Do you fly with your mountain bike? Hell yeah, we do. Well, sometimes we don’t, sometimes we just find a swanky rental, and sometimes we don’t even ride our bikes on vacation…stop judging us! Truly most of the time you’ll find us riding bikes and eating burritos. So let’s dig into the how-to’s of flying with your mountain bike.
HOW TO PACK YOUR MTB FOR FLYING/SHIPPING
There are a lot of tutorials online for how to do this so we didn’t see the point in making yet another one. These guys already nailed it, so tune in and they’ll walk you through each step of the process.
If this all seems too overwhelming we highly recommend taking your bike to your favorite local shop and paying them for the service to pack your bike. If you go this route make sure to research a shop in your destination that will be able to assemble and repack it for you on the other end.
DOMESTIC AIRLINE LUGGAGE FEES
| Airline | Bike fee (one way) | Oversize fee | Policy details |
| Alaska Airlines bike baggage fee | None - just standard checked bag fee ($35+) | Waived for bikes | |
| American Airlines bike baggage fee | None - just standard checked bag fee ($35+) | Up to 50 pounds and 126 inches; $150 up to 70 pounds | |
| Delta Airlines bike baggage fee | None - just standard checked bag fee ($35+) | Up to 50 pounds, 62 inches overall; $200 up to 80 inches | |
| Frontier Airlines bike baggage fee | $75 | None | |
| Hawaiian Airlines bike baggage fee | $100 from mainland to islands; $25 between islands | Neighbor Island flights: 71-100 pounds: Additional $70 fee North America flights: 71-100 pounds: Additional $200 fee
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| JetBlue Airlines bike baggage fee | $100, plus standard checked bag fee ($0-40) | Up to 50 pounds, 62 inches overall; Additional $100 up to 99 pounds, 80 inches | |
| Southwest Airlines bike baggage fee | None (Southwest announced it will begin charging for checked bags for tickets purchases starting May 28, 2025) | Up to 50 pounds, 62 inches overall; $75 above either of those parameters | |
| Spirit Airlines bike baggage fee | $75 | | |
| United Airlines bike baggage fee | None - just the standard checked bag fee ($40+) | Up to 50 pounds, 62 inches overall; $150 up to 100 pounds, 115 inches |
For more luggage fee info visit the folks at Oru Case, and always be sure to check with the specific airline you’re traveling with before committing to flying with your bike.
ALTERNATIVES TO CHECKING YOUR BIKE
SHIP IT
We’ve had success with both of these companies. Bike Flights is a little less like throwing your bike into the void so they are #1 choice, whereas Ship Bikes is a great value option.
FIND A RENTAL
Especially if you prefer to ride eMTB a rental is always your friend. If you’re particular about your saddle and pedals (we are) just pop them off your bike at home and pack them with you.
SOME OF OUR FAVE MTB DESTINATIONS
Moab, UT
A well-known mecca for mountain bikers, Moab offers a wide range of trails, from beginner to expert, all with stunning desert scenery. Whether you're seeking flowy rides or technical challenges, there's something there for every rider. From Slickrock to The Whole Enchilada, you’re down for a spicy time.
Squamish, BC
Our magical neighbor to the north offers a year-round riding climate blanketed in dreamy lush forests, rugged mountains, and dramatic coastal views. The variety of trails, breathtaking landscapes, and proximity to other major biking destinations like Whistler make Squamish a bucket list destination for riding.
Santa Cruz, CA
Offering some of the most diverse mountain biking trails in the country Santa Cruz boasts a varied terrain of forested trails and coastal paths, alongside world-class bike parks. The area caters to all levels, ranging from easy flow trails to challenging downhill runs. Whether you're looking for sweeping coastal views, ripping descents, or punishing climbs, Santa Cruz has it all.
Chamonix, FR
One of the most iconic mountain biking destinations in the world. Nestled in the French Alps near Mont Blanc, Chamonix boasts rugged terrain, scenic alpine landscapes, and challenging trails. With options for high-altitude, adrenaline-pumping descents or more relaxed scenic rides, the trails in and around Chamonix offer unparalleled beauty, and party, if you want it.
Bentonville, AR
Bentonville is a rad destination for riders of all skill levels. Slaughter Pen Trails, offering flowy and technical sections; Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, known for its challenging terrain and rock gardens; Blowing Springs Park, with a mix of smooth and rugged trails; and the expansive Oz Trails network, featuring over 300 miles of interconnected singletrack. For beginners, Pedal It Forward Bike Park provides a skills area and pump track. The town itself is very bike-friendly, with easy access to trails and plenty of places to relax and refuel.