Flying with a bike used to feel like a necessary evil: mystery fees, oversized baggage lines, and hoping your pride and joy survives the trip. But the truth is, traveling with your bike is one of the best ways to unlock the world. It turns any destination into your own personal playground—new roads, new trails, and new stories waiting at the other end of the jet bridge.
With the right preparation (and the right case), bringing your bike is easier than most people think. Airlines are more bike-friendly than ever, compact travel cases help avoid oversized fees, and a little bit of packing know-how goes a long way. Whether you’re chasing gravel in Girona, singletrack in Sedona, or that bucket-list alpine climb in the Dolomites, flying with your bike means you get to ride your setup, your fit, and your style—no compromises, no rentals, no surprises.
To make it even easier, we’ve put together two resources:
1. A quick FAQ that answers the most common questions about flying with a bike—packing tips, airline quirks, and how to avoid the usual headaches.
2. Airline-specific guides that break down every relevant baggage rule, fee, and bike policy in one convenient place, so you know exactly what to expect before you book.
Your next ride starts long before you clip in. Let’s get you (and your bike) there smoothly.
Many airlines have dropped dedicated “bike fees” and now treat bikes as standard checked bags—as long as they fall under weight and size limits. The catch: oversize and overweight rules vary widely, and some carriers still list bikes as special items. Most utilize a 50lb weight limit - this is why all Orucase travel cases are designed to come in under the weight limit. Always check your airline’s specific policy and bring a copy of it when you check in.
Use a padded bike travel case, secure all loose components, remove or pad rotors, protect the derailleur, add frame protection, and fill dead space with soft items. Hard-ish hybrid cases (like the Sentinel) give maximum structure, while compact soft cases (like the B2) help avoid oversize fees. Either way: snug is safe.
No. Modern aircraft are pressurized and bike tires don’t need to be deflated unless your airline specifically requires it (rare).
Yes. Di2, AXS, and EPS systems are airline-safe. Just turn the system off, remove batteries if required (very rare for these sizes), and pack chargers in your carry-on.
It’s one of the best things you can do to prevent damage. Removing the derailleur and securing it inside the frame triangle drastically reduces the risk of hanger bends—one of the most common travel issues.
Arrive at least 30 minutes earlier than you normally would. Oversize/Special Items counters sometimes have separate lines and can take longer. Always allow buffer time—especially internationally.
Report it before leaving the airport. Get photos, fill out a damage claim, and request documentation. Airlines often require same-day reporting and may deny claims filed later. Keep receipts if you need a shop repair estimate.
These 'big four' airlines all have the same cost of flying with your bike as a piece of checked baggage of just $35 - American Airlines, Alaska Air, Delta, and United.
There are some other great airlines for flying with a bike depending on your needs.
Southwest - "$0 in excess fees if your bike case is under 80 linear inches (L + W + H) and under 50 lbs. (standard checked bag fees will apply)"
British Airways' generous 350 linear centimeter (138 linear inch) size limit and 50lb (23kg) weight limit make it a solid option for most cyclists traveling between the US and Europe. Your bike bag counts as one piece of checked luggage, which depending on your fare type may already be included, meaning you can fly with your bike for free when packed properly.
Most budget US airlines charge the same for bikes -- $75 each way -- but what sets Frontier apart is their very generous weight limit for bikes, of 99 pounds. This means you can fly without getting hit with additional overweight fees that other budget airlines (e.g. Spirit Airlines) would otherwise charge for any bike bag packed over 50 lbs.
