Can you take a scooter on a plane? Can an electric scooter be carried on an airplane? Can I take a scooter as hand luggage?

It’s getting warmer, which means it’s time to open the cycling season. And it is not necessary to open it in your city: many airlines allow you to take a two-wheeled friend with you on a trip. Agree, spinning on your bike is much easier and more pleasant than spending time and effort on mastering city junk rental systems or paying big money for bike rental at a hotel. We will tell you, firstly, how to bring a bike, and secondly, how to do it for free.

In any case, the bike is checked in as oversized baggage. The easiest way to transport a bike is as is, in the sense of "as is". It is convenient because in this situation you can even get to the airport on a bicycle. The rules of most airlines only require you to unscrew the pedals, turn the handlebars along the frame and tie down the front wheel. This method is suitable if you have a fairly simple bike - for example, an ordinary road single speed, in which there is nothing to break even when falling from a ten-kilometer height to the ground. Although it is better to wrap such a bike with at least garbage bags and packing tape on the outside so as not to scratch the frame during loading.

For a simple bike, plain polyethylene is enough

If the bike has speeds, then the first method is complicated by the need to remove the rear derailleur, and together with the “rooster” (who doesn’t know, this is such a part for attaching the derailleur to the frame), otherwise it is likely to break, and you will not go to your destination ride, and look for a bike shop. Therefore, it is better to transport such equipment in a box. Yes, a bicycle box. No, no, we understand that you have carefully kept it under your bed for all these years. Experienced cyclists simply go to the nearest bike shop and ask for a box that would otherwise be thrown away anyway. After that, it remains to disassemble the bike to a "shop" state (remove the pedals, front wheel, derailleur, steering wheel, sometimes a saddle with a seatpost), put it in a box and think about how you will load it in a taxi - so order a station wagon or minivan.

The bike in the box looks something like this

How to ride with a box on public transport, science does not know. In addition, there is one more nuance: if the bike is large enough, then the box can exceed the notorious 203 cm in the sum of three dimensions. And if the standards for dimensions do not apply to “just bicycles”, then at some airports they can find fault with a box with a bicycle inside - they say, this is a box, and what’s inside doesn’t matter. You will lose time and nerves in an attempt to prove that it is wrong to pay extra for exceeding the dimensions in this case.

This table will help you estimate the dimensions of the box:

Another way is a soft bike cover. When using it, you need to disassemble the bike to about the same extent as when transporting in a box. A bicycle in a case takes up much less space than in a box, you can pack it there directly at the airport, and you don’t have to look for a box either on the way there or on your way back, so you will be more autonomous. There are a great variety of covers for all models and sizes of bicycles, they are equipped with handles and often wheels like suitcases, there is only one minus: if you don’t fly anywhere with a bike very often, then for the sake of one or two trips, buy a cover, the cost of which is comparable with the cost of not the worst bike - so-so idea. Cheap covers for a couple of thousand rubles are intended more for storing bicycles or transporting them on the train.

A good bag for transporting a bicycle is, to put it mildly, not cheap.

And it is impossible not to mention, at least for general development, hard plastic cases. Professional cyclists usually travel with these, because the weight and dimensions of these cases are a sure way to pay extra for excess baggage. But then the expensive carbon frame will not crack, and the brake discs will not bend.

Hardcore cyclist going to flight

Now let's move on to organizational issues. Thanks to Aviasales, we were able to find out that there are not many airlines in the world that allow you to carry a bike for free. Here are these guys: (maybe the list is incomplete - add in the comments)

“Free of charge within the limits of the weight of one piece of baggage” means that the bicycle is considered one piece of baggage. That is, in most cases, when one piece of luggage is included in the tariff, you will have to choose: either a suitcase with things, or a bicycle - and, accordingly, put everything in hand luggage. Another thing is if you are a frequent flyer. Even a silver card in most airlines makes it possible to carry one piece of baggage in addition - this can be a bicycle. Also, don't forget about special rates: for example, many airlines return "economy" includes two pieces of baggage, while Asian carriers have baggage allowances so generous that two pieces are given to everyone.

However, you should not cheat and hang on the bike everything that did not fit in your suitcase and hand luggage: helmets and other equipment, as a rule, will be asked to be carried separately from the bike. And remember about the weight limit: everything together should not be heavier (most often 23 kg).
And the rules for bicycles also apply to more modest equipment - for example, balance bikes, scooters (we are not talking about electric scooters, but ordinary ones), etc. Moreover, in some cases they are even allowed to be taken into the cabin in addition to hand luggage, but you should not count on this: here, rather, it all depends on the specific person at the airport. Always consider that the scooter will have to be checked in as luggage. By the way, many folded scooters fit perfectly in full-size suitcases: just unscrew the steering column, and your hipster scooter will go in diagonally.

The easiest way to transport a bike on a plane

When flying on an airliner, passengers take personal items on the road, and not only. There are situations when a person needs to transport an electric scooter on board an aircraft. In the article, we will look at how to transport scooters on an airplane in hand luggage and in the luggage compartment, what are the conditions for transporting an electric scooter in some airlines.

How to carry a scooter on an airplane

A regular scooter and an electric scooter are transported in airliners under different conditions. When planning to take this technique on board, be sure to check the requirements of the airline.

A few years ago, the International Civil Aviation Organization created a document on the introduction of a ban on the transport on board aircraft of any devices that operate on lithium-ion batteries (they are classified as explosive). It is worth noting that all popular equipment works on such batteries - mobile phones, cameras, laptops, etc.

This decision was not approved by the competent authorities. Today, the transportation of an electric scooter on airliners is not regulated by regulations. All requirements for the transportation of such equipment are established by airlines on an individual basis.

The main requirements of airlines for the transportation of an electric scooter:

1. The passenger must first coordinate the possibility of transporting a scooter in an airliner with representatives of the selected company.
2. Equipment must be packed in a special case.
3. The owner needs to properly prepare the scooter for air transportation: disassemble the removable parts and pack them individually in a film. The protruding parts of the transport can be protected with foam and pulled with tape. Inflatable tires need to be lowered.
4. The battery must be discharged before flying. Some companies set a certain percentage of the charge (the maximum level, for example, no more than 30%). Be sure to comply with this condition, otherwise the carrier will refuse to transport the device on an airplane.
5. The transported scooter must have documents from the manufacturer (registration certificate).
6. The carrier is not responsible for the safety of the scooter during the flight.

In the cabin

Each airline has a certain standard for the dimensions and weight of hand luggage. A scooter powered by a lithium-ion battery does not fit into these parameters, so it will not be possible to transport it in the cabin as free baggage.

If the owner is worried about the safety of his property and does not want to send the electric scooter to the luggage compartment, he can purchase a separate ticket for a passenger seat in the cabin. On this chair it will be possible to transport a disassembled technical device as a valuable oversized cargo.

Electric scooters with a non-removable lithium-ion battery, as well as unassembled devices, are not allowed to be transported in the cabin of aircraft.

Specific requirements for the carriage of such baggage should be clarified in advance at the call center of the company selected for air travel.

More articles on the topic of carrying luggage on an airplane:

In luggage

An electric scooter whose weight and dimensions exceed the allowable carry-on baggage allowance can be transported in the cargo hold of the aircraft. Such baggage is accepted as non-standard baggage and is paid at a separate rate.

Free baggage allowance is allowed if it is eligible. Each service class has individual limits. For example, in economy class, passengers are allowed to carry personal items weighing up to 23 kg in the luggage compartment of the aircraft, in business class - up to 32 kg. True, you need to take into account not only the weight of the scooter in the case, but also other things carried in the suitcase. If the total baggage weighs more than the carrier's allowance, the passenger will have to pay an extra charge at the excess baggage rate.

Electric scooters are transported unassembled, in a special case, with a necessarily discharged battery. The passenger must properly pack his equipment in order to eliminate the risk of damage to the products during loading and flight.

The owner of an electric scooter must understand that the airline disclaims responsibility for the integrity and safety of the cargo being transported. If the electric scooter has a certain value, transport such equipment in the cabin of the liner, purchasing a separate air ticket for such cargo.

Transportation of a scooter on airliners of popular airlines

Since today there are no regulated rules for the transportation of electric scooters on board an aircraft, each carrier has the right to establish individual requirements and conditions for the transportation of abnormal baggage.

Aeroflot

Electric scooters are allowed to be transported as checked baggage in the cargo hold of the aircraft, provided that the lithium-ion battery is removed and discharged from the device at the time of transportation.

Transportation of equipment with lithium-ion batteries is allowed in the aircraft cabin if the battery power does not exceed 160 Wh.

UTair

Transportation of mobile vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries is allowed on the aircraft of this air carrier, subject to prior agreement. A passenger who wants to transport an electric scooter on board must obtain official permission from the carrier and fulfill all conditions regarding the packaging of equipment for the period of the flight.

Ural Airlines

This carrier has officially banned the transportation of any mobile devices powered by lithium-ion batteries on aircraft.

When planning to transport an electric scooter on an airliner, be sure to check the conditions and requirements for the transportation of such devices from representatives of the selected airline. This information can be found on official resources or clarified at the call center by calling the hotline.

We deal with the new requirements of airlines.

In February of this year, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) approved new rules regarding the transportation of lithium-ion batteries in the baggage compartments of civil aircraft and apply as a recommendation to 191 ICAO member countries, including Russia.

Let's dot all the "and", the specialists from Aviakassa will help us with this.

What are lithium-ion batteries

The most popular type of battery that has become widespread in recent years. Such batteries are the source of energy in most modern electronics, they power phones, laptops, digital cameras and even electric cars.

Your iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and even Apple Watch also have a lithium-ion battery.

The principle of operation of such batteries is based on the chemical composition of their components. The elements gained great popularity due to their high energy density, low self-discharge and unpretentious maintenance.

What are airlines afraid of?

There is no smoke without fire, there are several sad examples in the history of civil aviation when lithium-ion batteries led to a fire on board aircraft.

In 2013, such incidents were recorded in the US and Japan. Fires broke out on board passenger planes, which were caused by overheated lithium-ion batteries. Fortunately, there were no casualties. Previously, similar incidents have happened on board cargo aircraft.

An overheated lithium-ion battery can cause an explosion or fire. The combustion temperature of such batteries is more than 600 degrees Celsius. This is enough to melt the aluminum from which the fuselage of the liners is made.

You shouldn't relax

Each air carrier has its own security standards and baggage and hand luggage allowances. Sometimes restrictions apply to all flights, and sometimes to flights that operate in certain countries.

It is better to study the rules of each of the carriers immediately after buying tickets.

Here are the requirements for the transportation of lithium-ion batteries are imposed by the TOP-5 Russian air carriers:

Aeroflot

What concerns: lithium-ion batteries with a specific power up to 100 Wh* (mobile phones, cameras, watches, laptops)

Can be carried in hand luggage inside appliances and gadgets. External batteries are allowed to take no more than 2 pieces per person. At the same time, they must be protected by something, excluding the possibility of a short circuit. In baggage, transportation is possible only inside the equipment.

Battery type: lithium-ion batteries with a specific power of 100-160 Wh* (laptops with a larger battery, professional audio and video equipment, portable devices)

Can be carried with the permission of the airline representatives inside the equipment. Portable and replaceable batteries (no more than two per person) must be packed to prevent contact shorting. Such batteries can only be carried in baggage in the equipment, and you must obtain permission from the airline representative.

Battery type: lithium-ion batteries with a power density greater than 160 Wh* (industrial equipment, certain electric and hybrid vehicles, mopeds)

Subject to registration as "dangerous goods" with the fulfillment of special requirements for transportation.

S7 Airlines

Portable electronic devices (watches, cameras, phones, laptops, etc.) containing lithium-ion batteries must be carried as carry-on baggage. If such devices are carried in checked baggage, measures must be taken to prevent inadvertent activation.

Portable medical electronic devices with similar batteries must be carried as carry-on baggage.

Spare batteries must be separately protected in such a way that the possibility of a short circuit is excluded, and are transported only in carry-on baggage.

UTair

On the official website of the company, in the section on allowed baggage, there are no separate rules and restrictions for the transport of lithium-ion batteries.

Representatives only mention the need to obtain permission to carry medical equipment and vehicles that run on batteries in their luggage.

Ural Airlines

It is allowed to carry consumer electronic devices with lithium-ion cells or batteries, such as watches, calculators, cameras, phones, laptops, etc. in checked baggage and carry-on baggage. for personal use. Spare batteries must be in separate packaging to protect the batteries from short circuits and should only be carried in carry-on baggage.

Small mobile devices with lithium batteries, such as electric scooters, electric scooters, etc., are prohibited.

Keep up with the times

Today, small vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries are gaining more and more popularity. Do not forget that hoverboards, scooters and segways are also equipped with lithium-ion batteries.

The vast majority of airlines prohibit these devices as checked or carry-on baggage. The only exceptions are vehicles for people with disabilities.

Some carriers offer to issue such devices as "dangerous goods" in compliance with the appropriate rules and regulations of transportation.

Be careful that a fashionable toy from a trip abroad does not become a gift for airline representatives.

You will have to check in your luggage, but theoretically, there may be problems with this ...

What can be the difficulties with transporting an electric scooter on an airplane?

At the end of February 2016, the International Civil Aviation Organization - ICAO - published a curious document that instantly provoked a media hype. The main idea of ​​this document is extremely simple: it is no longer possible to transport lithium-ion batteries in the cargo compartments of passenger aircraft. At all. On April 1, 2016, this decision came into force.

It is important to note that ICAO is an organization whose requirements are compelled to comply with all air carriers of all countries that are ICAO members. Russians are included in this list. Naturally, the press began to almost panic: “You can’t fly with a camera anymore”, “Leave your laptop at home”, etc.

So, it turns out that the transportation of an electric scooter on an airplane is prohibited? Or leave the battery at home, and at the place of vacation, for example, buy a new one? Rave…

In fact, this is really nonsense. All this panic, all this hype in the press was provoked by a banal misunderstanding by journalists of the specifics of air travel and translation difficulties.

Each airline puts forward its own requirements regarding what is allowed and what is prohibited on the plane. It is advisable to check the conditions of the airline before buying tickets or immediately before the flight. There is also a certain basic list of items that are prohibited for transportation by Order of the Ministry of Transport, both in baggage and in hand luggage. What does it include?

Let's look at examples:

Weapons (knives, stun guns, firearms and their dummies);

Explosive objects and substances (cartridges, sparklers);

Gases (such as lighters or aerosols);

Flammable liquids (solvents, acetone);

Combustible solids (matches), ;

Toxic substances and poisons (arsenic, mercury, antifreeze);

Corrosive substances (lime, peroxide, acid, resin);

Radioactive substances and magnets.

What is forbidden to carry in the cabin?

Certain other substances that may pose a danger to passengers or their luggage are also prohibited.

Small-sized vehicles for personal use - skateboards, segways, children's and adult electric scooters.

If the flight is international, uncut plants and earth are also prohibited for transportation.

Also, for transportation in the cabin of an airliner there is a list of prohibited items:

piercing and cutting objects (scissors and knives with a blade length of more than 6 cm, knitting needles, needles);

It must be remembered that if prohibited items are present in the passenger's baggage, they will be confiscated by employees. If the items being transported belong to the first list and are not accompanied by a permit (for example, firearms), then the passenger is removed from the flight for investigation.

What is allowed to be carried in the cabin of the aircraft?

Equipment with battery power up to 160 Wh (laptops, photo and video equipment, mobile and medical devices);

Mercury free thermometer;

Mercury sphygmomanometer and manometer in a factory case;

One lighter;

Dry ice up to 2 kg per person;

Hydrogen peroxide up to 100 ml;

Liquids, aerosols and gels up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag up to 1 liter. If a container with a volume of more than 100 ml, although the volume of liquid is within the norm, it is still prohibited for transportation;

Goods from "Duty free" are packed in a special way with identification marks about the place of purchase.

In the luggage of the liner it is allowed to carry

Cutting and piercing household items, in addition to those prohibited;

Aerosols for household purposes.

Do not forget that in individual cases it is possible to obtain a permit for items not listed (for example, wheelchairs with a power of more than 160 Wh). To do this, you must contact the representatives of the carrier company in advance.