Air

Some people have trouble-free journeys when travelling by air with their cycles, but others are not so lucky.

Headline Messages:

The main problems for people who travel by air with their cycles are:

Not being able to find cycle-friendly routes to and from airports
Complex, multi-step booking procedures
Lack of information about how to prepare a cycle for carriage on a plane
Check-in disputes about whether the cycle complies with an airline's stowing conditions
Damage to cycles during handling
Mislaid or lost cycles

Unfortunately, several airlines still fail basic cycle-friendly tests. Please let us know about any good or bad experiences

See CTC’s "bikes by air" page for more advice on taking your cycle by air or contact the CTC Information Department.

CTC View (formal statement of CTC's policy):

Travellers who take their cycles by air need:

Easy, well signed and safe access to airports, and secure, convenient cycle parking
A simple booking procedure with as few steps as possible
Clear information on charges
Clear, accessible information from all airlines on their websites, booking forms and at the airport to show unambiguously how cycles should be prepared for the flight
Well-briefed staff /contractor, so that people who know they have complied with the airline’s conditions don’t have any check-in problems
A basic standard for cycle packaging and cycle handling agreed with all carriers and with all ground handling service staff / contractors

Publication Date:

March 2012

Cycling and air travel