Airline Bike Fees: 2025 Policies & Costs (Australia)

Flying with your bike doesn't have to be expensive or stressful. This guide covers every Australian and popular international carrier, with current policies, fees, and booking tips.

Australian Domestic

Qantas

Qantas is the most bike-friendly Australian domestic carrier if you can stomach the $150 each-way fee. The 32kg weight limit is generous—you can pack your bike, helmet, and shoes without sweating the scale.

• Book online during ticket purchase (cheapest)
• Can add later via Manage Booking
• Bikes count as 1 checked piece regardless of weight tier

Virgin Australia

Virgin offers the best value for domestic bike transport at $65 each way (pre-booked online). But watch the 23kg limit—a heavy soft bag plus bike can push you over easily.

Jetstar

The budget option comes with budget compromises. The strict 15kg sports equipment limit makes flying with a full MTB challenging. You'll likely need to pay excess baggage fees on top of the base $65 fee.

Trans-Tasman

Flying to New Zealand for Rotorua or Queenstown? Air New Zealand is generally the best option for bikes, despite the $100 NZD fee.

Air New Zealand

Strong reputation for handling bikes carefully. The 23kg limit matches standard baggage, and pre-booking is required. Book as "sporting equipment" during the booking process.

Qantas Trans-Tasman

Same policy as domestic, slightly higher fee ($175 each way). The 32kg limit is an advantage if your setup runs heavy.

International

The "Included" Airlines

Singapore Airlines and Emirates don't charge specific bike fees—instead, your bike counts towards your overall baggage allowance. Economy typically gets 30kg (SQ) or 35kg (Emirates), which is enough for most setups.

US-Bound: United & Air Canada

If you're heading to Whistler (via Vancouver) or US destinations like Moab or Bentonville, Air Canada offers the best value at CAD $75 each way. United charges USD $150 but serves more US destinations directly from Australia.

Tips to Avoid Overweight Fees

1. Know your bag weight empty. A 9kg soft bag vs 13kg hard case is a 4kg difference in what you can pack.
2. Weigh packed at home. A $20 luggage scale saves $100+ in overweight fees.
3. Wear heavy gear on the plane. Knee pads, cycling shoes, and your helmet don't count if you're wearing/carrying them.
4. Strip accessories. Remove bottle cages, lights, and computer mounts. Pack in carry-on.
5. Consider your bike weight. A 14kg enduro bike needs a lighter bag than a 10kg XC bike.

Bike-Friendly Airlines Ranked

Based on fees, weight limits, and handling reputation:

Tier 1: Actually Good

• Air Canada — Cheap fees, reasonable limits, good for Whistler
• Singapore Airlines — No bike fee, generous allowance
• Emirates — No bike fee, 35kg allowance

Tier 2: Acceptable

• Virgin Australia — Good domestic value, watch the 23kg limit
• Air New Zealand — Reliable, reasonable fee
• Qantas — Expensive but hassle-free, generous limits

Tier 3: Use If You Must

• Jetstar — Budget airline, budget experience
• United — Works but expensive

How to Book Bike as Sports Equipment

Online (Recommended)

1. During booking, look for "Special Items" or "Sports Equipment" section
2. Select "Bicycle" or "Bike"
3. Pay the fee during checkout
4. Keep confirmation email for check-in

Phone (If Online Doesn't Work)

1. Call airline's baggage/special items line
2. Quote your booking reference
3. Add bike to reservation
4. Get confirmation number/email

At Airport (Last Resort)

Most airlines charge more at the airport and may not have space. Always pre-book if possible. If you do rock up without booking, arrive very early and be extremely polite.