Bike shipping: Travelling by plane with a bike

There are several options when it comes to packing your bike for a flight, and the right one often depends on the type of bike you have, how often you travel, and how much protection you need. Here’s a closer look at the main types of travel bags and cases available:

Soft bike bags

These are popular among cyclists who travel frequently or who prefer a lightweight, foldable option. Soft bags are usually made from durable nylon or polyester materials and come with reinforced panels to protect vulnerable parts like the drivetrain and forks.

Features:

• Lightweight and easier to carry or wheel around the airport
• Fold down small for storage at your destination
• Often include internal straps and wheel compartments
• Easier to fit into a hire car or small hotel room

Best for:

• Ideal for road cyclists who want to travel light
• Less bulky, so easier to manoeuvre
• May be accepted more readily by airlines due to flexible sizing

Things to note:

• Less impact protection than hard cases
• You need to pack carefully using foam, padding, and wheel bags

Hard bike cases

Hard-shell cases are built for maximum protection. Made from moulded plastic or composite materials, these cases keep your bike safe from impacts, rough handling, and weather. They are the go-to for high-value bikes and longer-haul travel.

Features:

• Rigid outer shell with internal padding
• Secure latches and integrated locks (often TSA-compliant)
• Heavy-duty wheels for transport
• Often include reinforced wheel wells and fork mounts

Best for:

• Best option for expensive bikes or racing bikes
• Provides excellent protection from airport handling
• Peace of mind when flying long distances or through multiple airports

Things to note:

• Heavier, bulkier, and more expensive than other options
• Harder to store when not in use
• May push you over airline weight limits

Cardboard bike boxes

Often overlooked, the humble cardboard box is a surprisingly practical solution for occasional trips. Many local bike shops will give them away or sell them cheaply, and they’re especially useful if you’re travelling one-way (e.g. on a cycle tour abroad).

Features:

• Recyclable and lightweight
• Easily customisable with foam, bubble wrap, and padding
• Can be trimmed or reinforced as needed

Best for:

• Cheapest option
• Doesn’t require investment if you’re only taking one or two trips
• Airline staff are familiar with them

Things to note:

• Requires meticulous packing
• No built-in protection
• Can get damaged if not well packed or if exposed to rain

Each option has its pros and cons. Soft bags are easier to lug around, while hard cases can take more abuse from baggage handlers. Cardboard boxes can be a gamble if the airline isn’t gentle.

Bags for different types of bikes

Road Bikes:
Road bikes are generally easier to pack due to their slim profile and lower weight. Most soft and hard cases will accommodate a standard road frame. Look for a case with separate padded compartments for the wheels, and a snug fit to reduce movement in transit. Riders flying for sportives or training camps might prefer soft bags for their portability.

Touring Bikes:
Touring bikes tend to be bulkier, often with racks, mudguards, and other accessories. You’ll need a travel case or bag with more internal space. A soft bag with extra room and modular padding is ideal. Alternatively, a hard case with a flexible internal layout can offer the space and protection needed. Some touring cyclists use reinforced cardboard boxes, particularly when flying one-way.

Mountain Bikes (MTB):
MTBs come with larger tyres, wider handlebars, and suspension components that require more disassembly and careful packing. Opt for a hard case with fork stabilisers and secure wheel compartments, or a soft bag with rigid inserts and reinforced side panels. Look for models specifically designed for downhill or enduro bikes if yours is particularly large or complex.

Ultimately, your choice should reflect how often you travel, how much protection you need, and the nature of your destination. For example, if you’re heading to the Alps for a gravel adventure, a hard case might be the safest choice. But for a quick spin around Mallorca, a soft bag could be all you need.