds for economy class.)  ** The baggage allowance for many airlines has dropped from 70 to 51 pounds / 23 kg, in 2006, and many airlines have STOP allowing bicycles in lieu of one piece of baggage -- ALL BICYCLE PAY!  We haven't had a chance to survey the list, please check with the airline before you travel.

Baggage Allowance: Carry-on

The information here shows the number of bags (dash), the maximum size (slash) and the maximum weight of each back. The size is calculated as the sum of the length + height + width.

Bicycle Tariff: Domestic/Regional

Tariffs on a bicycle as baggage on a flight within the carrier’s home country and region. An asterisk “*”, indicates under the "piece system" no charge for one bicycle in lieu of one piece of checked baggage, if within the checked baggage piece and weight allowance. All prices are in US$ unless otherwise noted.

Bicycle Tariff: To/From North America

Tariffs on a bicycle as baggage on a on a transoceanic flight to and from North America. An asterisk "*", indicates under the "piece system" no charge for one bicycle in lieu of one piece of checked baggage, if within the checked baggage piece and weight allowance. All prices are in US$ unless otherwise noted.

Minimum Packing Requirement / Special Instructions

Indicates how the airline would like the bicycle to be packed for transport. "Box" also includes commercially available cases and travel bags ‑‑ in essence the bicycle must be packed. "Bag" refers to large clear plastic bags that are available from the airlines that allow them. "Handlebars turned" means, handlebars must be turned parallel to the frame. This column also gives other requirement of the airline that you might encounter when traveling with a bicycle. Some airlines require advanced notice from passengers traveling with bicycles.

           
Airline U.S. Phone Internet URL Baggage Allowance:
To/From North America
Baggage Allowance:
Carry-on
Bicycle Tariff: Domestic/Regional Bicycle Tariff:
To/From North America
Bicycle Tariff: Tandems Minimum Packing Requirements / Special Instructions / Other Notes
Aer Lingus 800-474-7424 www.aerlingus.com 2 bags, <36 kg total 1   Free * Same regulations apply. Bag required.
Aeroflot 310-281-5300  www.aeroflot.org 2 bags - <50 lbs, <62" each 1- 45 in/
10 lbs
  (Star Alliance member)   Do not check bags through to Moscow. Only check bags with Aeroflot at LAX.
Aerolineas Argentinas 800-333-0276 www.aerolineas.com.ar 2- 62" / 70 lbs each   Free * Free *    
Air Canada 800-776-3000  www.aircanada.ca 2 bags - <50 lbs, <62" each 1- 45 in/
15 lbs
Fixed fee: $50 / CND 50 Fixed fee CND 50 (Star Alliance member)   Bag or box required. One bicycle per passenger.
Air China 212-371-9898  www.airchina.com.cn 2- 62" / 70 lbs each ** 1- 45 in Free * Free *   Beijing tel: 86-010-6601-6667
Air France 800-237-2747  www.airfrance.com 2 bags - <50 lbs, <62" each 1 20-80 Oversize - €150
Overweight - 50
Same regulations apply. Box required. Handlebars turned, pedals removed. Notify when ordering ticket or ASAP.
Air India 718-632-0117  www.airindia.com 2- 62" / 70 lbs each ** 1- 45 in. Free * Free *   Box required.
Air Jamaica 800-523-5585  www.airjamaica.com 2- 62" / 70 lbs each ** 1- 40 lbs   $25    
Air New Zealand 800-262-1234  www.airnewzealand.co.nz 2 bags - <50 lbs, <62" each 1- 11 lbs NZD 5/kg Free * (Star Alliance member) Same regulations apply. Handlebars turned, pedals removed.
Air Transat (charter) 877-872-6728 www.airtransat.com 20 to 23kg depending upon destination     Free * <20kg   Handlebars turned, pedals removed, in solid bag or box
Alaska / Horizon 800-426-0333  www.alaska-air.com 2 bags - <50 lbs, <62" each 1 Overweight $25, oversize $50   >Same regulations apply. >Box required.
ANA (All Nippon) 800-235-9262  svc.ana.co.jp/eng/   2- 62" / 70 lbs each ** 1 excess 20 kg, varies by destination Free *(Star Alliance members)    
Airline U.S. Phone Internet URL Baggage Allowance:
To/From North America
Baggage Allowance:
Carry-on
Bicycle Tariff: Domestic/Regional Bicycle Tariff:
To/From North America
Bicycle Tariff: Tandems Minimum Packing Requirements / Special Instructions / Other Notes
Alitalia 800-223-5730  www.alitaliausa.com 2 bags - <50 lbs, <62" each 1- 5kg 5 / kg over 20kg vary by destination, contact carrier   Bag or box required.
America West   (see US Airways)            
American 800-433-7300  www.aa.com 2 bags - <50 lbs, <62" each 1- 45 in / 40 lbs $100 $100, if one of two pieces   Box required. Check in 90 minutes prior to departure.
Asiana   us.flyasiana.com/ 2 bags - <50 lbs, <62" each 1- 45 in/
12 lbs
Free * Free * (Star Alliance carriers)    
Austrian 800-843-0002  www.austrianair.com 2 bags - <50 lbs, <62" each 1- 45 in/
12 lbs
30 60 (Star Alliance carriers)   Handlebars turned, pedals removed. Box recommended
Avianca 800-824-2622  www.avianca.com 1- 50 lbs 1- 10kg Free * Free *   Box required.
Brazilian 800-468-2744  www.flyvba.com.br  2- 62" / 70 lbs each **   Free *     Box required.
British Airways 800-247-9297  www.british-airways.com Trans-Atlantic (except Argentina)
2 bags - <50 lbs, <62" each
1- 13 lbs 1bag - 62in / 51lbs, plus 1 bicycle <51lbs / 23kg.  Excess tariffs:
Domestic: £30/bag
Shorthaul: £60/bag
Longhaul: £120 per bag
Save 30% on by pre-paying online.
Free * no charge if not overweight Treated as oversized baggage. Handlebars turned, pedals removed. Special rules departing GER. Request in advance on ATP aircraft.
Caribbean Airlines 877-386-2942 www.caribbean-airlines.com 2- 70 lbs each ** 1   $100    
Cathay Pacific 800-233-2742  www.cathaypacific.com 2- 70 lbs each , <80" ** 1- 45in/
15 lbs
>44 lbs within Asia subject to fees Free *   Box required.  Web site says sporting gear is free.
China Air 917-368-2000  www.china-airlines.com     Free * Free * Same regulations apply.  
Airline U.S. Phone Internet URL Baggage Allowance:
To/From North America
Baggage Allowance:
Carry-on
Bicycle Tariff: Domestic/Regional Bicycle Tariff:
To/From North America
Bicycle Tariff: Tandems Minimum Packing Requirements / Special Instructions / Other Notes
Continental 800-231-0856  www.continental.com 2 bags - <50 lbs, <62" each 1 $80 and see note vary by destination, contact carrier Same regulations apply. Box required. Mexico $14, Central America and Caribbean $30 (yr 2000)
Delta Airlines 800-221-1212  www.delta-air.com 2 bags - <50 lbs, <62" each 1- <40 lbs $100 if oversize (62–80 inches) $150 for being a bike plus $100 if oversize (62–80 inches) >80in must be sent as cargo. Handlebars turned, pedals removed. Check in 90-120 minutes prior to departure. Generally a leader in anti-bicycle policies.
El Al (Israel) 800-234-3525  www.elal.co.il 2- 62" / 70 lbs each ** 1- 39in   Free * or maybe $65 Same regulations apply. Box required.
Emerates   www.emirates.com 2 bags - <50 lbs, <62" each 1   1% of applicable fare / kg excess   Excess fees are often based on 1st class fare!
Ethiopian 212-867-0095  www.flyethiopian.com/  1- 44lbs 1   Free *   Handlebars turned, pedals removed.
EVA (Taiwan, ROC) 201-547-3000  www.evaair.com.tw/ 2- 62" / 70 lbs each ** 1- 45in/
15lbs
Asia: 1% of 1st class fare/kg excess Free * Same regulations apply. Handlebars turned, pedals removed.
Finnair 800-950-5000  www.us.finnair.com 1- 62" / 70 lbs,
1- 55" / 70 lbs **
1- 45in/
22lbs
Free * Free * $80-$110 Handlebars turned, pedals removed. Box recommended
Frontier Airlines 800-432-1359  www.frontierairlines.com 2 bags - <50 lbs, <62" each 1- 45in $50 $50 >80in must be sent as cargo. Box required.
Hawaiian Airlines 800-367-5320  www.hawaiianair.com 2 bags - <50 lbs, <62" each 1 $20 per direction between islands Free *   Box required. Members of Hawaiian Bicycling League pay $10 ( www.hbl.org) 
Iberian Air 800-772-4642  www.iberia.com 2 bags - <50 lbs, <62" and <55" 1- 22lbs Weight system: over 44 lbs is 120 Free * otherwise 120 Same regulations apply. Box required.
Airline U.S. Phone Internet URL Baggage Allowance:
To/From North America
Baggage Allowance:
Carry-on
Bicycle Tariff: Domestic/Regional Bicycle Tariff:
To/From North America
Bicycle Tariff: Tandems Minimum Packing Requirements / Special Instructions / Other Notes
Icelandic Air 800-223-5500  www.icelandair.is 2 bags - <50 lbs, <62" each 1- 45in/
11lbs
~$35 for flights within Iceland and to Europe Flat fee $70   Box or bag required. $30 Iceland to and from Europe
Japan Air 800-525-3663  www.jal.co.jp/ 2 bags - <50 lbs, <62" each 1- 45in   $130   Box required.
Jet Blue   www.jetblue.com     $50     Box required.
KLM 800-447-4747  www.klm.com 2 bags - <50 lbs, <62" each 1 20-80 Oversize - 150
Overweight - 50
Does not accept tandems Handlebars turned, pedals removed. Sign liability release if not packed in approved container.
Korean Air 800-438-5000  www.koreanair.com 2 bags - <50 lbs, <62" each 1   Free *   Box required.
Lufthansa 800-399-5838  www.lufthansa-usa.com 2 bags - <50 lbs, <62" each 1- 18lbs   $60   Box or bag required.
Northwest 800-225-2525  www.nwa.com 2 bags - <50 lbs, <62" each 1 $80 $150 Atlantic, $130 Pacific Only on 747, D10, 757, 727 Box required.
Olympic Airways 800-223-1226  www.olympic-airways.gr/  2- 62" / 70 lbs each ** 1 Eur: 1% of applicable fare/kg excess Free *   Box required.
P.I.A 800-221-2552  www.piac.com.pk  1- 62" / 70 lbs,
1- 55" / 70 lbs **
1       Handlebars turned, pedals removed.
Qantas 800-227-4500  www.qantas.com 2- 62" / 70 lbs each ** 1- 45in/
11lbs
AU$10 Free *   Box required.
S.A.S. (Scandanavia) 800-221-2350  www.scandinavian.net 2- 62" / 70 lbs each ** 1- 46in/
18lbs
$60 Free * (Star Alliance member) $60 Handlebars turned, pedals removed. Confirm space for bicycle with ticket reservation.
Airline U.S. Phone Internet URL Baggage Allowance:
To/From North America
Baggage Allowance:
Carry-on
Bicycle Tariff: Domestic/Regional Bicycle Tariff:
To/From North America
Bicycle Tariff: Tandems Minimum Packing Requirements / Special Instructions / Other Notes
SAA (South African) 800-722-9675  www.flysaa.com/800.html 2- 62" / 70 lbs each ** 1- 45in/
20lbs
Africa: 1.5% of coach fare/kg excess $60 $60 Handlebars turned, pedals removed.
Singapore Airlines 800-742-3333  www.singaporeair.com 1- 62" / 70 lbs,
1- 55" / 70 lbs **
1- 45in/
15lbs
Asia: 1% of 1st class fare/kg excess Free * (Star Alliance member)   Box required.
Southwest Air 800-435-9792  www.iflyswa.com 2 bags - <50 lbs, <62" each 1 $50 n/a   Box required.
Swiss 877-359-7947  www.swiss.com 1- 62" / 70 lbs
1- 55" / 70 lbs
1 Free if within the free baggage allowance and in a hard shell case. Free * if  in a hard shell case.   L + W + H <158cm and in a hard shell case.
T.A.P. (Portugal) 800-221-7370  www.tap-airportugal.pt  1- 62" / 70 lbs,
1- 55" / 70 lbs **
1   Free *   Box required.
Thai Airways 800-426-5204  www.thaiair.com 2- 62" / 70 lbs each ** 1   Free * (Star Alliance member)   Box required. Confirm space for bicycle with ticket reservation.
United Airlines 800-241-6522  www.ual.com 2 bags - <50 lbs, <62" each 1- 45in/
15lbs
$85 Europe $75, Japan $95   Handlebars turned, pedals removed. Sign limited liability release.
USAir 800-428-4322  www.usairways.com 2 bags - <50 lbs, <62" each 1- 45in/
40lbs
$80 Free *   Handlebars turned, pedals removed.
Vanguard 800-826-4827  www.flyvanguard.com  2- 62" / 70 lbs each ** 1 $25 (based on email for Consumer Affairs.  Website indicates $50.) U.S. domestic only   Boxed or handlebars turned, pedals removed.
Varig (Brazil) 800-468-2744  www.varig.com.br 2- 62" / 70 lbs each ** 1- 10lbs   Free * (Star Alliance member)   Handlebars turned, pedals removed.
Virgin Atlantic Air 800-862-8621  www.virgin-atlantic.com 2- 62" / 70 lbs each ** 1- 11lbs   Free *   Box required.
Airline U.S. Phone Internet URL Baggage Allowance:
To/From North America
Baggage Allowance:
Carry-on
Bicycle Tariff: Domestic/Regional Bicycle Tariff:
To/From North America
Bicycle Tariff: Tandems Minimum Packing Requirements / Special Instructions / Other Notes

 

 
 

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The International Bicycle Fund is an independent, non-profit organization. Its primary purpose is to promote bicycle transportation. Most IBF projects and activities fall into one of  four categories: planning and engineering, safety education, economic development assistance and promoting international understanding. IBF's objective is to create a sustainable, people-friendly environment by creating opportunities of the highest practicable quality for bicycle transportation. IBF is funded by private donation. Contributions are always welcome and are U.S. tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

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