The Bottom Line on Taking a Bike on RyanAir:

Our team of highly-trained bicycle travel scientists gives RyanAir a Bicycle Flight Grade (BFG) of B+. As a European budget carrier, RyanAir's policies and fees are quite different from most US carriers, so they warrant a bit of explanation. First of all, a carry-on bag is only included if you pay for "Priority & 2 Cabin Bags", which costs €6/£6 at booking. Non-priority customers are allowed a single small bag, what we know in the States as a "Personal Item", which must fit under the seat in front of you. However, if you show up with two bags and have not paid for priority, they will check it free of charge as long as it meets the size and weight requirements of hand luggage. 

Checked bags are not included, but are priced comparably to US carriers if they are paid for at booking. Try to decide at booking, or else the fee jumps. The bike fee at booking is €60/£60, which is quite reasonable compared to most major US carriers. Interestingly, there seem to be no oversize fees for checked baggage - only a strict limit of 81 x 119 x 119cm, or 125 linear inches. There are, however, separate fees for items considered "large sports equipment", and there is even a fee for checking golf clubs. It is unclear what counts as "large sports equipment", or whether this information must be volunteered by the passenger. 

In conclusion - despite the rather convoluted baggage policies and a schedule of fees that lacks clear definitions, the bike fee for RyanAir is pretty reasonable when compared to major US carriers, and even most US budget carriers. The flights are also pretty cheap, which no doubt is part of the reason RyanAir is one of Europe's most popular airlines. We recommend it.

RyanAir Baggage and Bicycle Policies at a Glance:

Please note that this information is subject to change and may not reflect the most recent information available on RyanAir's website. (Updated 9/13/18) 

A few general notes on flying with a bicycle: 

A few things to keep in mind when flying with a bike on RyanAir actually apply to all airlines. It’s important to come to the airport prepared with a knowledge of airline policies and procedures. We have found that airline employees are often woefully misinformed about their own company's policies, so it can be helpful to bring a printed reference of any relevant policies, especially those regarding baggage allowances and fees. It’s also prudent to take baggage policies into account when planning a trip and buying tickets. Why take the budget airline if they are sticklers at the baggage counter and will likely charge you double or triple to fly with your bike? 

Lastly, a true Airport Ninja knows that airline employees don’t always play by the book, and this can both help us and hurt us as customers. Many gate agents will never look twice as your bags, while others are vigilantes who play fast and loose with the tape measure. Checking in early, approaching a well-rested-looking ticketing agent and being very polite, or using curbside check-in and offering a small tip are all strategies that can all help turn the odds in your favor. For more advice on how to be an Airport Ninja, see our blog Ninja Tutelage Lesson 1 - What's in the Bag?

Your best chance to avoid paying fees is to pack your bike in the smallest possible bike case, especially one with no obvious markings that indicate that it is a bike. This is where the Orucase Airport Ninja comes to the rescue. Designed and tested by professional cyclists to minimize or even eliminate excess baggage fees. Become an Airport Ninja Today.