Airline Baggage Regulation for Bikes Chart

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The airlines have made a lot of changes post-pandemic -- generally making free baggage allowances more restrictive. We occasionally do research to update the chart, but we also welcome any updates you can send us. Thanks.

At best this baggage chart provides general comparisons. The airlines randomly change their baggage policies -- sometimes reducing the clarity -- so it is recommended that you visit the website of the airline(s) you might be flying with and dig out the specific details that apply to you.

Many airlines now require the you register sport equipment that will be part of your baggage in advance. This can be done via their websites.

More notes and explanations for Chart of Baggage Regulations cam be found at the bottom of the page.

Notes and Explanations for Chart 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 50 pounds / 32 to 23 kg, per item, in 2006, and many airlines have STOP allowing bicycles in lieu of one piece of baggage or the allowances have become so restrictive that it is hard to pack a bicycle so that it fits within the parameters of the free allowance.  It is important to check the airline's website and call the airline for the latest changes in regulations.

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 surcharge for one bicycle in lieu of one piece of checked baggage (the oversize is frequently waived), if otherwise within the checked baggage piece and weight allowance. Always check the airline's website or call the airline for the 'fine print' and the latest changes in regulations.  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.  Flight between North and South America can have total different allowance and restrictions depending upon the country and time of year so you will need to contact the airline. An asterisk “*”, indicates under the "piece system" no surcharge for one bicycle in lieu of one piece of checked baggage, if otherwise within the checked baggage piece and weight allowance (often 23kg per item) (the oversize is frequently waived). If you exceed the allowance expect the fee to be hefty. Always check the airline's website or call the airline for the 'fine print' and the latest changes in regulations.  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.

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