Flying with a bike
Airline bike policies: fees & weight limits, in one place.
Most airlines carry a bike as checked baggage in a bike box — but fees, weight limits and how far ahead you must tell them all differ. Here’s how airlines flying from Australia compare. Then hire a hard-shell bike box from $20/day, no deposit.
| Airline | Weight limit | Bike fee | Booking notice | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qantas | 23 kg | Included in checked baggage allowance | — | A packed bike counts as one piece of your checked allowance — 23 kg on a domestic Economy fare, 30 kg in total on international Economy fares outside the Americas, and never more than 32 kg per piece. Tyres deflated, pedals removed, handlebars fixed parallel to the frame. |
| Virgin Australia | 23 kg | Included as one checked bag; overweight fee over 23 kg is $65 (domestic) or $110 (international short haul from Australia) | — | A bike counts as one piece of checked baggage, so Lite fares need a bag added. Over 23 kg an overweight fee applies at the airport; over 32 kg it has to go as freight. It must be in a manufactured hard or soft bike box and checked in at least one hour before departure. |
| Jetstar | 32 kg | $30 pre-booked / $35 at airport (domestic); $40 pre-booked / $45 at airport (international) — oversized item fee, per item per flight | — | The oversized item fee is on top of your checked baggage: the bike’s weight counts toward the allowance you have bought, so buy enough kilos. No single item over 32 kg. Deflate the tyres, remove the pedals and fix the handlebars parallel to the frame. |
| Rex | 32 kg | Free within your checked allowance; $5.50 per kg over it, plus a $16.50 oversize charge per piece | — | One bike per passenger, bike box preferred. The checked allowance is 15 kg on Community, Promo and Saver fares and 23 kg on Flex, so most packed bikes pay excess. Excess and oversize baggage travels subject to capacity. |
| Air New Zealand | 23 kg | Included as one checked bag up to 23 kg; over 23 kg is $80 to New Zealand and the Pacific Islands ($110 from Perth and to other international destinations) | — | A bike in a bike bag or box counts as one item of your checked allowance. Up to 32 kg is accepted for the overweight charge if there is space on the aircraft. Handlebars removed or turned sideways, pedals removed or turned in; tyres can stay inflated. |
| Singapore Airlines | 32 kg | Included in checked baggage allowance | — | Sporting equipment counts toward your checked allowance — 25 kg on Economy Lite and Value, 30 kg on Standard and Flexi (routes outside the USA and Canada) — with nothing over 32 kg per piece. Hard case, cardboard or padded bike case; pedals off, handlebars parallel to the frame, tyres deflated. |
| Emirates | 32 kg | Included in checked baggage allowance | At least 24 hours advance notice required | Sporting equipment is part of your standard allowance — in Economy that is 20 kg (Special), 30 kg (Saver and Flex, on trips starting in Australia) or 35 kg (Flex Plus). No single bag over 32 kg. |
| Qatar Airways | 32 kg | Included in checked baggage allowance | — | A bike travels within your checked allowance — 20 kg (Lite), 25 kg (Classic), 30 kg (Convenience) or 35 kg (Comfort) in Economy on most routes — with no single piece over 32 kg. Extra sporting-equipment allowance can be bought online. Deflate tyres, remove pedals, turn the handlebars lengthways. |
| Etihad Airways | 32 kg | Included in checked baggage allowance | — | Bikes can go as part of your baggage allowance — 25 kg (Value), 30 kg (Comfort) or 40 kg (Deluxe) in Economy; Basic fares pay for checked bags. No single bag over 32 kg. Protective case or bike box, pedals removed or turned inwards, handlebars sideways, tyres deflated. |
| Cathay Pacific | 23 kg | Included in checked baggage allowance | At least 72 hours advance notice required | One packed bike counts as one piece of your checked allowance — 23 kg per piece in Economy. Hold space for bikes is limited and confirmed first come, first served. Strong hard case or recognised bike box, tyres deflated, pedals and handlebars removed, turned in or padded. |
| Scoot | 32 kg | Counts toward the checked baggage you purchase | — | A bike comes out of your pre-purchased baggage allowance: 20 kg is included on Value and Flex fares, Basic fares include none, and up to 40 kg can be bought. No single item over 32 kg. Fees for bulky items may also apply — check Scoot’s fees chart. |
| AirAsia X | — | Separate sports equipment allowance, per flight: up to $90 for 20 kg, $108 for 25 kg, $138 for 30 kg or $210 for 40 kg when booked with your flight (up to $126–$294 if added later) | — | Bikes are not part of your normal checked baggage — you buy a sports equipment allowance of 20, 25, 30 or 40 kg for each flight in your trip. It costs less when added with the original booking. |
| United Airlines | — | Counts toward checked bag allowance — standard checked bag fees apply; oversize fees waived | — | A bike counts toward your checked bag allowance, and oversized fees are waived when it is properly packed. Hard-sided case or durable sealed box with padding, handlebars turned sideways, pedals off. |
| Delta Air Lines | 23 kg | Included in standard baggage allowance; US$100 overweight fee from 23 kg | — | Standard baggage allowance and fees apply to bikes. Over 23 kg an overweight fee applies, and nothing over 32 kg (70 lb) is accepted on flights to, from or within Australia. Must be in a durable protective container designed for bicycles. |
| American Airlines | 32 kg | Included in checked bag allowance; oversize fees do not apply | — | To and from Australia the first checked bag in Main Cabin is free up to 32 kg, and a bike can be that bag. Hard-sided case, bike bag or bike box, with handlebars fixed sideways and pedals removed or padded. |
| Air Canada | 32 kg | CA/US$50–60 bike handling fee each way | Registration with Air Canada required at time of booking | The bike counts as one checked bag and pays a handling fee each way; no overweight or oversize charges apply up to 32 kg. Bikes are accepted on a space-available basis. Rigid or hard-shell bike container, handlebars sideways, pedals removed, tyres partly deflated. |
| Japan Airlines | 23 kg | Counts toward checked allowance; JPY 10,000 (US$100) oversize charge for cases over 203 cm in total dimensions on Japan–Oceania routes | Advance inquiry required for baggage over 203 cm in total dimensions | Bikes are handled as normal checked baggage — 23 kg per piece in Economy, with an overweight charge of JPY 6,000 (US$60) from 23 to 32 kg on Japan–Oceania routes. Pack securely; JAL treats bikes as fragile sports gear. |
| ANA | 23 kg | Included in checked baggage allowance; oversize fee waived for sporting equipment | Advance contact required — as early as possible | A bike is checked free when it is within your allowance — 23 kg per piece in Economy — and ANA waives the oversize fee for sporting equipment. Up to 32 kg per piece is accepted on Sydney and Perth flights, with an overweight charge above 23 kg. |
| British Airways | — | Included as one item of your checked baggage allowance | At least 72 hours advance notice requested | A bike in a cover or box counts as one item of your checked allowance; on an Economy Basic fare, or once your allowance is used, you pay for it as an extra bag. Drop it at the out-of-gauge bag drop at least 3 hours before a long-haul departure. |
| Hawaiian Airlines | 32 kg | Included in checked baggage allowance; oversize fee waived | — | Bikes travel under the standard checked baggage rules, with the oversize fee waived and the overweight fee waived up to 70 lb (32 kg). Soft or hard bike case or the original manufacturer’s box, one bike per case, handlebars sideways and pedals removed. |
| Korean Air | 32 kg | Included as one piece of checked baggage allowance | Prior approval from Korean Air required | One bike is treated as one checked bag, up to 32 kg. Must be packed in a hard case with protective padding, handlebars secured and pedals removed. |
| Vietnam Airlines | 23 kg | Counts toward checked allowance; bulky-baggage charge of US$320 per piece for cases over 203 cm in total dimensions on Australia routes | At least 24 hours advance booking required | A bike counts toward your checked allowance, but a full-size bike case is charged as bulky baggage. Over 23 kg an overweight charge also applies, and nothing over 32 kg is accepted on Australia flights. Handlebars turned lengthways, pedals removed, tyres deflated, packed in a box. |
| Other / Not listed | — | — | — | Flying with someone else? Check your airline’s sports-equipment page for its bike fee, weight limit and size limit before you book. |
Fees and limits are a guide and change often — always confirm on the airline’s own website before booking.
Flying with a bike — common questions
Can I take a bike on a plane?
Yes. Most airlines carry bikes as checked baggage when they’re packed in a bike box or bike bag and within the weight limit. Fees, weight limits and how far in advance you must tell the airline vary, so check your airline’s own bike policy before you book. A hard-shell bike box gives the bike more protection in the hold than a cardboard carton.
How much does it cost to fly with a bike?
Two costs: what your airline charges to carry the bike, and your bike box. Some airlines carry a boxed bike within your checked baggage allowance; others charge an oversize or sporting-equipment fee. Hiring a Bike Box Alan EasyFit from Bike Box Hire Aus costs $20/day, with no deposit.
What is the best way to pack a bike for a flight?
Use a hard-shell bike box. Take off the wheels and pedals, remove or rotate the handlebars if the box needs it, protect the frame and disc rotors, and secure everything so nothing moves. Many airlines ask for the tyres to be deflated, so follow your airline’s rule.
Can I fly with a bike on Qantas?
Qantas carries bikes as checked baggage, packed in a bike box or bike bag. The weight limit is 23 kg. The bike fee is Included in checked baggage allowance. A packed bike counts as one piece of your checked allowance — 23 kg on a domestic Economy fare, 30 kg in total on international Economy fares outside the Americas, and never more than 32 kg per piece. Tyres deflated, pedals removed, handlebars fixed parallel to the frame. Check the size and weight limits on the airline’s own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.
Can I fly with a bike on Virgin Australia?
Virgin Australia carries bikes as checked baggage, packed in a bike box or bike bag. The weight limit is 23 kg. The bike fee is Included as one checked bag; overweight fee over 23 kg is $65 (domestic) or $110 (international short haul from Australia). A bike counts as one piece of checked baggage, so Lite fares need a bag added. Over 23 kg an overweight fee applies at the airport; over 32 kg it has to go as freight. It must be in a manufactured hard or soft bike box and checked in at least one hour before departure. Check the size and weight limits on the airline’s own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.
Can I fly with a bike on Jetstar?
Jetstar carries bikes as checked baggage, packed in a bike box or bike bag. The weight limit is 32 kg. The bike fee is $30 pre-booked / $35 at airport (domestic); $40 pre-booked / $45 at airport (international) — oversized item fee, per item per flight. The oversized item fee is on top of your checked baggage: the bike’s weight counts toward the allowance you have bought, so buy enough kilos. No single item over 32 kg. Deflate the tyres, remove the pedals and fix the handlebars parallel to the frame. Check the size and weight limits on the airline’s own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.
Can I fly with a bike on Rex?
Rex carries bikes as checked baggage, packed in a bike box or bike bag. The weight limit is 32 kg. The bike fee is Free within your checked allowance; $5.50 per kg over it, plus a $16.50 oversize charge per piece. One bike per passenger, bike box preferred. The checked allowance is 15 kg on Community, Promo and Saver fares and 23 kg on Flex, so most packed bikes pay excess. Excess and oversize baggage travels subject to capacity. Check the size and weight limits on the airline’s own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.
Can I fly with a bike on Air New Zealand?
Air New Zealand carries bikes as checked baggage, packed in a bike box or bike bag. The weight limit is 23 kg. The bike fee is Included as one checked bag up to 23 kg; over 23 kg is $80 to New Zealand and the Pacific Islands ($110 from Perth and to other international destinations). A bike in a bike bag or box counts as one item of your checked allowance. Up to 32 kg is accepted for the overweight charge if there is space on the aircraft. Handlebars removed or turned sideways, pedals removed or turned in; tyres can stay inflated. Check the size and weight limits on the airline’s own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.
Can I fly with a bike on Singapore Airlines?
Singapore Airlines carries bikes as checked baggage, packed in a bike box or bike bag. The weight limit is 32 kg. The bike fee is Included in checked baggage allowance. Sporting equipment counts toward your checked allowance — 25 kg on Economy Lite and Value, 30 kg on Standard and Flexi (routes outside the USA and Canada) — with nothing over 32 kg per piece. Hard case, cardboard or padded bike case; pedals off, handlebars parallel to the frame, tyres deflated. Check the size and weight limits on the airline’s own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.
Can I fly with a bike on Emirates?
Emirates carries bikes as checked baggage, packed in a bike box or bike bag. The weight limit is 32 kg. The bike fee is Included in checked baggage allowance. Notice: At least 24 hours advance notice required. Sporting equipment is part of your standard allowance — in Economy that is 20 kg (Special), 30 kg (Saver and Flex, on trips starting in Australia) or 35 kg (Flex Plus). No single bag over 32 kg. Check the size and weight limits on the airline’s own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.
Can I fly with a bike on Qatar Airways?
Qatar Airways carries bikes as checked baggage, packed in a bike box or bike bag. The weight limit is 32 kg. The bike fee is Included in checked baggage allowance. A bike travels within your checked allowance — 20 kg (Lite), 25 kg (Classic), 30 kg (Convenience) or 35 kg (Comfort) in Economy on most routes — with no single piece over 32 kg. Extra sporting-equipment allowance can be bought online. Deflate tyres, remove pedals, turn the handlebars lengthways. Check the size and weight limits on the airline’s own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.
Can I fly with a bike on Etihad Airways?
Etihad Airways carries bikes as checked baggage, packed in a bike box or bike bag. The weight limit is 32 kg. The bike fee is Included in checked baggage allowance. Bikes can go as part of your baggage allowance — 25 kg (Value), 30 kg (Comfort) or 40 kg (Deluxe) in Economy; Basic fares pay for checked bags. No single bag over 32 kg. Protective case or bike box, pedals removed or turned inwards, handlebars sideways, tyres deflated. Check the size and weight limits on the airline’s own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.
Can I fly with a bike on Cathay Pacific?
Cathay Pacific carries bikes as checked baggage, packed in a bike box or bike bag. The weight limit is 23 kg. The bike fee is Included in checked baggage allowance. Notice: At least 72 hours advance notice required. One packed bike counts as one piece of your checked allowance — 23 kg per piece in Economy. Hold space for bikes is limited and confirmed first come, first served. Strong hard case or recognised bike box, tyres deflated, pedals and handlebars removed, turned in or padded. Check the size and weight limits on the airline’s own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.
Can I fly with a bike on Scoot?
Scoot carries bikes as checked baggage, packed in a bike box or bike bag. The weight limit is 32 kg. The bike fee is Counts toward the checked baggage you purchase. A bike comes out of your pre-purchased baggage allowance: 20 kg is included on Value and Flex fares, Basic fares include none, and up to 40 kg can be bought. No single item over 32 kg. Fees for bulky items may also apply — check Scoot’s fees chart. Check the size and weight limits on the airline’s own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.
Can I fly with a bike on AirAsia X?
AirAsia X carries bikes as checked baggage, packed in a bike box or bike bag. The bike fee is Separate sports equipment allowance, per flight: up to $90 for 20 kg, $108 for 25 kg, $138 for 30 kg or $210 for 40 kg when booked with your flight (up to $126–$294 if added later). Bikes are not part of your normal checked baggage — you buy a sports equipment allowance of 20, 25, 30 or 40 kg for each flight in your trip. It costs less when added with the original booking. Check the size and weight limits on the airline’s own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.
Can I fly with a bike on United Airlines?
United Airlines carries bikes as checked baggage, packed in a bike box or bike bag. The bike fee is Counts toward checked bag allowance — standard checked bag fees apply; oversize fees waived. A bike counts toward your checked bag allowance, and oversized fees are waived when it is properly packed. Hard-sided case or durable sealed box with padding, handlebars turned sideways, pedals off. Check the size and weight limits on the airline’s own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.
Can I fly with a bike on Delta Air Lines?
Delta Air Lines carries bikes as checked baggage, packed in a bike box or bike bag. The weight limit is 23 kg. The bike fee is Included in standard baggage allowance; US$100 overweight fee from 23 kg. Standard baggage allowance and fees apply to bikes. Over 23 kg an overweight fee applies, and nothing over 32 kg (70 lb) is accepted on flights to, from or within Australia. Must be in a durable protective container designed for bicycles. Check the size and weight limits on the airline’s own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.
Can I fly with a bike on American Airlines?
American Airlines carries bikes as checked baggage, packed in a bike box or bike bag. The weight limit is 32 kg. The bike fee is Included in checked bag allowance; oversize fees do not apply. To and from Australia the first checked bag in Main Cabin is free up to 32 kg, and a bike can be that bag. Hard-sided case, bike bag or bike box, with handlebars fixed sideways and pedals removed or padded. Check the size and weight limits on the airline’s own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.
Can I fly with a bike on Air Canada?
Air Canada carries bikes as checked baggage, packed in a bike box or bike bag. The weight limit is 32 kg. The bike fee is CA/US$50–60 bike handling fee each way. Notice: Registration with Air Canada required at time of booking. The bike counts as one checked bag and pays a handling fee each way; no overweight or oversize charges apply up to 32 kg. Bikes are accepted on a space-available basis. Rigid or hard-shell bike container, handlebars sideways, pedals removed, tyres partly deflated. Check the size and weight limits on the airline’s own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.
Can I fly with a bike on Japan Airlines?
Japan Airlines carries bikes as checked baggage, packed in a bike box or bike bag. The weight limit is 23 kg. The bike fee is Counts toward checked allowance; JPY 10,000 (US$100) oversize charge for cases over 203 cm in total dimensions on Japan–Oceania routes. Notice: Advance inquiry required for baggage over 203 cm in total dimensions. Bikes are handled as normal checked baggage — 23 kg per piece in Economy, with an overweight charge of JPY 6,000 (US$60) from 23 to 32 kg on Japan–Oceania routes. Pack securely; JAL treats bikes as fragile sports gear. Check the size and weight limits on the airline’s own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.
Can I fly with a bike on ANA?
ANA carries bikes as checked baggage, packed in a bike box or bike bag. The weight limit is 23 kg. The bike fee is Included in checked baggage allowance; oversize fee waived for sporting equipment. Notice: Advance contact required — as early as possible. A bike is checked free when it is within your allowance — 23 kg per piece in Economy — and ANA waives the oversize fee for sporting equipment. Up to 32 kg per piece is accepted on Sydney and Perth flights, with an overweight charge above 23 kg. Check the size and weight limits on the airline’s own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.
Can I fly with a bike on British Airways?
British Airways carries bikes as checked baggage, packed in a bike box or bike bag. The bike fee is Included as one item of your checked baggage allowance. Notice: At least 72 hours advance notice requested. A bike in a cover or box counts as one item of your checked allowance; on an Economy Basic fare, or once your allowance is used, you pay for it as an extra bag. Drop it at the out-of-gauge bag drop at least 3 hours before a long-haul departure. Check the size and weight limits on the airline’s own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.
Can I fly with a bike on Hawaiian Airlines?
Hawaiian Airlines carries bikes as checked baggage, packed in a bike box or bike bag. The weight limit is 32 kg. The bike fee is Included in checked baggage allowance; oversize fee waived. Bikes travel under the standard checked baggage rules, with the oversize fee waived and the overweight fee waived up to 70 lb (32 kg). Soft or hard bike case or the original manufacturer’s box, one bike per case, handlebars sideways and pedals removed. Check the size and weight limits on the airline’s own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.
Can I fly with a bike on Korean Air?
Korean Air carries bikes as checked baggage, packed in a bike box or bike bag. The weight limit is 32 kg. The bike fee is Included as one piece of checked baggage allowance. Notice: Prior approval from Korean Air required. One bike is treated as one checked bag, up to 32 kg. Must be packed in a hard case with protective padding, handlebars secured and pedals removed. Check the size and weight limits on the airline’s own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.
Can I fly with a bike on Vietnam Airlines?
Vietnam Airlines carries bikes as checked baggage, packed in a bike box or bike bag. The weight limit is 23 kg. The bike fee is Counts toward checked allowance; bulky-baggage charge of US$320 per piece for cases over 203 cm in total dimensions on Australia routes. Notice: At least 24 hours advance booking required. A bike counts toward your checked allowance, but a full-size bike case is charged as bulky baggage. Over 23 kg an overweight charge also applies, and nothing over 32 kg is accepted on Australia flights. Handlebars turned lengthways, pedals removed, tyres deflated, packed in a box. Check the size and weight limits on the airline’s own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.
Can I fly with a bike on Other / Not listed?
Other / Not listed carries bikes as checked baggage, packed in a bike box or bike bag. Flying with someone else? Check your airline’s sports-equipment page for its bike fee, weight limit and size limit before you book. Check the size and weight limits on the airline’s own website before you travel, as policies and fees change.
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