How to Fly with your Bicycle

There are some destinations around the world simply made for biking, from Amsterdam and the Provence countryside to California and Colorado. Many places offer bike rentals, but it may be easier than you think to bring your own.

Different airlines have different policies concerning bicycles, but according to The Points Guy, on average a checked bag can weigh up to 50 pounds and have a combinable size of 62 inches, smaller than the average bike. When you pay extra to check a bike, the charge is significantly higher.

Flying with a bicycle can be done two ways. You can use a cardboard bicycle box or a custom bike case. You’ll need to remove the pedals and handlebars and fix them sideways to the frame regardless of the airline you’re flying.

Using a box is simple. They can be obtained from a bike shop and are typically free. This method will require a lot of packing material to fill the box to prevent damage. Custom cases are more expensive, but are also more secure. Soft cases are usually around $150, and hard-shell cases are usually around $300, but for an avid biker, these are worth the price. These cases feature protective padding and are designed specifically to hold bicycles.

Virgin America and JetBlue are the cheapest airlines on which to bring a bike, costing only $50, while American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines charge $150.

Always examine your bicycle upon landing to assess for damages in case you need to make a claim.