Can You Take a BMX on a Plane? Here’s How

If you are visiting another state for a couple of days and want to move around freely, you can take your BMX along on an airplane. Every biker worries about it; because, apparently, transporting a BMX seems expensive to many bikers. This article will share a how-to guide and tips on saving your money while taking the bike on a plane, bus, or car. 

When traveling with a BMX by plane, you will have to pay more when adding a BMX to your luggage. There is a way to save money (by a margin) by taking apart the handlebar and headset. Your BMX, then, could fit into a bag. Even if you do not disassemble the bike, it can be transported as luggage on a plane.

People like to take their BMX with them on a plane for two reasons:

1. Your BMX will encourage you to roam around freely and get a feel of the city you are visiting.
2. It would be more cost-effective to take a BMX along than catching an Uber for every block you want to stop-by. 

You are allowed to take your BMX while traveling on a plane, but it could be costly. One needs to play smart when transporting the BMX to keep it under the budget (you do not want to pay $130 extra for just naming it as a “Bicycle on a Plane”). Typically, you can be charged for a BMX on a plane in the following two ways:

1. The airline crew will charge you more than their rate per KG. It is usually the case if you do not want to disassemble your bike and include it as your typical luggage.
2. If you disassemble a few parts and pack it inside your, let’s say, hockey bag, it should go through as standard luggage.

Let’s discuss touring with your BMX on an airplane in detail.

Can You Take a BMX on a Plane?

Many people wish to take their bicycles on their airplane travels but do not perceive this as a practical approach. However, we have jotted down a self-help guide that will “take your BMX to places” along with you.

Airline Policies for Taking Your BMX on a Plane:

Firstly, it is essential to read and understand the airline policies regarding excessive luggage. Besides, you need to look at their fee chart, whether they charge per kg or item (if a bicycle is listed in their list of items). If you do not want to get stuck with your BMX at the boarding counter, you should read the manual or look into the airline’s website for your research. 

Furthermore, some airlines allow a BMX (if lighter than the permitted luggage capacity) to be included in your “passenger’s luggage.” Conversely, a few airlines treat bicycles as an “item” and will have a separate fee for taking them along. 

You should inform the airline company about your luggage having a bike (It could also be a requirement written in the airline policies). If you can disassemble the BMX properly and fit it inside a bag, you might not “need” to inform the airline. It takes us to our next point regarding airline policies.

Some airlines might require you to disassemble your bike to take it along with you on their airplane. The easiest way of doing that is to take the headset and handlebar apart. Then you can submerge it inside a bag. This bag could be one of the following:

• Hockey Bag
• Bike Bag 

(It is the recommended way of transporting your BMX on a plane because this is how the BMX was probably sold to you in the first place).

• Bike Box
• Golf Bag

(It might get ignored inside a golf bag from extra payment (if the airline policies allow bicycle transportation).

• Cardboard Box

(Some airlines do not allow a cardboard box, and you will need to check with their customer support before packaging your BMX in a cardboard box).

Disassembling the Bike for Taking a BMX on a Plane

There are a few airlines that give you clear instructions for disassembling and packaging a BMX for transportation. If you find that guideline, be sure to follow that. Nonetheless, this is our general self-help guide that is based on prior experiences.

1. Removing the pedals should be the first thing on your to-do list when disassembling a bike.
2. It is recommended to reduce the pressure from the tires and then remove the wheels. Nonetheless, deflating your wheels is not a strict requirement from most airlines.
3. The rear derailleur can bend while transporting in a plane; therefore, experts suggest removing it and pack it separately to keep it from getting dysfunctional. 
4. Remove the handlebars and also the headset to avoid compromising the wheel balancing. 
5. Now, do not forget to keep your tool kit for assembling the bike back upon arrival.

Tips for “Flying with a BMX”

Here are our favorite tips for saving a few bucks and transporting your bike in a premium condition.

• Disassemble everything and take your time in cleaning and packing your bicycle parts. If everything is in order, it will be a lot easier for you to reassemble it while having jet lag.
• Consult a biker who already travels on a plane with a bike, and act upon their advice. Moreover, the airline instructions are always the foremost factor to consider.
• Compare different airlines and their baggage allowance. Choose a flight with the maximum baggage allowance. Additionally, you can switch your ticket from economy to first class if the baggage is allowed in excess. Again, this decision will be depending on your ability to research well and compare rates.
• Look for the “bike boxes for sale” at the airport if your airline has the facility.
• If you are not familiar with disassembling your BMX, go to your local shop for guidance. Nonetheless, you cannot ignore the instructions of your airline regarding dismantling (if applicable).

Are BMX Bikes Allowed on Trains?

Well, to answer with one word: Yes!

In most cases, the inter-city trains (underground or overground) allow a commuter to take their BMX Bikes on trains. This allowance is an effort to decrease global warming by encouraging the use of bicycles. Still, you will need to check with the train company guidelines if there is any prohibition against bikes. 

Another essential thing is to not ride the BMX “on” train stations or platforms to avoid accidents. It would be best to walk with your bike when you enter the building/area of a train station. Also, lift it properly on stairs, elevators when hopping on a train to avoid hurting fellow passengers.

Can You Take a BMX on a Bus?

Similar to our guidelines for trains, you could take a BMX along when riding a bus too. Cities have become metropolitans nowadays, and one needs to commute daily between the office and home. This travel could cover miles, and it is not possible to travel on a BMX; therefore, people carry bikes with them to go to the places where a bus cannot take you. For this reason, most city governments around the world allow a commuter to carry a BMX on a bus.

Can a BMX Bike Fit in a Car?

Whether you ride solo or with friends, taking your BMX to enjoy the mountains and rough terrains has become a popular activity or weekend hobby. To be able to explore these mountains, you’ll need to bring your BMX with you in your car.

There are three most common ways to fit your BMX in a car:

1. Install a bike carrier on the roof of your car. It could also have a space for two BMX. This way is more convenient because you do not need to disassemble your bike into pieces; also, it saves a lot of space in your car’s trunk.
2. Secondly, if you are traveling light, you can fold your back seats and place the BMX lying on those folded seats. Be sure to tie it appropriately so that it is not hazardous to your driving.
3. Lastly, you can disassemble your bike, fit it in a cardboard box or a bag, and place it inside your car. For this option, follow the disassembling guidelines stated above in this article.

Conclusion: Can You Take a BMX on a Plane, Train, Bus, or Car?

If you follow the self-help guide presented in this article, you can easily take your BMX along with you on your travels, whether you travel by plane, train, car, or bus. Safe travels, and enjoy the ride!