Bicycles
If you are planning on some hardcore training on your bike then Tenerife is the place to come. It is a great place to practise and do some pre-season training. During the winter months, the island has ideal weather and road conditions.
Why not bring your bike and practise on the roads used by the top cycling professionals in preparation for major cycling events? Team INEOS (formerly Team Sky) partake in a two-week training programme based at Mount Teide in preparation for the Tour de France.
There are companies that offer week-long cycling and training camps during the winter months, so if you after some serious training or just some days out enjoying the scenery and a work-out then why not try Tenerife?
Taking your bike to Tenerife
If you are planning on taking your bike with you to Tenerife you will find that airlines differ in their charges and policies for transporting bikes. Therefore, it is worth comparing the different airlines’ current policies and charges for transporting bikes.
Sports Equipment
You can add your bike in addition to your checked-in luggage which is put in the hold of the aircraft.
This will usually be added under “Sports Equipment” and some airlines have a weight and length restriction for these items. You will need to ensure they are packed correctly according to your airline’s requirements. It is important that you understand your airline’s responsibilities and requirements before making your booking.
Usually, when adding sports equipment to your booking this can be carried in addition to your cabin baggage and checked-in baggage allowances. As always, you will need to check with your airline carrier before adding this to your booking.
If you are travelling to take part in a sporting event with your bike, you may be surprised to know that no airline will guarantee that your bike or luggage will arrive at your destination on the same plane as you travelled on.
Whilst your airline is responsible for ensuring your luggage arrives at your destination, the Montreal Convention gives airlines an allowance where they are not required to carry an item of luggage for safety or space reasons.
If your bike or luggage which is put in the hold of the aircraft is delayed, in general, airlines are very accommodating in ensuring these items are delivered to you as soon as possible. This is usually within 24/48 hours. Our advice would be to allow extra time in case of a delay if this is possible.
Top Tip: Remember to make sure that you have comprehensive insurance in place for your bike before you travel.
Packing your Bike
You will want your bike to arrive in the same condition as when you packed it, so it is important that you make sure it is packed properly.
In addition, your airline carrier will have requirements when accepting your item to go in the hold of the aircraft. Airlines require that bikes are packed either in a suitable bike bag or box.
No doubt it is one of your main priorities that your bike gets to its destination safely!
Tips for packing your bike in a bike bag
- Remove the wheels and deflate the tyres slightly.
- If your bike is contained in a bike bag the handles must be turned around flush to the frame, pedals removed and all other additional parts removed or covered.
- Don’t leave these items loose in the bike bag but tape them together and put them either in your hold luggage, or if your bag has a side pocket, store them in here.
- Most bikes can easily fit inside a bike bag and reduce down to 1 metre if you put the saddle down and remove the front wheel.
- To prevent scratching of the frame either use bubble wrap or foam pipe lagging which you can buy from any DIY shop.
Please note: electric bikes cannot be transported even if the battery is disconnected or removed.
Tips for packing your bike in a bike box
- If you are using a box to transport your bike place the frame in the box upside down. One wheel to the front of the bike and the other to the back.
- Pad the box where there is room and seal the box with tape. You can always fill in the spaces in the box with some of your equipment to prevent the bike from being damaged but check the weight.
- Bubble wrap or foam pipe lagging around the frame will prevent scratches.
- Generally, the same suggestions as packing your bike in a suitable bike bag apply.
- Make sure you write your destination address and contact information on the box or bag.
Collecting your bike
When you collect your bike, this should usually come through on the luggage belt.
Before you leave the airport check inside your bike bag/box in case of damage. Any damage will need to be reported to your airline’s luggage handler before you leave the airport.