Flying with RyanAir. Bike issues...

[kano66]

I'm flying with RyanAir on the 30th.
Taking me and my bike to Barcelona for 6 days.

I have flown with RyanAir before and am aware of how tricky they can be, but never with a bike. Only ever took my BMX years ago.

I have managed to get an Edinburgh Cycles bike bag on loan. I was originally planning on taking a card box like we used to, make as small as possible and pack the bike with tubing and foam.

I have paid for 15kg hold luggage, and was planning on getting my bike through as this. But my question is, with me now taking a proper bike bag, are they gonna try and make me pay for a bike when I get to the airport?

My bike weighs about 7kg - 8kg. It's light!

What's everyones thoughts here?

 

[Scruffmonster]

They're going to charge you as much as humanly possible. By far, the worst airline with regards to cycle policy.

Generally worth paying for a BA flight as the bike goes free and often equates to a saving once taking hidden charges into account.

There's probably a 1% chance of getting your bike accepted as regular luggage. I'd advise on not chancing it, booking it as a bike in advance.

 

[Alun]

Read the terms and conditions on their website, but I would imagine they'll charge you for a bike!
Not sure I'd trust a bike bag for protection when flying.

 

[Scruffmonster]

£50 each way if booked in advance, £60 on the day.

Just checked for you. They will NOT be flexible.

http://www.ryanair.com/en/terms-and-conditions#regulations-checkedbaggage

 

[kano66]

Damn... This company should be banned!

Bikes should be considered good for the environment, an offset to all the damage these airlines are doing!

You really think it's 1% chance..?

 

[Alun]

Can you fly without your bike and hire one when you get to Barcelona ?
I have read about the bike not being put on the same flight as the owner, despite being booked and paid for. It has then arrived the next day.

 

[kano66]

No, my bike is a special bike, a proper track bike/lopro/pursuit..... I'd be gutted if I couldn't take that in place of some shitty rusty thing...

 

[Scruffmonster]

Damn... This company should be banned!

Bikes should be considered good for the environment, an offset to all the damage these airlines are doing!

You really think it's 1% chance..?

It's RyanAir. 1% is being generous. In reality, there is zero chance that they will be nice enough to check the bike as your booked luggage.

For that £100 cost, why not take your pedals (if need be), and hire a bike for a week. You'll easily find a rental place.

 

[carolonabike]

I realise it's probably too late to switch but we travelled to Spain with two bikes using Easy Jet earlier this year and they were great. £25 each way for an additional 20kg. The combined weight of the bikes and boxes pushed us over the 20kg but they didn't charge us any extra.

 

[kano66]

Hi Scruffmonster, if you seen my bike you would know why i want to take it with me...

Carol on a bike... I would have taken easy jet if they were available..

So is it £50 each way if you pre book and £60 if you pay in the airport....??

 

[endoman]

where are you going to ride that in Barcelona? Some great spots around to ride, but surely it's a long way to go to ride a velodrome?

 

[kano66]

Hi.. No velodrome (tho that would be ace!)

I plan to cruise the city and just have leisurely rides up and down the front and the back roads etc..

 

[betty swollocks]

Hi.. No velodrome (tho that would be ace!)

I plan to cruise the city and just have leisurely rides up and down the front and the back roads etc..

Posing in other words!!

 

[kano66]

haha... something like that...

 

[kano66]

I am considering turning up to the airport anyway... and trying my luck with my bike bag....

If its £50 pre booked and £60 at the airport, I think it's worth trying to 'blag' it in..

Thoughts... ??