Originally Posted by TheFlyingCyclist

Do take a look at the advice thread. Yes, the bike bag counts as a piece of checked luggage. If you’re silver or gold, or club+, then you can also check in another bag. For long trips, I usually take a large rucksack on board so I can pull both through the airport. Remember to pack helmet, glasses, one set of kit, shoes and pedals in your cabin bag in case the bike goes walkies. An AirTag is a massive win.

Very easy to take a bike to Madeira, I’ve been half a dozen times. On arrival, the bikes come out of a lift/door behind the area where the luggage enquiry desks are, near to the exit. Getting to the car rental parking with them is a bit of a faff, so we usually send one person to fetch the car and pickup outside. On departure, check-in is really easy and the staff are lovely. Never had a problem. Oversize is away from the main desks, but not far.

If you’re going mountain biking, I’ve got some fab routes if you want to PM.