Cost of transporting a bicycle on board a United Airlines plane

Each passenger on a United flight is entitled to carry up to two bicycles in the hold of the aircraft, and if that box exceeds the weight and / or linear dimension limits allowed for standard checked baggage, well we pay $ 200 to transport them to their destination, and only $ 150 if you take flights serving destinations between the United States and Canada, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

How to pack your bike before taking a United flight?

– Remove the pedals or place them so that they do not protrude.

– Remove the front wheel and secure it to the frame.

– Position and fix the handlebars along the frame.

– Deflate the wheels.

– Wrap your bike in special plastic wrap or put it in a cardboard box.

How do you transport a bicycle on a United plane?

To keep your mind at ease before taking the plane with your bike, the easiest way is to prepare everything well beforehand. What does the airline plan on transporting bicycles? How to properly protect your cycle during the flight?

How do you transport a bicycle on a United plane?

To keep your mind at ease before taking the plane with your bike, the easiest way is to prepare everything well beforehand. What does the airline plan on transporting bicycles? How to properly protect your cycle during the flight?

What does the company plan for transporting the bicycle by plane?

While airlines generally accept large volumes on airplanes, they may have strict rules for carrying sports equipment such as bicycles. It is therefore important to be well informed before any ticket purchase and departure. Some companies may ask to register and pay additional fees. Everything varies depending on the company, so remember to check these few points:

– Does your United Airlines airline accept a bicycle?

– Is it then a classic baggage?

– Do you have to register it or give other information about my bike?

– Do you have to pay additional costs? And if so, what are the pricing conditions?

Bicycles must be transported in the hold with the tires deflated, without pedals, the handlebars removed and fixed parallel to the structure – and everything properly packed. You must communicate 48 hours in advance that you will be shipped, as there is a limit of bikes per plane and, in general, an additional charge will be made, as this item is not part of the baggage allowance.

The instructions to follow when transporting a bicycle by plane

Before taking the plane, several instructions are imposed by the airlines concerning the components of the bike:

– Pedals: remove them or fold them up

– Handlebar: align it with the frame or remove it to place it on the side so that it does not protrude

– Wheels and tires: depending on the company, you may be asked to deflate the tires or remove the wheels

– The bike must then be in a compact and sturdy packaging, labeled with your contact details

You also have the possibility of protecting other elements (derailleur, saddle, levers, chain …) but this is not expressly requested by the airlines.

Solutions to protect your bike on the plane

Find out how to pack and properly protect your bike when traveling in the hold:

– The bicycle transport case

To take your bike with you, you can use a traditional carrying bag. However, it is more advisable to turn to a rigid bicycle suitcase, especially if you are a frequent traveler. With an impact-resistant shell, handles and wheels, the suitcase is specially designed for easy and secure transport to and from the airport and circulates inside it with your other luggage. It often comes with foams for additional interior protection. It allows, in addition to your bike, to transport other accessories or tools, everything to take the essentials for your bike in one place.

– The box

If you have the option of recovering cardboard packaging, using this solution may prove to be the most economical. However, make sure that the box can of course contain your bike but above all that it respects the measures imposed by the company on which you are flying. Otherwise, remember to keep the original box of your cycle if you buy it new.

To find a suitable box, you can otherwise contact a company specializing in packaging or, if your company offers it, at its counter at the airport. This is particularly the case with United Airlines.

Some tips to follow when transporting a bicycle in a box:

– As in a suitcase, it is important to undo the fragile parts and to protect them well with foam, cardboard, bubble wrap, newspaper or other.

– Once the bike is also packed, make sure to fill as much space as possible to secure your equipment and prevent it from moving.

– Check that the weight does not exceed that authorized by your company before closing the box permanently (variable between 23 and 32 kg depending on the company)

– Close the cardboard box and tape at the different ends for additional security.