5 Leading Airlines for cycling enthusiasts
Real-world airline policies, bike fees, and check-in experiences—no sponsorships, just lessons learned.
Real experience from traveling endurance athletes — no sponsorships, no hype. As almost every journey starts with a flight ticket, learn which airline to fly and which airlines to avoid - another blog.
Key features to consider:
1) Oversized baggage policies: Cost of transporting the gear, plus weight and size limitations -
Linear cm = Length + Width + Height
2) Customer Support & accessibility
3) Check-in quality process
My suggestions are based on profound experience & price ticket research from the Airline's home airport.
Here are five airlines to fly with:
Singapore Airlines
Home airport: SIN. I flew with them to CHC
1) Oversized bag fees (up to 200cm linear length do not apply to checked bicycles. More than 200cm, 38-42$ each way. Flights to the US & Canada extra 15%.
2) Great customer support! - yet very strict. Must call/email as soon as possible, at least 96 hours before - I recommend more - for bile transport approval.
4) Very smooth check-in process
5) Incredible airline. I love them.
6) Exclusive discounts for KrisFlyer members
Lufthansa
Home airport: FRA. I flew with them to TPE, HAM, & TLV
1) Standard one checked bag fees
23 kg & 280 linear cm - extra 60$ each way & 50$ fee for more than 23kg.
2) Great customer support! Must email for reservation at least 72 hours before the flight - 1-2 days email response.
4) Very smooth check-in process.
5) The ticket itself might be 20% higher than low-cost airlines, yet it's a great airline to travel with, with more benefits as a Miles & More club.
American Airlines
Home airport: DFW. I flew with them to FRA
1) Standard one checked bag fees 23 kg & 192 linear cm - extra 35-45$ each eay & 150$ fee for more than 23kg
2) Great customer support! - Must call/email at least 72hrs before the flight - 1-2 days email response
4) Very smooth check-in process
5) Tickets are relatively cheap compared with other worldwide airlines, and 10% higher than low-cost airlines
6) More benefits as AAdvantage® status members
Catar Airways
Home airport: DOH. I flew with them to VIE
1) Allow to transport oversized items like bicycles with ease - a max of 300cm linear length & 32kg, yet with restrictions to Africa or the Americas - 158cm linear length
2) Fees depend on the regions - purchase additional baggage in advance via the website/contact center; it can reach 150-200$ each way. Advance contact is the key with Qatar Airways
3) Discounts for oneworld® Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby members
ELAL
Home airport: TLV.
I flew with them to HAM & ZRH.
1) Allow passengers to transport oversized items like bicycles & sports items with ease - a max of 277cm linear length & 50kg, with extra fees of 70$ to Europe & 150$ to the Far East & North America.
2) Customer support - usually delayed response time, so be sure to approve the luggage in advance - at least 14 days
3) This is an expensive airline - tickets are 15-20% higher than other worldwide airlines.
4) Benefits for ELAL members club.
