Flying with a bike can be a harrowing experience. From bike bags getting lost by airlines to getting hit with sky-high bike bag fees, there’s a lot that can go wrong. However, there are many things you can do to ensure things go smoothly and even save yourself some space in your checked bag.
Get an Apple AirTag or similar device
Using an Apple AirTag has become increasingly popular in recent years. And for good reason. Airlines lose stuff all the time. Actually being able to point to your luggage on a map is helpful in the event that your bag does go missing. If you’re a nervous flyer, an added benefit is the wave of relief as you watch your bike take off with you instead of being left behind.
Wear your helmet through security
Having your lid perched on your head as you pass through a metal detector may seem a bit strange. But if you run out of room for your helmet, you can just walk through the airport with it on your melon. If you can deal with looking a bit silly, you could save yourself from having to purchase a checked bag. It’s also not great for your helmet to be bashed around the hold of an airplane.
Take CO2 canisters out of your bike bag
One common holdup when checking your bike is forgetting to take the CO2 cartridges out of your saddle bag. Most airlines prohibit flying with CO2, so remember to take them out beforehand to save yourself some unnecessary stress.
Fit a reasonable amount of bike-related items in your bag
Depending on the airline, you can usually get away with taking more than just your bike in your bag; it also depends on just how relaxed the person checking your bag is, but generally, you can pack some bike-related items in your bike bag. Think, helmet, shoes, bottles and tools. But you don’t want to overdo it, especially when it comes to casual clothes. The airline might make you take some things out. In most cases, you’ll have to move things around and take things out so security can look through it. So, don’t get stuck with trying to repack your Tetris-like packing job with a line of people waiting behind you.
Put bikepacking bags on your bike
Another organizational hack is to put a frame bag or other bikepacking bags on your bike to give you some extra packing room and organization in your bike bag.
Take off the stem, but leave the bars attached
Most bike bags will require you to take off the handlebars to fit the bike in. Instead of detaching the bars from the stem, just take the stem off with the bars…
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