United Kingdom - Tandems on Ryan Air Flights

Hi,

We are thinking of taking the tandem over to Sardinia with Ryan air but I’m not sure what the policy is with taking tandems now, it used to be turn the handle bars round and remove the pedals.

As anyone taken there tandem on a Ryan air recently if so what was the procedure. I’ve contacted Ryan air and they said all you need to do is wrap it up but this was bit vague.

If I need to put it in a bag does anyone know where they sell them suitable for a tandem?

Cheers,

Kev

All I can suggest:

- phone an independent bike shop like Condor Cycles and Brixton Cycles. They may know from past experience what works.
- ask on UK specific forums like CTC forum, cyclechat, bikeradar forum, etc.
- phone the CTC and LCC and see if they have any guidance.
- ask in the tandem and touring sections of these forums. Many people bring bikes over from other places for touring in the EU.

I recently flew with Ryanair, not with a tandem but with a normal bike, still I think some things I learned from the experience might help you. Their main thing is that whatever you send must fit into their x-ray scanny thing. I boxed my bike, there was a couple who only had their bikes' handlebars and pedals turned as you described, they were told the bikes could not go through that way. I must add I think properly packaging the bike is quite important to protect it from damage. Please also remember you must book your bike in when you buy your ticket, they charge extra for it (I'm sure you knew this already, but thought I'd just mention it).

Good luck.