Traveling by bicycle Tips for flying with a bike

How much does it cost to take the bike on the plane and how you should package it?
Bicycle on the plane, how much does it cost?

The prices for the bicycle transport in an aircraft vary from airline carrier. Within Europe, some companies take the bike with even free cost. Otherwise, costs of bicycle transportation by air within Europe can be € 25-50 each way. For bicycle tours in Europe, it is definitely worthwhile. The situation is different however in long-haul flights. Here, the prices are € 80-300 per trip. Some airlines may take the bike instead of a piece of luggage. These bikes have to be built, however, largely apart as they go beyond the otherwise maximum luggage dimensions. In any event, the bicycle must be registered prior to travel with the airline.

The bike for the flight pack

First of all, let me say that bikes nowadays no longer be thrown through the area, as long as they are abandoned bicycles and recognizable as such. In special stores, bike bags are offered in which the bikes can be stored safely. However, such cases are not necessarily identified by the airport staff as a bike bag and thrown like even once. In addition, they are expensive and take away a lot of space at the destination. Some airlines offer special bags for bicycles, in which you can pack the bikes after a thorough groundwork in good conscience. The best packaging for bikes on planes, however, is with cardboard and / or freestyle wrapping techniques with tape. Boxes for bicycles as a charter service should be for free from the bike shop. But you have to ask in advance, as the cases are often thrown away immediately. Another option is to completely wrap the bike and secure with tape (Freestyle winding technology). The advantage is that you store at your destination no packing material.

One should, however, devote some parts of special attention.
Best preparation for the flight

Basically, it is recommended by the airlines to let the air out of the tires and put the cross bar. Furthermore, it is recommended that all bicycle parts that are easily removable must be dismantled. These pedals are the same as speedometer cables, bottle holders, lamps, etc. The course should be switched so that the chain cannot fall down when you touch the thumb switch. The chain is always on the largest chain ring. In addition, the chain rings with foil and duct tape are specially protected. This also applies to the brakes and also be sensitive to all other circuit components such as handlebars and saddle lowered so far as possible. Moreover, it is wise to keep the top tube with foam or bubble wrap. Otherwise, the complete bike is finally wrapped in plastic and secured with tape.

With such a packed bike, you can approach the air travel by bike calm. You can sit back and relax. Upon arrival, an extensive bike check will not hurt, of course.