So you’re thinking about making biking a part of your next vacation! And you would like to take your own bike with you.
Or maybe you’re thinking about making another sport as a part of your vacation. And this sport requires equipment that you can’t fit into your suitcase.
As you’re doing a search for flights to your destination, you may have come across some cheap flights offered by Alaska Airlines.
So, is Alaska Airlines a good airline to fly with your bike (and other sports equipment)?
Yes, it can be!
The biggest reason?
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
Cheap bike fee with Alaska Airlines
And it’s not just bikes that get the cheap fees, but other sports equipment too. (See list below.)
The second biggest reason?
Among the cheapest flights to many U.S. destinations
Probably more so if you’re flying to the west coast of the country… as well as flying to Alaska or Hawaii!
And it’s these things that can make it…
One of the best airlines to fly to the west coast with your bike!
With Alaska Airlines…
You can find cheap flights to the west coast…
(This is flying into Portland PDX.)
…and you can fly to Hawaii for some of the cheapest prices!
(This is flying out of Honolulu HNL.)
Cheapest bike fees for flying your bike
Low bike fees mean that the cost of your flight won’t be boosted by say… $150 due to baggage fees because of the bicycle policy. This seems to be around the industry norm for sports equipment like bikes on domestic flights in the United States.
How much does it cost to fly a bike with Alaska Airlines?
Instead of $150, the cost of your flight will increase by a mere $25. That sounds really good compared to the $150 many major U.S.-based airlines may charge you to take your bike with you on the plane!
To the credit of Alaska Airlines, even before they dropped the bike fee and other sports equipment to $25 in the summer of 2017, they had some of the cheapest rates to fly your bike in the U.S. at $75. But they took it a step further than that! (It’s unfortunate that a bike fee of $75 is considered a cheap bicycle policy.)
What sports equipment can you check in for just $25?
In addition to bikes, here’s the list Alaska Airlines gives: archery, boogie boards, bowling, golf clubs, skis/snowboard, fishing equipment, hockey equipment, lacrosse equipment, pole vaults, scuba equipment, skateboards, surfboards, paddleboards, windsurfing equipment. Be sure to check for individual requirements as there may be limitations.
Technically, Alaska Airlines counts these pieces of sports equipment as one of the pieces of checked bags. (This means a standard suitcase is also $25 to check in.)
You just won’t be charged extra for the oversized nature of the sports equipment… at least not when it comes to luggage dimensions.
Is there a weight limit for your bike?
You bike box (with bike in it) must not exceed the weight allowance for standard-size checked baggage, which is 50 pounds. If you do exceed this weight limit, you will most likely be charged an overweight fee. So just make sure your box weighs less than 50 pounds. They will almost certainly weigh it. And although it can depend on the Alaska Airlines agent you get at check-in, from online reviews it would seem that they are strict with the weight limit.
You can likely get away with stuffing a few extra items in your box. I had more than my bike in the box, and they didn’t check the contents. I tried to keep it bike-related, but it can also be a good place to pack bigger bottles of liquid (like sunscreen and shampoo) if you’re trying to otherwise go carry-on only. (Do so at your own risk!)
Here are air travel cases for your bike. (That’s the more expensive option, and the cheaper option is listed below.)
Here are some suitcases if you are looking for a new one.
Consider bike fees when searching for cheap flights to the west coast and elsewhere
If you know you’re going to be flying with your bike before you book your flight, it’s a good idea to factor in those extra baggage fees. See what the total cost of your [airline ticket + bike fee + baggage fees] will be when you’re doing a price comparison and looking for the cheapest flight.
For example, if you do a search from your home airport in the midwest to the west coast, you may find that Delta or United offer a flight price comparable to Alaska Airlines.
Let’s say these are the prices you come up with in your search for cheap flights:
The base ticket:
- Alaska Airlines: $250
- Delta Airlines: $250
- United Airlines $270
These are realistic airline prices that you may find in a search for cheap flights to the west coast from the midwest.
Initially, Delta may seem like a good choice based on ticket prices alone, as a major airline. Maybe you’ll consider United too.
But you know that you’re flying with your bike, so let’s add those prices in now.
Bike fees:
- Alaska Airlines: $25
- Delta Airlines: $150
- United Airlines: $150
Bike fees are subject to change. See here for quick links to updated bike fees of major U.S. airlines.
Now, let’s add up the costs of the flight and bike fee!
- Alaska Airlines: $275 (250 + 25)
- Delta Airlines: $400 (250 + 150)
- United Airlines: $420 (270 + 150)
Now which airline seems appealing?!
And of course, this doesn’t include fees of other bags you may want to check in.
Among the cheapest airlines flying to many U.S. destinations
As you see in the example above, not only will you save on baggage fees with Alaska Airlines, you will save on the actual cost of your airline ticket. Depending on your destination, Alaska Airlines will likely come up in search results with some of the lowest prices.
You might see Alaska Airlines particularly when you are looking for cheap flights for the west coast of the United States. Flying with Alaska can also be one of the cheapest ways to go to Hawaii.
Here’s a website that can help you find the cheapest flights flying to anywhere in the world.
If you are flying with your bike, it will be best to fly with a single airline one way for the duration of your journey. (Or else you may have to pay 2 separate airlines your baggage fees and bike fees.) But this flight search engine may also combine airlines to lower the cost of your ticket so that you’re flying with one airline to your destination and another airline back home.
You can also search to get an idea of when the cheapest time to fly to your destination is too with a search of all airlines. You can have a flexible departure date, as well as set the search based on a range of days you want your trip to be.
You can also filter to search just your favorite airlines.
You can try out your own search here.
Where does Alaska Airlines fly?
While Alaska Airlines flies to many places, if you are flying to the west coast, there’s an even better chance that Alaska Airlines could be the best airline to fly with your bike!
So, how exactly can you fly with your bike?
The cheapest option is to pack your bike up into a cardboard bike box. You can likely get a bike box for free or cheap at your local bike store.
But if you do so, just be aware of the risks that come with flying with a bike that’s in a cardboard box…
So much for the fragile sticker?
Well, I tried my best to pack it up well, but apparently not good enough! (And on the next flight it was made so there were no holes so nothing could get caught!)
It’s hard to blame this specifically on Alaska Airlines since so many people are handling your luggage. This includes from the time you check-in, to the TSA agents who will check your bike box, to other baggage handlers employed by the airport, to the cart that goes on a potentially bumpy ride on the tarmac to make it onto the plane… and then to baggage claim! Oh, and the machines that your bike gets put on…
Side note: What is with all that stuff on the bike box? Well you see, I had this idea that if I just was able to get the airport baggage handlers to stop and think for just a moment, my bike would be taken care of just a tad bit better. How did it work out? Well, I don’t think they really paid attention at all to what was on the side of the box. 😀 But my idea was to have bright colored duct tape to be seen, as well as tape with a cute pattern. 😀
Bike travel cases
If you have a good bike or you just want added security, you may consider getting a hard-case bike box like one of these. This type of bike travel case would be good if you’re confident in breaking down and setting up your bike. This can be a good investment if you have plans to fly with your bike more in the future.
Things to maybe bring for your bike ride!
- Backpack with a helmet attachment for an easy way to carry the helmet when you’re off the bike! (See picture above.)
- Bike light like one of these just in case. Even if you don’t expect to stay out past dusk, things happen! Not only is it illegal to ride at night in some places without a bike light, it is far safer so you can be seen!
- Money belt like one of these for easy access to your phone because photo opportunities come often. ? Also makes it easy to go pocket-free to carry cash and credit cards.
- Portable phone charger like one of these so you can keep your phone battery charged after all the GPS usage and photo taking!
- HELMET! Better safe than sorry! Take a look at these types of MIPS helmets. Although there’s debate as to whether MIPS technology actually makes a difference vs a normal helmet, the ideas is to limit the direction your head turns if it hits the ground.
- BIKE LOCK! U-lock to lock the frame and front wheel, cable lock to lock the frame and back wheel to a stationary object.
- WATER!
- If you know for sure there will be frequent places to re-fill your water bottle along the way, you may be fine with a travel-friendly water bottle in your backpack.
- This water bottle is popular because it keeps cold drinks cold.
- If you’re going hiking, you may consider getting a backpack with a spot to put a hydration pack like one of these! (Although the hydration pack could be good for cycling in general.)
- SNACKS! Always carry extra snacks! Even if you don’t think you’ll eat them. Having to bike back at the end of the day with no energy… NOT GOOD!
HAPPY FLYING YOUR BIKE WITH ALASKA AIRLINES!
what to wear hiking – what to wear snorkeling
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🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling