With the Cape Town Cycle Tour set for 8 March, thousands of cyclists are gearing up to take part in one of the world’s most iconic cycling events. For many riders, getting to Cape Town safely with their bicycles can be a challenge. FlySafair, South Africa’s most on-time airline, has released a practical guide to make flying with your bike simple and stress-free.

Whether you’re a first-time participant or a seasoned regular, proper preparation is key. With the right packaging, your bike can arrive at Cape Town International Airport in perfect condition, leaving you free to focus on the race ahead.

“FlySafair fully supports cyclists and sports enthusiasts travelling with their equipment year-round,” says Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair. “The Cape Town Cycle Tour is one of the world’s great cycling events, and we want every rider travelling with us to have complete peace of mind. Good preparation makes all the difference, and our guide helps ensure the process is smooth from start to finish.”

How to Fly with Your Bike on FlySafair

1. Packaging Your Bike
Proper packaging is essential. FlySafair does not package bicycles on behalf of customers, so riders must arrive with their bikes securely packed.

• Use a hard case, padded soft shell case or sturdy cardboard bike box.
• Bikes must fit within FlySafair’s sports equipment dimensions of 190 x 75 x 65 cm and not exceed 32kg. Wrapped bicycles cannot be accepted.
• Remove both wheels, partially deflate tyres and insert spacers in the fork. Shift gears into the highest position and ensure the derailleur and gearing are protected.
• Wrap the frame in bubble wrap and align handlebars with the frame.
• Remove the rear derailleur where possible to prevent damage.
• Only bike components may be placed inside the case; no protruding items.
• Empty all water bottles before packing.

2. Items to Keep Out of Your Bike Box

• GPS devices, power meters and other electronics
• Helmets, cleats and pedals (these may travel in hand luggage or checked baggage)

3. CO₂ Cartridges
Cyclists may travel with up to four CO₂ cartridges (28g each) per bike. These must be declared at check-in.

4. Weight Limits
Sports equipment is limited to 32kg. Items over this weight cannot be checked in and must be sent via cargo at the rider’s cost, potentially on a different flight, so plan ahead.

5. Optional Sports Equipment Cover
For added peace of mind, FlySafair offers optional sports equipment cover for R13, providing up to R10,000 cover in the unlikely event of loss or damage.

“For many cyclists, a bicycle is far more than just a piece of equipment – it’s a meaningful investment and often tailored to personal preference,” adds Gordon. “We understand that, and our aim is to ensure every bike arrives exactly as it was packed. With careful handling and the option of sports equipment cover, we’re committed to giving riders full confidence when they fly with us.”