travel information
Depending on where you are travelling from, you can use any of the airlines below:
- Ryanair flies to Perugia, Bologna, Pisa & Rome - https://www.ryanair.com/gb/en/
- Easyjet flies to Bologna, Pisa & Rome - http://www.easyjet.com/en/
- Vueling flies to Florence, Bologna & Pisa - http://www.vueling.com/en
- British Airways flies to Florence, Bologna, Pisa & Rome http://www.britishairways.com/travel/home/public/en
Once in Italy, you have three options:
- You can hire a car. You can do this through the usual routes, for example Holiday Autos - https://www.holidayautos.com/
- You can travel by train* to Arezzo (we can arrange to pick you up from here, as required). We recommend you book in advance with Trenitalia: http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en
- You can pre-arrange for us to pick you up from the airport. There is a service running from Florence and Perugia Airports and Arezzo train station. Alternatively, there is an additional charge of £75 per person for airport collections from Pisa and Bologna Airports.
* IMPORTANT: If you do buy train tickets at a station you must remember to validate your tickets by stamping them using the yellow or grey stamping machines. These are usually located around the train station and on the platform. If you do not stamp your tickets, you may receive a fine from the ticket inspector! (If you have booked in advance on the internet and printed off your tickets at home, you will not need to validate them at the station).
airlines & bicycles
Cycling Holidays Italy understand just how important your bike and your cycling gear is to you.
So we decided to do some research into which airlines do what when it comes to taking bikes on planes. Listed below are a selection of relevant airlines that fly to Italy (particularly Perugia, Florence, Pisa, Bologna or Rome) along with their latest policy.
So we decided to do some research into which airlines do what when it comes to taking bikes on planes. Listed below are a selection of relevant airlines that fly to Italy (particularly Perugia, Florence, Pisa, Bologna or Rome) along with their latest policy.
Easyjet
EasyJet defines sports equipment as being: Large Sports Equipment (items up to max 32kg):
Sports equipment allowance
You can buy one piece of sport equipment per customer.
You can buy a maximum of six items per booking online – even if there are more than six of you. If you need more please speak to our Customer Service team.
You can pool the total weight allowances for your sports equipment and hold luggage, as long as no single item weighs more than 32kg.
(For example: If you have a total weight allowance of 52kg you could bring hold luggage weighing 31kg and sports equipment weighing 21kg).
We have two size allowances for sports equipment:
How to pack your bicycle
You can take your bicycle with you but it needs to packed in the following way before it can be put in the aircraft hold:
Electric bicycles are not permitted for travel.
https://www.easyjet.com/en/help/baggage/sports-equipment
Cycling Holidays Italy: In our experience it is important to contact Customer Services in advance and let them know that you are bringing a bicycle. They can add this information onto your booking, so the gate staff are aware.
We recommend that you purchase insurance to cover any bike related equipment that you are travelling with.
EasyJet defines sports equipment as being: Large Sports Equipment (items up to max 32kg):
Sports equipment allowance
You can buy one piece of sport equipment per customer.
You can buy a maximum of six items per booking online – even if there are more than six of you. If you need more please speak to our Customer Service team.
You can pool the total weight allowances for your sports equipment and hold luggage, as long as no single item weighs more than 32kg.
(For example: If you have a total weight allowance of 52kg you could bring hold luggage weighing 31kg and sports equipment weighing 21kg).
We have two size allowances for sports equipment:
How to pack your bicycle
You can take your bicycle with you but it needs to packed in the following way before it can be put in the aircraft hold:
- The bicycle must be packaged in a bicycle box or bicycle bag
- Only one bicycle per box/bag is allowed
- The handlebars must be flush with the frame
- Pedals must be removed or flush against the frame
- No other items can be carried in the bicycle box/bag (i.e. clothing)
Electric bicycles are not permitted for travel.
https://www.easyjet.com/en/help/baggage/sports-equipment
Cycling Holidays Italy: In our experience it is important to contact Customer Services in advance and let them know that you are bringing a bicycle. They can add this information onto your booking, so the gate staff are aware.
We recommend that you purchase insurance to cover any bike related equipment that you are travelling with.
Vueling
Bicycle
https://www.vueling.com/en/vueling-services/prepare-your-trip/luggage/special-luggage
Cycling Holidays Italy: In our experience it is important to contact Customer Services in advance and let them know that you are bringing a bicycle. They can add this information onto your booking, so the gate staff are aware.
We recommend that you purchase insurance to cover any bike related equipment that you are travelling with.
Bicycle
- Folded and stored in its box or case.
- You can only take one item per checked special luggage. If your equipment consists of 2 or more pieces and you carry them in separate cases or bags, you must check in the second item by calling our Customer Services Centre or at the airport check-in counter.
- The maximum weight per item is 32 kg, and the maximum height is 2.7 metres.
- Special luggage must be properly packed, labelled and protected.
- Through our website, each passenger can check in one type of special luggage each way.
- At most airports where we operate there are special conveyor belts for dropping off and picking up such luggage as it is too large for normal luggage conveyor belts. Ask the airport staff!
- Your bicycle must be folded, with the handlebars secured to the sides, pedals removed and wheels deflated.
https://www.vueling.com/en/vueling-services/prepare-your-trip/luggage/special-luggage
Cycling Holidays Italy: In our experience it is important to contact Customer Services in advance and let them know that you are bringing a bicycle. They can add this information onto your booking, so the gate staff are aware.
We recommend that you purchase insurance to cover any bike related equipment that you are travelling with.
British Airways
On a British Airways flight you can take your bike as a part of your FREE checked baggage allowance. If your fare doesn’t include checked baggage allowance or you need to take extra luggage with you, than a fee will apply.
Fee: Free
Baggage allowance: 1 bag / 23kg. As hand baggage you can also take 1 cabin bag and 1 personal bag.
Rules:
Bags between 23 and 32kg (51–70lb) may incur additional charges depending on your allowance. Any bag over 32kg (70lb) will require separate shipping as cargo.
Full information: britishairways.com
Cycling Holidays Italy: In our experience it is important to contact Customer Services in advance and let them know that you are bringing a bicycle. They can add this information onto your booking, so the gate staff are aware.
We recommend that you purchase insurance to cover any bike related equipment that you are travelling with.
On a British Airways flight you can take your bike as a part of your FREE checked baggage allowance. If your fare doesn’t include checked baggage allowance or you need to take extra luggage with you, than a fee will apply.
Fee: Free
Baggage allowance: 1 bag / 23kg. As hand baggage you can also take 1 cabin bag and 1 personal bag.
Rules:
- Bike must be packed in a protective case, recognised bike bag or bike box.
- The packed bike shouldn’t exceed 190cm (75in) in length
- Remove or fix pedals inwards
- Handlbars should be fixed sideways
- To reduce the risk of damage, tyres should be deflated
Bags between 23 and 32kg (51–70lb) may incur additional charges depending on your allowance. Any bag over 32kg (70lb) will require separate shipping as cargo.
Full information: britishairways.com
Cycling Holidays Italy: In our experience it is important to contact Customer Services in advance and let them know that you are bringing a bicycle. They can add this information onto your booking, so the gate staff are aware.
We recommend that you purchase insurance to cover any bike related equipment that you are travelling with.
Ryanair
Ryanair accept bikes on flights as Sporting Equipment items. Such items are allowed to be carried in addition to your personal checked baggage allowance.
Fee:
Cycling Holidays Italy: In our experience it is important to contact Customer Services in advance and let them know that you are bringing a bicycle. They can add this information onto your booking, so the gate staff are aware.
We recommend that you purchase insurance to cover any bike related equipment that you are travelling with.
Ryanair accept bikes on flights as Sporting Equipment items. Such items are allowed to be carried in addition to your personal checked baggage allowance.
Fee:
- 50 GBP / 50 Euro per flight if booked online
- 60 GBP / 60 Euro per flight if purchased at the airport or through a Ryanair call centre
- Baggage allowance: 20kg
Rules - Bikes must be contained in a protective bike box or bike bag
Cycling Holidays Italy: In our experience it is important to contact Customer Services in advance and let them know that you are bringing a bicycle. They can add this information onto your booking, so the gate staff are aware.
We recommend that you purchase insurance to cover any bike related equipment that you are travelling with.
Lufthansa
If you are booking your flight online and would like to take your sporting equipment with you, then please call your local Lufthansa Service Center after you have made your online booking.
Please register your sporting equipment there under your booking code. Please note: the fees specified in the table are incurred per route in each case (from baggage drop-off to the next baggage check -in) and apply solely to Lufthansa flights and flights that are operated by LH Regional.
The excess baggage fees can be displayed in several currencies. Here the excess baggage is calculated to the place where the bags are checked in and the fees are incurred as follows: -
CAD(for baggage check-in in Canada)
EUR(for baggage check-in in Europe)
IDR (for baggage check-in in Indonesia)*
USD (for baggage check-in in all countries not previously mentioned) If you are travelling with another airline, please contact your operating carrier directly.
Nr. Type of Sporting Equipment: Definition 3: Bicycle. A regular bike (no motor / no e-bike) or a special children's trolley to use with a bike or a one-wheel bike.
EUR Charge (continental) €50
EUR Charge (intercontinental) €100
USD/CAD Charge (continental) $70
USD/CAD Charge (intercontinental) $150
Cycling Holidays Italy: In our experience it is important to contact Customer Services in advance and let them know that you are bringing a bicycle. They can add this information onto your booking, so the gate staff are aware.
We recommend that you purchase insurance to cover any bike related equipment that you are travelling with.
If you are booking your flight online and would like to take your sporting equipment with you, then please call your local Lufthansa Service Center after you have made your online booking.
Please register your sporting equipment there under your booking code. Please note: the fees specified in the table are incurred per route in each case (from baggage drop-off to the next baggage check -in) and apply solely to Lufthansa flights and flights that are operated by LH Regional.
The excess baggage fees can be displayed in several currencies. Here the excess baggage is calculated to the place where the bags are checked in and the fees are incurred as follows: -
CAD(for baggage check-in in Canada)
EUR(for baggage check-in in Europe)
IDR (for baggage check-in in Indonesia)*
USD (for baggage check-in in all countries not previously mentioned) If you are travelling with another airline, please contact your operating carrier directly.
Nr. Type of Sporting Equipment: Definition 3: Bicycle. A regular bike (no motor / no e-bike) or a special children's trolley to use with a bike or a one-wheel bike.
EUR Charge (continental) €50
EUR Charge (intercontinental) €100
USD/CAD Charge (continental) $70
USD/CAD Charge (intercontinental) $150
Cycling Holidays Italy: In our experience it is important to contact Customer Services in advance and let them know that you are bringing a bicycle. They can add this information onto your booking, so the gate staff are aware.
We recommend that you purchase insurance to cover any bike related equipment that you are travelling with.
Alitialia
SPORTS EQUIPMENT. CHECK WITH BAGGAGE ASSISTANCE.
SPORTS EQUIPMENT
Sports equipment weighing 23 kg or less is considered normal baggage and is included in the baggage allowance. Sports equipment exceeding 23 kg is subject to the normal excess baggage fee.
Surf and windsurf boards and tandem bikes are an exception to this rule.
FIND OUT MORE
Depending on the size of the aircraft, bikes, tandems, surf and windsurf boards may not be accepted on board, because of the variety of sizes of this type of sports equipment.
For assistance please call the Alitalia Contact Center at 1-800-223-5730 before booking/checking in.
Please note that for the check-in and shipping of bikes, tandems, surf boards and windsurf equipment you must:
Cycling Holidays Italy: In our experience it is important to contact Customer Services in advance and let them know that you are bringing a bicycle. They can add this information onto your booking, so the gate staff are aware.
We recommend that you purchase insurance to cover any bike related equipment that you are travelling with.
SPORTS EQUIPMENT. CHECK WITH BAGGAGE ASSISTANCE.
SPORTS EQUIPMENT
Sports equipment weighing 23 kg or less is considered normal baggage and is included in the baggage allowance. Sports equipment exceeding 23 kg is subject to the normal excess baggage fee.
Surf and windsurf boards and tandem bikes are an exception to this rule.
FIND OUT MORE
Depending on the size of the aircraft, bikes, tandems, surf and windsurf boards may not be accepted on board, because of the variety of sizes of this type of sports equipment.
For assistance please call the Alitalia Contact Center at 1-800-223-5730 before booking/checking in.
Please note that for the check-in and shipping of bikes, tandems, surf boards and windsurf equipment you must:
- Declare this item when you book your flight and, should you take a connecting flight on another carrier, get approval from this carrier; otherwise it will only be accepted on the Alitalia flight
- Check in for your flight at least an hour before departure
- Make sure the equipment is properly packaged in containers or wrapped to protect it during loading and unloading
Cycling Holidays Italy: In our experience it is important to contact Customer Services in advance and let them know that you are bringing a bicycle. They can add this information onto your booking, so the gate staff are aware.
We recommend that you purchase insurance to cover any bike related equipment that you are travelling with.
American Airlines
Specialty items: Special rules, exceptions and packing instructions apply to specialty items. The maximum weight and size for all items is 100 lbs and 126 inches (length + width + height). If your equipment exceeds allowances, contact a freight forwarder. All baggage fees are non-refundable and apply per person, each way. Overweight and/or oversize charges may apply.
Bikes
Allowance and requirements: You can travel with 1 non-motorized touring or racing bike if the:
Cost You’ll be charged $150 unless your bike and case are less than 62 inches and under 50 lbs. If so, they’ll be considered as your 1st checked bag.
If you are traveling to, through or from Brazil, your bike will be considered a bag. Once your free bag allowance is exceeded you’ll be charged $85 for each additional bike.
Maximum weight and size 70 lbs. and 126 inches based on the airplane size and load factors.
Cycling Holidays Italy: In our experience it is important to contact Customer Services in advance and let them know that you are bringing a bicycle. They can add this information onto your booking, so the gate staff are aware.
We recommend that you purchase insurance to cover any bike related equipment that you are travelling with.
Specialty items: Special rules, exceptions and packing instructions apply to specialty items. The maximum weight and size for all items is 100 lbs and 126 inches (length + width + height). If your equipment exceeds allowances, contact a freight forwarder. All baggage fees are non-refundable and apply per person, each way. Overweight and/or oversize charges may apply.
Bikes
Allowance and requirements: You can travel with 1 non-motorized touring or racing bike if the:
- Bike is in a hard-sided case, bike bag or box built for bike transport
- Handlebars are fixed sideways
- Pedals are removed; or
- Pedals and handlebars are wrapped in plastic foam or a similar material
Cost You’ll be charged $150 unless your bike and case are less than 62 inches and under 50 lbs. If so, they’ll be considered as your 1st checked bag.
If you are traveling to, through or from Brazil, your bike will be considered a bag. Once your free bag allowance is exceeded you’ll be charged $85 for each additional bike.
Maximum weight and size 70 lbs. and 126 inches based on the airplane size and load factors.
Cycling Holidays Italy: In our experience it is important to contact Customer Services in advance and let them know that you are bringing a bicycle. They can add this information onto your booking, so the gate staff are aware.
We recommend that you purchase insurance to cover any bike related equipment that you are travelling with.
Photo used under Creative Commons from mikecogh
