Hi all,
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Long time lurker, first time poster. My boyfriend and I are planning our first big bike tour to India and Pakistan!
We are looking at buying our plane tickets as soon as we can, from Seattle (possibly Boston) to New Delhi, and we have two questions: (1) Anyone have experience flying with bicycles on the airlines I listed below? (2) Has anyone run into issues with bicycle charges when they’ve had a domestic layover?
I’m posting what I found in my research below ([source](https://www.seektravelride.com/airline-luggage-requirements/)), but thought I’d reach out for any first-hand experience. Thanks!
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Qatar – good, 300 cm linear and 30 kg allowance for bicycles
Emirates – good, same as above
Delta – good, I also have the Gold Amex card with them
Japan Airlines – good? I called and they said 55x32x12in allowance for bicycles
Turkish Airlines – not good, extra charge for bicycles
ANA (All Nippon Airlines) – good, 292cm linear and 23 kg allowance for bicycles but need to call ahead of time
Etihad – good, 300 cm linear and 23 kg allowance for bicycles
Finnair – not good, extra charge if size exceeds 158cm linear
Lufthansa – not good, extra charge for bicycles
by bikeyarns
2 Comments
Honestly, look for something direct over the cost. Connections make it far more likely that something will get damaged or lost.
Yeah, just put it all into a spreadsheet. Sometimes the bike fees don’t actually exceed the price difference. Bikes are a small part of their business, so the prices aren’t all that competitive.
If you book separate flights, you’ll have to pay again. Try to keep everything in one reservation. If there are code shares, book with the airline that has the best policy.