Travel + Flying With Your Bike A Complete Checklist

Flying with your bike is like checking your soul in at the airport and hoping it arrives in one piece.

Good news? It can be painless — if you pack smart and prep like a pro.

LaneSpotter’s Traveling With A Bike Checklist

Whether you’re flying to a race, a tour, or just taking your precious bike for a vacation, this checklist is your safeguard against forgetting your thru-axle or showing up to baggage claim with a spaghetti pile of carbon sadness.

This airline bike checklist is your guide to making sure that steed of yours, goes from home to its final destination in one piece.

Bike & Packing Gear

✅ Bike travel case or bag — Hard shell or soft sided, just make sure it fits your frame.
✅ Torque wrench — For putting it all back together without shearing off bolts.
✅ Allen/hex wrenches — The bike version of a toothbrush. Don’t forget.
✅ Pedal wrench — Or the right Allen key size if you’re fancy.
✅ Multi-tool — Because “reassembly” is never as smooth as it should be.
✅ Spare derailleur hanger — Airlines don’t love hangers like we do.
✅ Zip ties & Velcro straps — To secure everything like a pro.
✅ Foam padding or pipe insulation — Cheap insurance for your top tube.
✅ Axles/skewers — So easy to forget, so annoying to replace mid-trip.
✅ Chain quick link — Just in case.
✅ Spare tubes — TSA aren’t the most soft-handed of people.
✅ Floor pump (if driving after flight) — Or know where to find one on arrival.
✅ Shock pump (if riding MTB or gravel w/ suspension)

Travel Day Essentials

✅ Bike shoes
✅ Helmet — Never check this. Carry-on only.
✅ Sunglasses (with hard case)
✅ Gloves
✅ Kit (jersey + bibs)
✅ Socks (multiple pairs)
✅ GPS/computer
✅ Charging cables — Phone, GPS, Di2, lights, power meter… all of it.
✅ Power bank — Airport outlets are a gamble.
✅ Passport/ID + race confirmation (if racing)
✅ Credit card & some cash (in local currency if abroad)
✅ Snacks (for the flight and arrival)
✅ Reusable water bottle — Stay hydrated, travel ninja.

Repair & Survival Kit (for longer trips)

✅ Extra brake pads
✅ Extra chain
✅ Spare tire or tire boot
✅ Tubeless repair plugs + sealant (if applicable)
✅ Small first aid kit
✅ Duct tape & zip ties (again) — The duct tape fixes everything.
✅ Small rag or wipes — Rebuild your bike without greasing your hotel room.

Optional / Pro-Level Extras

☐ Compact bike stand — Optional, but amazing
☐ Roll of duct tape — For emergency everything
☐ Backup GPS mount
☐ Extra cleats
☐ Printed copy of your packing list (cross it off on repack!)
☐ Insurance policy details — Some airlines cover bikes, some laugh at you

Airline Bike Tips and Tricks

✔️ Book direct flights if you can — Fewer transfers equals less risk.
✔️ Check airline bike policies ahead of time — Fees vary wildly.
✔️ Take photos of your bike before packing — Just in case.
✔️ Remove/deflate tires slightly — For pressure and space.
✔️ Pack your heaviest tools in your carry-on — Checked bag weight limits are brutal.

Get the Airline Bike Checklist PDF Printable

Print it. Tape it to your bike box. Tape it to your forehead. Or just check it prior to departure so you don’t miss anything.

As with all our checklists, not everything is a must-have but we make it comprehensive to make sure you don’t miss anything crucial for your trip.

Travel smart. Ride hard. And never, ever trust a baggage handler with your thru-axle.
— Tobias