Anyone who loves their bike will never be without it, even when traveling. As economical and practical as this travel companion is at your destination, you still need to arrange its transport upon arrival and departure. Fortunately, this is very simple with Singapore Airlines’ special baggage policy.
For thousands of travelers, a bike is the best way to get away on vacation, and that’s absolutely true; after all, the vacation begins at your doorstep.
Singapore Airlines’ policy on carrying bicycles on board
Anyone who loves their bike will never be without it, even when traveling. As economical and useful as this travel companion is at your destination, you still have to take care of its transport upon arrival and departure. Fortunately, this is quite simple when you fly with Singapore Airlines.
For thousands of travelers, a bike is the best way to get away on vacation, and that’s absolutely true; after all, the vacation begins at your doorstep.
The authorized weight limit of a bicycle
The Singapore airline considers bikes and most sports equipment to be standard checked baggage. Furthermore, it only applies weight restrictions. This means that a bicycle that exceeds the weight limit for checked baggage (two pieces each weighing between 23kg and 32kg depending on the price booked) on Singapore Airlines flights requires the payment of a baggage surcharge. Otherwise, this airline does not charge any fees for oversized baggage.
Is there a fee for transporting a bicycle on Singapore Airlines flights?
No, the fees applied are only related to the detected excess weight.
Checking in your bike
Since it’s being checked in, your bike must be checked in with other heavy baggage at the airport.
The bicycle must be fully packed
Frequent travelers use special bike covers, which offer optimal protection, but they are a bit expensive (costing at least 600 SGD). A good, economical alternative for occasional travelers is the padded transport bag, which costs no more than 200 SGD. Among its advantages are its small size and the ability to be carried over the shoulder.
Pack your bike in a regular cardboard box
This solution is recommended if you don’t travel frequently by plane. A bike box purchased from a bike shop will suffice:
- Protecting the bike’s sensitive components
Also consider protecting the parts of your bike most likely to be damaged during transport: handlebars, brakes, derailleurs, and pedals.
- Partial disassembly of the bike
Most of the time, a partial disassembly is sufficient. The wheels and saddle can be removed, as can the pedals, which can be loosened. The handlebars can also be rotated parallel to the frame to save space. This generally allows for a size acceptable to most airlines.
- If you have a folding bike
For this type of bike, the packing process is much simpler. These bikes are designed to be easily compacted, and therefore do not require specific disassembly for transport.
Checking in an electric bike
Carrying electric bikes on Singapore Airlines is prohibited on commercial flights.
Due to lithium-ion batteries being classified as hazardous materials, the carriage of electric bikes on Singapore Airlines aircraft is only permitted on cargo flights.
If your bike uses a removable battery (with a maximum power of 160 Wh), you can remove it and transport it in the cabin, then your bike can be placed in the hold.
Reaching Changi Airport by Bike
If you plan to travel with just a backpack on a flight departing from Singapore Changi Airport, you can reach the airport with your bike. Changi offers two large, secure, and free parking lots (outside Terminals 2 & 4).
Get to the airport early : Also, remember to allow enough time to get to the airport, as packing your bike and going through security can take a long time. It would be a shame to miss your flight due to an avoidable delay.