Flying with bikes: a guide for cycling teams and clubs

What do airlines say about carrying bikes?

Every airline sets its own policy, and fees and limits change, so treat these as examples and read the airline's page before you book.

For Ryanair and British Airways, rules and sizes are published on their sports equipment pages. We could not load every airline page during review, so confirm current fees and dimensions directly. Our guide to declaring oversized baggage explains how to notify an airline of special items.

How should bikes be packed?

easyJet's published packing rules are specific and a sensible baseline for any airline:

• Pack the bike in a bicycle box or bag.
• One bike per box or bag, with no other items such as clothing inside.
• Handlebars flush with the frame.
• Pedals removed or flush against the frame.
• Hydraulic suspension and brake systems are accepted.

Label each box with the rider's name, team and mobile number, photograph the bike before it is packed, and weigh the packed box. Take the tools you need to rebuild at the other end, and check the airline's rules for tools and inflators in hand luggage and hold luggage before you pack them.

Can you fly with e-bikes and bike batteries?

Not on easyJet or Ryanair. easyJet says electric bicycles are not permitted, and Ryanair's help page says electric bikes are not carried. Teams using e-bikes should ask each airline in writing, or arrange freight.

Batteries also matter for conventional bikes, for example in electronic gear shifters, power meters, lights and computers. The UK Civil Aviation Authority says power banks and spare batteries belong in the cabin, not the hold. Batteries up to 100Wh need no airline approval, those from 100Wh to 160Wh need airline approval, and anything over 160Wh cannot travel in passenger baggage. Ask the airline how it treats a battery fitted to a bike, because the CAA pages do not cover that case.

How do you book bikes for a whole team?

Treat bikes as a line on the group booking, not an afterthought. Our guide to group flights explains deposits and name deadlines.

1. Count the bikes, plus any spare wheels, mechanic cases and team kit boxes.
2. Ask the airline how many large items one flight can take, because easyJet, for example, caps online bookings at 6 large items and needs customer services for more.
3. Add each bike to the booking with the rider's name, at the time you book the seat.
4. Remember weights are not pooled. easyJet does not let you combine hold luggage allowance with sports equipment weight, so buy enough of both.
5. Check the return flight, which may be with a different airline or from a different airport.

Costs add up, so model the per-person figure including bike fees in the group travel calculator.

What happens at the other end?

• Transfers: Boxed bikes need a vehicle with room. Tell the coach or van operator the number and size of boxes. See airport to hotel transfers for groups.
• Hotel: Ask for secure, lockable storage for bikes, a place to assemble them and a bike wash area if needed. See booking team accommodation.
• Insurance: GOV.UK says to check your policy covers all the activities you plan. Ask your insurer whether bikes and competition riding are covered and what the single-item limit is.
• Timings: Allow assembly time before any training ride or event registration, and keep boxes for the return.

How Roamly can help

Roamly Travel manages group flights with equipment bookings, and logistics such as vehicles that carry bike boxes. Use the free trip timeline builder to plan assembly and event times, or contact us with your rider numbers and dates.