Airlines with the Best (and Worst) Bike Fees

Bringing a bike with you on your next trip can be a bit of a challenge. With some research and preparation, your bike will reach its destination without too much hassle. That’s where this article comes in!

In this post, we are going to take a close look at the bike policies of the eleven largest U.S airlines. We’ll examine the rules and fees of each airline – you’ll soon discover that not all airlines are created equal in this regard. Some airlines are definitely more bike friendly than others.

The airlines that we will be examining in this article are as follows:

• Alaska Airlines
• Allegiant Air
• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Frontier Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• JetBlue
• Southwest
• Spirit Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines
• United Airlines

Airline Bike Size and Weight Rules

Maximum Size of Bicycle Packed in Container

Most airlines that we looked at have generous maximum size limits for bicycles. In fact, two airlines (Spirit and Sun Country) don’t state a size limit at all.

However, as can be seen in the table below, some of the ultra-low-cost carriers have size limits well under 100 linear inches.

What Does Linear Inches Mean?

Linear inches are a measurement that airlines use to express the total length of luggage. It is calculated by adding the height, width, and depth of the bag in inches. For example, if a bag measures 28 inches high, 18 inches wide, and 11 inches deep, its linear inches would be 57 inches (28 + 18 + 11 = 57).

Make sure that your packed bicycle is within these limits by measuring it carefully. Otherwise, the airline may refuse to check your bike at the airport. There is no wiggle room with these size limits. They are the airlines’ absolute maximums.

The following airlines waive oversize limits for bicycles. However, you will still have to be within the respective airline’s bike weight limits:

• Spirit Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines

Airlines with the largest bike size limit (126 linear inches):

• Allegiant Air
• American Airlines

Airlines with the smallest bike size limit (80 linear inches):

• JetBlue
• Southwest
• Spirit

Maximum Weight of Bicycle Packed in Container

There aren’t many things that all airlines can agree on, but the maximum weight of your bike is one. Your packed bike can weigh up to 99 to 100 pounds (45 kilograms).

Bear in mind that the size limits listed below are absolute limits. Weight is something that airlines strictly enforce as it directly affects their bottom line through fuel costs. So, don’t expect that your airline will let a few pounds overweight slide.

Sun Country Airlines

Sun Country will not accept bicycles weighing 70 pounds (32 kilograms) or more when flying to/from the following destinations:

• Jamaica
• Puerto Rico

Airline Bike Fees

Most airlines waive oversize fees for your bicycle. Many airlines also waive overweight fees. These waivers only apply to cases holding your bike and its accessories. If the airline finds items unrelated to your bike within the container, they will assess your bicycle as a standard bag. Oversize and overweight fees will apply.

The airline may inspect your container at check-in.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines applies its standard bag fee for bicycles.

Alaska will waive all oversize and overweight charges.

Allegiant Air

With respect to baggage fees, Allegiant Air applies its standard bag charges for bicycles. The standard fee will vary, based on your itinerary.

Your bike will also not be subject to oversize or overweight fees.

American Airlines

If your packed bicycle is no larger than 126 linear inches (320 centimeters) and not heavier than 50 pounds (23 kilograms), standard checked bag fees will apply.

However, if your packed bike weighs more than 50 pounds (23 kilograms), it will be subject to standard checked bag overweight fees.

Delta Air Lines

If your bike is no greater than 115 linear inches (292 centimeters) and not heavier than 50 pounds (23 kilograms), standard checked bag fees will apply.

Delta does not apply any oversize fees.

However, if your bike is heavier than 50 pounds, the airline will apply an overweight fee.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier is the first airline on our list that applies a special checked bike fee in lieu of its standard checked bag charges. This is welcome as Frontier adopts variable pricing for its checked bags, based on when you when and where you’re flying to.

Your bicycle will be subject to a flat $75 fee. Frontier, in one of its rare acts of fee mercy, waives any applicable oversize and/or overweight fees.

Hawaiian Airlines

If your packed bicycle is within standard checked bag allowances, it will be subject to Hawaiian Airlines’ standard checked bag fees. In this instance, the airline does not enforce having to pack your bike in a cardboard bike box or a hard-sided bicycle case. However, we recommend that you always pack your bike in a suitable case to best protect your equipment.

If your bicycle is oversize (more than 62 linear inches / 157 centimeters and less than 115 linear inches / 292 centimeters), special bicycle pricing will apply instead of the standard bag fee.

For packed bicycles weighing up to 50 pounds (22.5 kilograms), the special bike fee is as follows:

• Travel within Hawaii: $35
• Travel elsewhere within the U.S.: $100

If your bike weighs between 51 pounds (23 kilograms) and 70 pounds (31.5 kilograms), you will be subject to the following special bike fee, based on your itinerary:

• Travel within Hawaii: $60
• Travel elsewhere within the U.S.: $150

If your bike weighs between 51 pounds (23 kilograms) and 70 pounds (31.5 kilograms), you will be subject to the following special bike fee, based on your itinerary:

• Travel within Hawaii: $120
• Travel elsewhere within the U.S.: $250

JetBlue

Standard Checked Bag Fees

If your packed bike is within standard checked bag limits, standard fees apply. The standard checked bag limits and fees are as follows:

• Size: 62 linear inches (157.48 centimeters)
• Weight: 50 pounds (22.68 kilograms)
• First bag: $35 ($30 if prepaid)
• Second bag: $45 ($40 if prepaid)
• Third+ bags: $200 each

Special Bicycle Handling Fee

If your bicycle exceeds the above size or weight limits, your equipment will be subject to a $100 handling fee. This is in addition to the standard checked bag fee. You can only pay for the handling fee within 24 hours of departure – either during online check-in or at the airport.

In this case, your packed bike must be within the following limits – otherwise JetBlue will not accept it for check-in:

• Maximum size: 80 linear inches (203.20 centimeters)
• Maximum weight: 99 pounds (44.90 kilograms)

JetBlue will waive any oversize or overweight fees.

Southwest Airlines

If your packed bicycle is no larger than 62 linear inches (158 centimeters) and weighs no more than 50 pounds (23 kilograms), it will be treated as regular checked baggage. It’s no secret that Southwest allows you to check your first two bags at no charge. Your bike can travel for free!

Southwest’s standard checked bag fees are as follows:

Southwest will not accept bicycles beyond 80 linear inches and/or 100 pounds.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit has taken a refreshingly simple approach to its bicycle fees. To check a bike, the airline applies a $75 flat fee – no standard checked bag fees apply. Spirit does not apply oversize limits or charges, nor does it apply overweight fees.

It doesn’t get much simpler than that!

Sun Country Airlines

Sun Country is one of the more expensive airlines on this list, when it comes to traveling with a bike. Not only is your bicycle subject to standard checked bag fees, it also attracts a $100 “special sports equipment as oversized bag” fee.

If you’re traveling with a bike, this airline is difficult to recommend.

United Airlines

United applies standard checked baggage fees when checking in bicycles:

Thankfully, United recently scrapped its overpriced $150 bicycle handling fee, which is now in line with the other legacy carriers.

Types of Bikes Allowed by Airlines

All airlines accept only non-motorized bicycles (e-bikes need not apply).

The types of bicycles accepted by airlines include:

• Touring bikes
• Mountain bikes
• Racing bikes

Most airlines accept single-seated bicycles only, but there are a few airlines which will allow to check in a tandem bike:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• United Airlines

Allegiant Air

Allegiant’s website does not provide any specific information about traveling with bikes. They do have general information about checking in sports equipment, which this post has referenced.

However, many travelers on online forums have said that they’ve successfully been able to check-in their bikes without issue. I would recommend that you contact the airline for your specific itinerary for confirmation.

Delta Airlines

Delta will not accept bicycles on some flights with its subsidiary, Delta Connection. It would be wise to contact the airline if you intend to take your bike on one of these flights.

United Airlines

Interestingly, United allows up to two bicycles to be packed in one case. Doing this and meeting the size and weight requirements would be a challenge. This would be best suited when traveling with children’s bikes.

Bike Travel Cases

An important requirement when traveling with a bicycle on a plane is acquiring a suitable packing case. Airlines will only accept containers or cases that are specifically designed for the transport of bicycles.

All airlines will accept the following types of bike cases:

• A sealed box, designed for the transport of bicycles.
• Soft-sided bicycle case
• Hard-sided bicycle case

Exceptions: Spirit will not accept soft-sided bicycle cases

It’s important to note that airlines do not supply bags or boxes for bicycles.

Hot Tip: If you plan to pack your bike in a cardboard box, you may be able to get one for free from your local bicycle shop.

Airline Packing Requirements for Bicycles

There are general packing requirements that all airlines expect:

• The handlebars are turned sideways.
• The protruding pedals are removed and packed in a protective container, or
• The pedals don’t have to be removed if they’re covered with protective padding.

Bicycles that are unsuitably packed or contained in general packing boxes may not be accepted at check-in.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit has the added requirement that your bicycle tires be deflated to avoid damage.

Airline Liability for Damage to Your Bike

An important factor to consider is whether your airline will accept liability for accidental damage when your bike is in their custody.

Generally, airlines will waive liability if it is assessed at check-in that it’s not appropriately packed or adequately protected. In this case, it will be considered a fragile item. In this instance, you will have to sign a limited release of liability form. Signing this form absolves the airline from being responsible for any damage to your bicycle, while it’s in their care. This will severely inhibit your ability to receive compensation from the airline.

All airlines categorize bikes packed in soft-sided cases as fragile items.

With regards to hard-sided cases, the airlines’ liability for accidental damage is mixed:

To be clear, when airlines are liable for damage to your luggage, the maximum liability amount allowed is $3,800. Your bike (and its case) may be valued at more than this amount.

You may want to consider getting travel insurance for your bicycle. If you have a qualifying credit card, it may already provide you with baggage insurance.

You could also think about using a dedicated cargo service to ship your bike to your destination. This could be more suitable for those of you who intend to travel with a hard case. They can be quite heavy – it can be difficult to meet the airlines’ weight requirements. However, these cargo services don’t come cheap.

Something else to consider – you could forget to bring your bike with you, and instead use local bike services instead. Many cities now have public bike services that you can use to get around. Or you could hire a more specialized bike at your destination.

Bicycle Baggage Embargoes

Certain airlines impose baggage embargoes on bikes for select destinations.

JetBlue

JetBlue will not accept bicycles when flying to/from the following destinations:

• Dominican Republic
• Haiti
• Peru
• Port of Spain

When traveling to/from Cuba, JetBlue will only accept bicycles if they are packed in a hard-sided bicycle case. The case can be no larger than 80 linear inches (203 centimeters) and no heavier than 70 pounds (32 kilograms).

Sun Country Airlines

Sun Country will not accept bicycles weighing 70 pounds (32 kilograms) or more when flying to/from the following destinations:

• Jamaica
• Puerto Rico

Final Thoughts

Taking your bike with you on an airplane is definitely doable, but it does require some extra planning and preparation. It’s important to check the airline’s requirements beforehand, and to properly package and prepare your bike for transport. With the right approach, you can ensure that your bike arrives safely at your destination and that you’re ready to hit the road as soon as you arrive.