Not every cycling destination is within comfortable driving distance. Those wanting to get to Girona, Mallorca, Tuscany or the Sierra Nevada from the Netherlands are soon faced with a choice. In many cases, the train is the most beautiful and sustainable alternative, and increasingly viable within Europe. But the reality is also that many cyclists still take the plane. Simply because it is faster, because some regions are difficult to reach by rail, or because it fits better within the time available. And when you fly, you usually want to bring your own bike. Not only because it is perfectly tuned, but also because renting it locally rarely gives the same feeling. Flying with your bike has therefore become a regular part of many cyclists' journey into spring. Whether that's a training week in Spain, a gran fondo in Italy or an exploration of the Alps. That is why we have created some tips and a guide to flying with your bike.
This guide will help you make the right choice, regarding flight company and how much you can take with you. You will also find a handy search tool to help you see which airline suits your adventure.
The two magic numbers: 23 kg and 32 kg
The most important tips when flying with your bike actually revolve around the weight of your suitcase and your luggage in total. Almost all European airlines work with the same two limits:
- 23 kg - standard baggage limit in economy class
- 32 kg - absolute safety limit for baggage handling
If you stay under 23 kg, your bike will simply travel as normal baggage with many traditional airlines. If you go over that, then surcharges start to add up quickly.
In practice, this means: a modern road bike in a soft case usually sits between 15 and 19 kg. That gives room for shoes, helmet and some parts. But a heavier bike, a hardcase or extra wheels will quickly put you in the danger zone. Weight is everything.
Europe's best airlines for cyclists
Within Europe, the differences are huge. The choice of airline often determines more than your route.
Best choice overall: KLM
For European cyclists, KLM is one of the most practical options, especially from Schiphol Airport. Their policy is clear: a bike can come along as sports baggage, provided it is registered in advance.
Costs are usually between:
- €70 - €125 per one-way journey within Europe
The advantage is in reliability. KLM is used to cyclists. Girona, Nice, Mallorca and Calpe are regular destinations with dozens of bike cases per flight.
Important detail: with some ticket types and routes, your bike is allowed up to 32 kg roads without extreme surcharges. This gives flexibility for longer trips.
Best value: British Airways
British Airways has one of the most bike-friendly policies in Europe.
If your ticket includes a check-in baggage item, your bike is often allowed as standard baggage, without an extra sports allowance. The condition is that you stay under 23 kg and the dimensions are within the limits.
For trips to classic training areas such as Malaga, Nice or Tuscany, this is often the cheapest option.
The catch: Basic tickets sometimes do not include checked baggage. Then you have to add those first.
Strong alternatives: Iberia and SAS
Iberia usually charges a flat bike fee of around:
- €45 - €60 each way
This makes Iberia interesting for trips to popular cycling locations such as:
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) often treats bikes as normal baggage, as long as you stay within the weight limit. Especially interesting for trips to Norway or Sweden.
Low-cost airlines: cheap ticket, expensive bike
Ryanair, easyJet and Transavia offer cheap flights but charge fixed bike fees. The average fares per airline are as follows
- Ryanair: ± €60 per flight
- easyJet: ± €60 per flight
- Transavia: ± €50 - €70 per flight
The advantage is that these airlines often allow a higher weight limit, usually up to 30-32 kg.
The downside is that costs add up quickly. A return flight automatically means an extra €120. Add transfers, and it gets even more expensive.
Search tool flying with your bike airlines
Want to search for the best option for you yourself? Then use our handy tool, which we created together with Velora. It will give you the best tips and airlines when flying with your bike.
This feature was created in collaboration with Velora Cycling
European cycling routes where flying your bike makes sense
Within Europe, there are a few destinations where flying with your own bike has become almost standard:
- Girona (Spain)
- Mallorca (Spain)
- Calpe and Denia (Spain)
- Nice (France)
- Tuscany (Italy)
- Sicily (Italy)
- Sardinia (Italy)
- Peloponnese and the Greek Islands (Greece)
- Cyprus
- Turkey
- Malaga and Sierra Nevada (Spain)
- Corsica (France)
- Croatia / Bosnia / Romania / Bulgaria / Albania
Soft case or hard case makes a difference
A soft case has distinct advantages:
- Lighter
- Greater chance of staying under 23 kg
- Easier to transport
Hard cases offer more protection, but often weigh 10-15 kg empty. That limits your margin considerably.
For European trips, a soft case with inserts is usually the best choice. Bit of extra padding and you're safe. Unless you have a fully integrated cockpit that you'd rather not take apart. Then your brake handles are really 'exposed' and you'd rather not.
When a traditional airline is cheaper than a budget airline
This is the main misconception. Budget airlines seem cheaper, but often are not if you bring a bike.
Example:
- Budget airline ticket: €80 + €60 bike = €140
- KLM ticket: €140 including bicycle
Same price, but better service and less hassle. Especially for return flights within Europe, it pays to compare well.
Practical checklist for flying with your bike in Europe
These are the steps that make the difference:
- Weigh your bike in the suitcase before booking
- Stay under 23 kg if you can
- Book your bike directly with your ticket
- Use a compact bike case
- Check whether hold baggage is included
The biggest mistakes end up happening when packing and then having to check in. Not when booking.
