Example airline charges

An idea of what you can expect to pay for carrying your bike

British Airways includes a bike as part of your 23kg checked luggage allowance. Along with hand luggage (maximum dimensions 40x30x15cm, 23kg max weight), it’s easy to come in underweight. An extra 23kg bag will cost £25-£120 (booked online in advance) each way depending on your ticket, destination and departure airport. Small electronic luggage scales, which can be bought for under £10, are invaluable when it comes to hitting all the different weight limits.

Similarly, Virgin Airlines, a popular option for transatlantic flights, includes your bike as part of your 23kg baggage allowance. When combined with hand luggage (maximum dimensions 23x36x56cm, 10kg maximum weight), it’s usually sufficient for short trips. An extra bag will cost you £65 each way.

EasyJet, who offers a wide range of affordable European flights, charge for taking a bike. This is £40 each way (booked in advance) with a weight limit of 32kg. This allows you to pack your bike and kit together and just take hand luggage (maximum dimension 56x45x25cm, no weight limit but must fit into overhead lockers) without the need for an extra bag, so works out as reasonable value.

Ryanair charges a set price of £50 each way for a bike (booked online in advance). The weight limit is restricted to 20kg. Ryanair recently changed its carry-on allowance to a small bag (maximum dimensions 35x20x20cm, with no weight limit), along with a larger bag (maximum dimensions 55x40x20cm, 10kg maximum weight), that will be put in the hold free of charge when you reach the gate.