mr bill

In thinking about my tour and where I would be going, i decided that it might be desireable to make one or two intra-europe flights to ensure that I can make it to all the places I would like to without reversing my course. I have many friends who have traveled cheaply on europe's budget airlines, however, I was curious if it was advisable to travel with a bike on these airlines (i.e. german wings, ryan air, etc.). Do any of you have any experience in this regard?

Travelinguyrt

I tried airlines past summer, twice,never again. To much trouble getting to and from airports with a bike, breaking down and reassembling bike, worrying about the handling of bike

So much simpler to ride to the stations which were always center city, put bike in car i which I was traveling and could always see it, no break down nor reassembly, and the panniers were always attached to the bike, sure some hi speed trains don't carry bikes but the locals were where I was headed, and there was never any extra charge for a bike. Plus it seemed rail employees were ALWAYS more helpful and friendlier

MichaelW

I've used budget airlines (Ryan/Easy) with no problems.
The packaging for bikes can vary so read the small print and contact the airport. Take a copy of the small print with you.
I have used pumbing insulation foam tubes and a large thick plastic bag and my bike was accepted. Packing takes about 45mins so get thre early. I have had my packaging accepted on the outward journey and questioned on the return leg. I managed to convine them it complied with their requirements.
Budget airlins often use minor airports which have much easier bike access than the large ones.
Once on continental Europe it may be easier to take the train but from the UK, air travel is the std way.

Guest

Be careful, though. With those small budget airlines, if you are over the luggage limit, the charges are very steep. So if you can't get your luggage under the luggage allowance, be prepared to pay A LOT.

Koffee

BearLite

I've brought my bike on Ryanair, worked fine. Regulations:

"Can I bring my sports equipment or bike? < BACK

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Many items of sporting equipment including ...bicycles...are inherently unsuitable for carriage by airlines operating fast turnarounds such as Ryanair. However, upon payment of an additional charge of £17/€25 (or local currency equivalent) per sector (flight) and per item irrespective of weight, Ryanair is prepared to carry such items on a ‘Limited Release’ (i.e. entirely ‘at your own risk’ for damage or delay) basis. Ryanair will not accept any individual item exceeding 32 kilos.

...Due to space restrictions, we recommend that all sports equipment is pre-booked and pre-paid at the time of booking on www.ryanair.com or by calling your local reservation centre number, as not to do so may result in the item being refused carriage at the airport.

Special advice for the carriage of bicycles
The pedals must be removed (or fixed inwards). The handlebars must be fixed sideways. The bike should be contained in a protective box or bag. It is not necessary from a safety perspective to deflate typical tyres found on bikes and wheelchairs for carriage in the hold. However, to eliminate the small risk of them being damaged by bursting, you may wish to deflate the tyres. Understandably this decision may be influenced by how easily the tyres could be inflated upon arrival."

https://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/faqs....portsequipment

Guest

They charged me PER KILO for every kilo I was overweight. I paid way more for my bags than I did for my flight, making it a flight not worth ever taking again. I know what the brochure is saying, but I wouldn't trust it when it comes to dealing with them at the airport.

Koffee