Taking a bike on a flight is easier than many people think – if you are well prepared. Airlines accept bicycles as sports baggage, but the conditions regarding size, weight, packaging and registration vary depending on the airline. B&W offers the right solution for this: transport cases and bags that not only reliably protect your bike, but are also compatible with many airline guidelines.
The questions are particularly big the first time:
What do I need to bear in mind when traveling by bike?
How do I pack my bike properly?
Which airline takes sports baggage – and on what terms?
And how will my bike arrive safely at its destination?
We will help you clarify these questions and show you that traveling by bike is not as complicated as it may seem at first.
To avoid costs and stress, planning is the be-all and end-all. Do your research beforehand so that everything runs smoothly on the day of departure.
The cost of taking your bike with you as sports or special baggage varies depending on the airline. You should generally expect to pay 30-50 euros per flight. It is important that you register your luggage in advance and do not wait until you arrive at the airport to do so, as higher prices are often charged.
Some airlines also offer discounted or even free sports baggage through loyalty programs or similar.
Airlines recommend a bicycle case for the transportation of bicycles in aircraft, which greatly reduces the likelihood of possible damage to luggage and is recommended for handling by ground staff. For example, bicycles can only be accepted by Lufthansa if they are packed in a suitable bicycle case or similar container.
Depending on the airline, there are different requirements for the size of luggage. With a B&W bike case you are on the safe side and avoid possible surcharges.
Lufthansa specifies a maximum weight of 32 kg and baggage dimensions of (height + width + depth): 280cm.
With many airlines, sports baggage must be registered in advance, and a booking confirmation must be available to take it with you. It is essential to check the airline’s regulations in advance. With Lufthansa, your bike case must be registered as sports equipment at least 72 hours before departure.
Whether it’s a competition, training camp or cycling vacation – if you have your own bike with you, you ride more relaxed. Safe transportation plays a key role, especially when traveling by air. Cyclists, triathletes, amateur and professional athletes as well as tour operators rely on certified, robust case solutions. B&W International offers the right transport solution for every bike and every destination – from lightweight and flexible to extremely resilient.
To help you plan your trip, you will find a step-by-step guide here.
Not every airline accepts bikes – and each has different requirements. Check the maximum dimensions, weight restrictions and prices for sports baggage in advance. Tip: Book early – many airlines only have limited space for bikes.
We have put together an overview of links to the major airlines and their individual carry-on regulations:
| Lufthansa – Sports and special baggage | Air France – Special baggage |
| Condor – Sports baggage | KLM – sports equipment |
| Swiss Air – Sports baggage | Emirates – Sports equipment |
| Ryan Air – Baggage policy | QATAR – Special baggage |
B&W offers the right bike transport case for every purpose.
There is a choice:
bike.shieldHigh-end hard-shell case, blow-molded, particularly robust, no disassembly necessary
bike.box 2.0ABS shell, ideal for road and MTBs up to 62 cm frame
bike.case 2.0: Robust ABS case with aluminum frame, for road, triathlon and MTBs up to 29 inches
bike.guard curv®: Ultralight & impact-resistant thanks to Curv® material, ideal for sporty bikes
bike.bag 2.0Hybrid solution with ABS bottom shell and soft bag, light & flexible
foldon.caseCompact hard case for Brompton & other folding bikes
foldon.box SFoldable hybrid box for space-saving storage, for Brompton bikes
foldon.bag pack: Backpack function & accessory compartment, ideal for mobile folding bike users
With the B&W bike.cases, your bike can be prepared for transportation in a safe and structured way. Depending on the model, wheels, pedals and handlebars may need to be removed – thanks to removable case shells and accessory compartments, this can be done quickly and cleanly. Foam padding, strap systems and spacers such as the Distance Keeper reliably secure sensitive parts such as the frame and fork. There are separate Wheel Guards for wheels that offer additional protection. And if you have an integrated cockpit, the bike.shield is the perfect choice – the handlebars even remain fully mounted.
Additional space in the case can be used to stow a helmet, shoes, tools, bike backpack etc. Always keep an eye on the total weight. Always keep an eye on the total weight!
Here you can find a packing video – suitable for every B&W bike transport case: bike.cases – YouTube
Tip: Place a GPS tracker in your luggage so that you can locate your suitcase at any time. Accessories such as wheel bags, protector sets or service mats make handling easier and provide additional protection.
Allow extra time for the journey to the airport and for check-in if you are traveling with your bike.
For early morning departures, we recommend checking in the evening before, which saves time and nerves on the day of departure.
At the airport, you check in at the check-in counter as usual. There you will be informed where you can check in your bike case.
After you have received your boarding passes, you can usually check in your bike case at the separate counter for bulky baggage.
Also think about transportation from the airport to the hotel. For package tours: Please make a note of the bicycle transportation from the airport to the booked hotel and back when booking, as there may be additional costs.
With cycling tour operators: Transportation is often included in the tour price. Find out in good time before you start your trip.
Something went wrong? Report any damage to the bike case to the airline immediately. Most airports will help you at the “Lost & Found” counter. Have a damage report (Property Irregularity Report, PIR) drawn up here. This document is necessary in order to make claims later. We also recommend that you take photos of the damaged suitcase and/or contents and keep all relevant receipts.
With the right preparation, you can take your bike with you on vacation safely and stress-free. Find out about your airline’s requirements well in advance, book your sports baggage in good time and make sure it is packed securely. The robust bike cases and bags from B&W International offer optimum protection for your bike – whether road bike, MTB, gravel bike or folding bike. Sophisticated features such as a TSA lock, wheels, padding and accessories ensure that your bike arrives at its destination undamaged. So nothing really stands in the way of your next bike adventure.
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