Bicycle transport on Thai Airways long distance - your experience?

[henrik2000]

Hello, have you ever transported your bicycle on Thai Airways long distance? What was your experience?

• Do you remember a weight limit or restriction on non-bicycle-related stuff, and was that enforced?
• Do you remember a size limit?
• In Bangkok, does your bicycle case arrive on the regular luggage belt or at a bulk luggage counter? Is it stressful to hand in the bicycle case upon flying out of TH?

 

From Europe, bringing a bicycle case on THAI costs 150 Euro one-way. I would certainly need to bring another regular suitcase for pants and toothbrush.

Thanks!

 

PS. Am aware that there are other airlines and other modes like renting or buying a bicycle locally. I did all that, and I'd like to bring my own bicycle next time. I do have a tried and tested bicycle transport bag for air trips. Thai is the by far most convenient connection for me, and the only non-stop one, so I'd like to use it in-bound and out-bound. Aware I need a bigger taxi from airport, but that can be arranged (not going to cycle from airport; bicycle is for daytrips from fixed bases, not for long-distance bikepacking). I put the questions above through MS Copilot (=Chat GPT?), but didn't get back much.

 

PPS. I recently had a bicycle air transport within Europe – 80 Euro ow. The weight was limited to 32 kg (bike + bag). In fact, I got through with 37 kgs no problem. There was also a size limit which my bicycle bag just-so adheres to. Some people said online the bicycle case may NOT contain non-bicycle-related stuff. The bicycle case was x-rayed by airport security (not the airline), and I wonder if they ever looked for non-bicycle-related stuff (there was a little bit, like a bulky thermos). At one x-ray station the bicycle case would almost not pass through the bulk-luggage x-ray machine, and under the direction of the operator, I had to shift the bicycle case 10 times a few centimeters this and that way, until finally it slipped in and out without getting stuck. At one airport, the bicycle arrived on the regular luggage belt, at the other airport at a special bulk luggage counter.

[VocalNeal]

It will be classified as oversize like golf clubs. You drop it off and pick it up at the Oversize" counter/desk. Will probably get there before your suitcase appears on the carousel. 

[NoDisplayName]

If I remember correctly, there are TWO bulk luggage windows in the carousel area at BKK.  Don't know if they have any signage at these indicating which flights cargo go to which windows.

 

When you head out to the taxi zone, you get a ticket with call number from the auto kiosk on the sidewalk.  You can request a larger taxi at that time.  Plenty of space -- I fit put two full-size bike cartons in the back of one along with a couple of suitcases. 

 

How much extra are you carrying?  Bike bag is more compact thatn a box, so you might be able to take the Airport Link from the station on the lower level.

 

Check with the airline regarding items in the bike box/bag.  I've always thrown in a couple panniers with helmet and shoes and tools in the box along with the bike, up to the 32kg limit.

[soi3eddie]

I travelled with a bicycle to Thailand and back in 2016. I reviewed the options and, in the end, went with Etihad. I did ask Thai Airways and they said the bike would make up part of your baggage allowance weight. My bike bag had tent and spares etc. and was well over 32kgs so I chose Etihad as they charged a separate price for a "bike". It went in the oversize bag drop off area but came out on the baggage belt. 

I flew from London to Phuket via Abu Dhabi before cycling to Ranong and into Myanmar.

Check-in and flight, arrival video below.

 

 

 

 

 

[henrik2000]

Hi all, thanks for some good info about carrying a bicycle on international flights in and out of Thailand!

In my European country Thai Airways have clear information that a bicycle counts as sports luggage and is charged with 150 US dollar extra (not Euro, as I stated falsely above) ow, and then you have the normal luggage allowance of your flight class - and I need both, a regular suitecase AND a bicycle transport bag which may well reach 32 kilos (was 37 on another trip).

So now from my territory a bicycle is not counted as overweight luggage and is not  charged per kilogram or otherwise totally unreasonably. And Thai Airways is the only non-stop and by far the most convenient flight.

It's good to know that there are separate bulk luggage counters in Bangkok (in Madrid the bicycle bag staggered in on the regular luggage belt). Elsewhere I experienced that bicycle bag and other bulky stuff stand around at a bulk luggage counter without any safeguarding, and the luggage tag was not checked when I carried the bicycle bag out of the airport.

I wonder how to register the extra sports luggage with THAI in Europe. From their website I gather I should call them within 24 hours after booking the flight. It seems not possible to register this sports luggage online. Funny enough, from previous experience I know that they actually answer their phone. But what if I have to call them again  for flying out of BKK, I will book the outbound flight only several days before actually flying out.

Last time with a European airline I could register the sports luggage online, but had to wait about three days until they agreed by mail they would have space for it.

Sorry, in my initial post I did not mention that I go from Suvannahbhumi straight to Jomtien. I will book one of the reputable taxi services going there and tell them of my extra luggage, maybe even mail them a photo of the bicycle bag next to a car. They offer all sizes of cars. Last time in Europe when I needed a taxi for the bicycle bag I got a spacious taxi that had a ramp for wheelchairs and wasn't more expensive. (I do little or no bicycling in Chonburi. After a few days I will move by car to several Isaarn places, and there I hope to bounce around rice fields + noodle shops a lot.)

[Chomper Higgot]

I have on over a dozen occasions taken a bike with me on Thai airways long haul flights.

 

Advice based on my experience as follows:

———

Book your flight first then at least one month before flying email Thai airways customer service to reserve your bike transport.

 

Their email address is: contact(at)service.thaiairways.com

 

Title your email as follows:

 

Booking Reference XXXXXX  Name XXXXXX DATE - FROM TO  FLIGHT No TGXX - Additional Baggage - Sports Equipment

 

Text of email as follows:

 

 

Booking Reference XXXXXX

Passenger Name LLLLLLLL

FROM TO  DATE.

TG XXX - Departing FROM at time HH:MM.

I wish book a special baggage for my flight from xxxxx  to xxxxx.

Bicycle in box, sports equipment tariff.

Reservation details and bicycle box dimensions below:

 

ADD dimensions of bike box and weight.

 

Add copy of your revelation.

 

………

 

Important: Thai airways will not carry any e-bikes.

…..

 

Pack your bike following with attention to the following (if using a proprietary bike box/bag follow their instructions).

 

Wheels out and packed beside the frame. 

Tires deflated

Handlebars turned and dropped to minimize size 

Pedals removed.

 

Additional to usual instructions I do the following:

 

 Before dissembling my bike I mark the seat tube hight, handle bar/stem connection with a pencil so that I can accurately reassemble to the correct fit.

 
I wrap the whole frame in foam tubing, the type used by plumbers to insulate pipes.

I fit a piece of wooden dowel between the front and back forks in place of the wheel axils to brace the frame against crushing.

I wrap the pedals in bubble-wrap to prevent them scratching the frame during shipping.

Additional items I put in the bike box include:

Tools for reassembly.

Spares I’m taking with me.

An Apple Airtag*
 

A large card with my name and contact details on it inside the bike box/bag.

Name and phone number in at least two places on the outside of the box/bag.

 

I hide the AirTag in the bike box and I always have one AirTag fitted on the bike.

I have removed the speakers from both of these AirTags, so they don’t ‘chirp’ and disclose their presence to any would be thief.

…..

Check that your bike booking has been accepted a few days before you fly. On a couple of occasions Thaiairways did not respond to my email. You may need to call their local service number to confirm your bike is booked Rember, Sports Equipment Rate.

 

……

Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight, join your check-in normal queue.

 

At check-in tell them you have booked your bike. 
 

Now the frustrating bit:

 

You will be asked to take your bike to weighed at the large luggage drop-off, then be sent to the ticket counter to pay for your bike, then back to your normal check-in to complete the check-in process (don’t lose your receipt of payment).

 

Then once again back to the large luggage drop-off. 

——-

 

At your destination your bike will be delivered to the large luggage pick-up 

You will need to show your baggage receipt to collect it.

 

You can chill while waiting for your bike as you will be able to see its location by tracking the AirTag.

——-

Do not be tempted to put non bike related stuff in your bike/box.

 

In my team racing days a team member got hit with the full normal luggage fee when his bike box was inspected at check-in and found to also contain normal clothing and personal belongings.

——-

Finally I really do recommend using a proprietary bike box/bag.

 

I use a ‘Bike Box Allen’ dimension as shown below.

 

 

 

 

 

[henrik2000]

Chomper, thanks for phantastic details! I will print your post, put the paper into my passport and re-read it a few days before take-off.

 

Meanwhile, i did have a phone talk with a THAI representative in my territory to register my bicycle, and he sent me an e-mail to prove that my bicycle was accepted for transport. The phone talk was only about the inbound flight. For the outbound flight, still to be booked, i will follow your route outlined above.

 

I do have a bicycle transport case, the Evoc Bike Bag Pro, which is somewhat larger (i think 143 cm long) than what you show above, and i had to give the measurements in that phone call, and they were noted + accepted.

 

It is interesting to know that non-bicycle items inside the bicycle case lead to rejection. Some people say the same about intra-European connections, but it wasn't true in the cases i tried. I am always tempted to stuff my big thermos into the bicycle bag, because it eats up so much space in the regular luggage... also there's the foldable picnic mat... a massage towel... but maybe i should (try to) keep those things in the regular bag.

 

I still have to find out if there's something like "AirTag" for Android.

 

Thanks again!

[still kicking]

On 5/16/2024 at 8:12 PM, VocalNeal said:

It will be classified as oversize like golf clubs. You drop it off and pick it up at the Oversize" counter/desk. Will probably get there before your suitcase appears on the carousel. 

What about a wheelchair?

[Chomper Higgot]

5 hours ago, still kicking said:

What about a wheelchair?

Yes wheelchairs fly free.

 

You’ll be permitted to use your wheelchair as far as the aircraft where, once seated, your wheelchair will be taken and placed in the aircraft hold, to returned to you when you disembark.

 

The same goes for ‘invalid strollers’. A couple of years back I crashed while racing and fractured my pelvis, When I returned home I flew both my bike and an ‘invalid stroller’.

 

The bike was charged at sports equipment rate, there was no charge for the ‘stroller’.

 

I definitely would attach an AirTag to a wheelchair given the absolute necessity it is.

 

Also because it will only be folded, not placed in a bag, make sure any lose items, bags etc and any brake canes are taped or strapped close to the frame.

 

If your wheelchair has a battery then definitely discuss with the airline well before your flight.

 

 

 

 

[still kicking]

7 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Yes wheelchairs fly free.

 

You’ll be permitted to use your wheelchair as far as the aircraft where, once seated, your wheelchair will be taken and placed in the aircraft hold, to returned to you when you disembark.

 

The same goes for ‘invalid strollers’. A couple of years back I crashed while racing and fractured my pelvis, When I returned home I flew both my bike and an ‘invalid stroller’.

 

The bike was charged at sports equipment rate, there was no charge for the ‘stroller’.

 

I definitely would attach an AirTag to a wheelchair given the absolute necessity it is.

 

Also because it will only be folded, not placed in a bag, make sure any lose items, bags etc and any brake canes are taped or strapped close to the frame.

 

If your wheelchair has a battery then definitely discuss with the airline well before your flight.

 

 

 

 

The problem is I land at the new terminal and have to transfer by train to the old one for immigration and luggage pick up 

[Chomper Higgot]

39 minutes ago, still kicking said:

The problem is I land at the new terminal and have to transfer by train to the old one for immigration and luggage pick up 

I think you can request assistance from the airline.
 

I didn’t but when I arrived at check-in struggling with my stroller the staff called for assistance and assigned someone to walk me through the airport. 
 

Contact your airline they may be able to help.

[ElwoodP]

Unpleasant post and reply removed.

[gomangosteen]

Just my own experience, and helpful staff/service at TA.

I brought back a triathlon bike from storage in NZ, Thai Airways Auckland - Bangkok. Only had a small carry-on bag they counted the bike as check-in luggage well under the 32kg allowance, cost me zero extra.

Had contacted them beforehand and was emailed a pdf (in English) detailing preferred packing methods, what to remove etc.

Bike arrived on normal luggage carousel at Suvarnabhumi, undamaged.

One question before exit 'was it new or used?' and away I went.

[Asquith Production]

What about folding bikes? Would they count as normal luggage if under your baggage allowance.

[thecyclist]

I flew Thai from Saigon to Bangkok a couple of years ago ,bicycle didn't cost me anything extra, was counted towards my luggage allowance. 

That was the last time I got away without boxing it up. Not many airlines left that do not require a box. 

 

[thecyclist]

13 hours ago, Asquith Production said:

What about folding bikes? Would they count as normal luggage if under your baggage allowance.

Probably depends on the size of the folding bike. Some of them fit into what from the outside looks like average sized suitcase. 

[Captain Monday]

22 minutes ago, thecyclist said:

I flew Thai from Saigon to Bangkok a couple of years ago ,bicycle didn't cost me anything extra, was counted towards my luggage allowance. 

That was the last time I got away without boxing it up. Not many airlines left that do not require a box. 

 

Done it many times years ago traveling on TG via airline staff tickets. Counted towards luggage allowance never charged extra  for "sports equipment"  I thought that might have been because traveling on interline  ticket? 

 

A quality road or mountain  bike in a box isn't even that heavy. Load onto a Songthaew at CNX and take home.

 

One funny thing some US airlines used to charge like 200 extra for sports equipment, except for skis snowboards and golf clubs. My friend told me he used to put his Kiteboard and  Kite rig into a Big golf bag, no charge

[thecyclist]

One airline you definitely want to avoid when traveling with a bicycle is Turkish airline. Happened to a friend flying from Europe to Vietnam. Paid the sports equipment fee of 150 € 75 per leg, 

At the airport they told him the fee had just doubled .He had no choice but to pay an additional 150, or they would have refused to check in the bike.

4 weeks later, he arrived back home, but his bicycle did not. Was told that it was still in Istanbul. After 4 days calling Turkish Airline numerous times, the bicycle was finally dropped at his doorstep, totally wrecked. 

Turkish refused to pay compensation. Months later, he has hired a lawyer and gone the legal route. The lawyer is probably gonna cost him more than the cost of the bike, but he is mad as hell. 

[Hanuman2547]

I pretty much pack my bicycle similar to what Chomper Higgot described in his 24 June post.  Been doing this for about 30 years.  However, I do not fly Thai for a couple of reasons.  Usually, their airfare is much more expensive so that is a problem from the start plus the connections are not good.  They also charge for a bicycle when other airlines do not.  I generally fly EVA, JAL, or Korean and none of them charge for bicycles.  They just count it as one of your bags.  I only pack my bicycle and bicycle related equipment in the bike (hardcase) suitcase.  The bicycle is usually delivered at the oversize counter in Bangkok for pick up.  Not a problem.  

[henrik2000]

On 6/14/2024 at 3:55 AM, Chomper Higgot said:

I have on over a dozen occasions taken a bike with me on Thai airways long haul flights.

 

Advice based on my experience as follows:

———

Book your flight first then at least one month before flying email Thai airways customer service to reserve your bike transport.

 

Chomper, thanks for your experiences again, and my own experience was exactly as you describe it; i was well prepared by your informations which i had with me as a print-out. Some of my experiences in Bkk:

 

After booking a flight out of Bkk, I e-mailed Thai Airways about my wish to carry a bicycle too, adding the booking reference, and waited about 9 days for their confirming answer (but new year was in between).

 

I have a regular travel suitcase too at 23 kgs (25 allowed). And at check-in in Bkk, the bicycle bag weighed 39 kilograms... The check-in lady asked me sternly: "Have you got TWO bicycles in there?? Is there anything but a bicycle in there??" She believed my lies and didn't check the inside. She made several phone calls.

She wrote two numbers onto a paper:

5085 - i had to pay now for my sports luggage

89000 (or so) - i would have had to pay for regular excess weight

As you described, with my bike still at check-in, i tramped to another THAI counter to pay 5085 (cash and credit card are possible). During that time, "my" check-in agent was blocked for other travelers, as the bicycle bag still throned on the luggage belt.

When i wheeled the bicycle bag to the oversize baggage counter, i worried they might x-ray it for non-bicycling items. But they didn't. The bag traveled through the big machine and from the other side, the voice of an unvisible lady called loudly "OK khaaa!"

It is quite an annoying procedure, but everyone was friendly-funny enough, including the excess baggage handlers and the lady taking my payment of 5085; even the check-in agent with her strict questions was nice enough.

 

About weighing the bicycle bag at check-in: in the west, the bicycle bag didn't land properly on the luggage belt with built- in scales, and consequently a weight of "14 kg" was shown and noted by the agent. I didn't contradict. - I should have tried to heave it onto the luggage belt in Bkk also so that not the full weight pressed onto the scale, but it is not that easy.

 

In previous years i bought local mountain bikes and fitted them with a few western parts, esp strong tires and tubes. But inspite of all the hassle described above (and of lugging bicycle bag, travel suitcase and carry-on luggage through public transport in the west going out and coming back), i'd repeat bringing my own bicycle which had not one single failure during 2 months of heavy bouncing around the fields and on sand beaches.

[Chomper Higgot]

4 minutes ago, henrik2000 said:

 

Chomper, thanks for your experiences again, and my own experience was exactly as you describe it; i was well prepared by your informations which i had with me as a print-out. Some of my experiences in Bkk:

 

After booking a flight out of Bkk, I e-mailed Thai Airways about my wish to carry a bicycle too, adding the booking reference, and waited about 9 days for their confirming answer (but new year was in between).

 

I have a regular travel suitcase too at 23 kgs (25 allowed). And at check-in in Bkk, the bicycle bag weighed 39 kilograms... The check-in lady asked me sternly: "Have you got TWO bicycles in there?? Is there anything but a bicycle in there??" She believed my lies and didn't check the inside. She made several phone calls.

She wrote two numbers onto a paper:

5085 - i had to pay now for my sports luggage

89000 (or so) - i would have had to pay for regular excess weight

As you described, with my bike still at check-in, i tramped to another THAI counter to pay 5085 (cash and credit card are possible). During that time, "my" check-in agent was blocked for other travelers, as the bicycle bag still throned on the luggage belt.

When i wheeled the bicycle bag to the oversize baggage counter, i worried they might x-ray it for non-bicycling items. But they didn't. The bag traveled through the big machine and from the other side, the voice of an unvisible lady called loudly "OK khaaa!"

It is quite an annoying procedure, but everyone was friendly-funny enough, including the excess baggage handlers and the lady taking my payment of 5085; even the check-in agent with her strict questions was nice enough.

 

About weighing the bicycle bag at check-in: in the west, the bicycle bag didn't land properly on the luggage belt with built- in scales, and consequently a weight of "14 kg" was shown and noted by the agent. I didn't contradict. - I should have tried to heave it onto the luggage belt in Bkk also so that not the full weight pressed onto the scale, but it is not that easy.

 

In previous years i bought local mountain bikes and fitted them with a few western parts, esp strong tires and tubes. But inspite of all the hassle described above (and of lugging bicycle bag, travel suitcase and carry-on luggage through public transport in the west going out and coming back), i'd repeat bringing my own bicycle which had not one single failure during 2 months of heavy bouncing around the fields and on sand beaches.

Excellent, glad to have helped.

[richard_smith237]

A multiple pronged answer:

 

a) Bicycle brought from UK to Thailand - not in a specific bicycle case, but in a well packaged cardboard box that the bike came in.... No issues - included in 'passenger weight limit' between 3 of us.

 

b) Skis (26 kgs) in a ski bag - transported regularly (each year) with Thai airways... No issues.

 

c) Friends (and brother in law) travelling regularly for Triathlons overseas (with Thai Airways and other Airlines) - the bikes are in a dedicated 'bike bag / box'... they've never mentioned issues, I believe the weight is within their normal baggage limit. 

[richard_smith237]

On 5/16/2024 at 8:08 PM, NoDisplayName said:

If I remember correctly, there are TWO bulk luggage windows in the carousel area at BKK.  Don't know if they have any signage at these indicating which flights cargo go to which windows.

 

Correct, there are two... But no, no signage as regards to which will arrive where. 

 

However, oversized baggage arrived at the 'oversized' baggage 'pickup' closest to our carousel, so it seems there is some method there.

 

On 5/16/2024 at 8:08 PM, NoDisplayName said:

When you head out to the taxi zone, you get a ticket with call number from the auto kiosk on the sidewalk.  You can request a larger taxi at that time.  Plenty of space -- I fit put two full-size bike cartons in the back of one along with a couple of suitcases. 

 

AOT Vans sort out all that problem, if willing to pay that.

 

 

On 5/16/2024 at 8:08 PM, NoDisplayName said:

How much extra are you carrying?  Bike bag is more compact thatn a box, so you might be able to take the Airport Link from the station on the lower level.

 

Check with the airline regarding items in the bike box/bag.  I've always thrown in a couple panniers with helmet and shoes and tools in the box along with the bike, up to the 32kg limit.

 

We travel with ski bags... (190cm long) anything that can get thrown in there does - I don't think anyone ever has checked.... in the UK, Europe, Middle East, here or Japan... 

 

 

[NoDisplayName]

34 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

We travel with ski bags... (190cm long) anything that can get thrown in there does - I don't think anyone ever has checked.... in the UK, Europe, Middle East, here or Japan...

 

I've heard from folks that fly US domestic, boarding agents will inform passengers that TSA goons don't permit any extras in the bike box.  They'll find it when they open the box, pull everything out to inspect, and then damage it when the below average IQ stormtroopers try to force your carefully packed bike back into the carton.  Square peg, round hole = bigger hammer.

[richard_smith237]

3 minutes ago, NoDisplayName said:

42 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

We travel with ski bags... (190cm long) anything that can get thrown in there does - I don't think anyone ever has checked.... in the UK, Europe, Middle East, here or Japan...

 

I've heard from folks that fly US domestic, boarding agents will inform passengers that TSA goons don't permit any extras in the bike box.  They'll find it when they open the box, pull everything out to inspect, and then damage it when the below average IQ stormtroopers try to force your carefully packed bike back into the carton.  Square peg, round hole = bigger hammer.

 

That doesn't really surprise me.....    I have a very poor impression of US Authority figures abusing their menial powers wherever possible..... 

 

It would be good to have clear information through....   my comments referred to destinations in Europe and Asia where airlines generally seem far more tolerant and understanding of the fact that it is humans they are transporting.... 

 

-------

 

We were just 95 kgs with a 90kg allowance (3 of us) on a return journey...   the check-in staff just smiled, we smiled back...  all is good in the world. 

 

Strange thing though - We'd departed on the outbound leg with 91 kgs (total check-in weight at Suvarnabumi).

 

For the return I didn't want to be over, so removed 3.7kgs of ski boots to hand carry in a boot-bag, so was astonished when we were still 5 kgs over weight...  

 

Nothing changed in the packaging at all, just more hand carry....  

 

My only conclusion - different scales - still, I was quite happy not to have to get into that argument !!!!

 

 

[NoDisplayName]

1 minute ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

That doesn't really surprise me.....    I have a very poor impression of US Authority figures abusing their menial powers wherever possible..... 

 

It would be good to have clear information through....   my comments referred to destinations in Europe and Asia where airlines generally seem far more tolerant and understanding of the fact that it is humans they are transporting.... 

 

I've flown with bike box(es) between China, Thailand, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia on Asian budget airlines.

 

Never, ever a problem.  Even with box sizes.  US is strict about that as well.  Asian budget allows me to cobble together my own box large enough to hold the bike without removing wheels.  Length limit was 2 meters, longest that could fit into the cargo bay.

 

Also no problem separating into smaller boxes if I so desire.  One airline sells 32KG luggage, which could be a single large carton, or 32 separate 1kg boxes.

[richard_smith237]

1 minute ago, NoDisplayName said:

 

I've flown with bike box(es) between China, Thailand, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia on Asian budget airlines.

 

Never, ever a problem.  Even with box sizes.  US is strict about that as well.  Asian budget allows me to cobble together my own box large enough to hold the bike without removing wheels.  Length limit was 2 meters, longest that could fit into the cargo bay.

 

Also no problem separating into smaller boxes if I so desire.  One airline sells 32KG luggage, which could be a single large carton, or 32 separate 1kg boxes.

 

 

Things have changed in the EU...   Limits are now 23 kgs per bag - nothing more.

 

Last year flying within the EU I found myself spending all day moving things around to make each bag (4 of them) less than 23 kgs each...   (I hit perfection and even the airline staff were amused !)... 

 

Flying from UK through Middle East to Asia it doesn't (didn't) matter....   one bag can be 28 kgs, another can be 18 kgs... 

 

But - Mark this comment:  At some point we're going to be locked into 23 kgs max per bag because thats what all the EU unions (baggage handlers) demand.