Shipping Bike Fed Ex or take it on the plan

[ACG]

I am taking a trip to do a ride in Seattle, my friend is worried that the TSA will open his bike suitcase and then jumble up all the peices and loose things. The way his bike fits in the suitcase, if you distrub it things would be complicated.

So have any of you had experiences either with Fed Ex or the airlines ore both? Thanks

[Sylvia]

I am taking a trip to do a ride in Seattle, my friend is worried that the TSA will open his bike suitcase and then jumble up all the peices and loose things. The way his bike fits in the suitcase, if you distrub it things would be complicated.

So have any of you had experiences either with Fed Ex or the airlines ore both? Thanks


I have a Bike Friday that fits in a suitcase that I can check in as regular luggage. A few years ago I took it with me on Southwest from California to Maryland. When packing it, I took pictures of each step and a final picture of how it was all packed in at the end. I printed the pictures out and put my name and cell phone number with a note to TSA to contact me in case they had problems getting it all back together. This all went in the suitcase with the bike. The bike made it to Maryland fine and it didn't look like anyone had opened it. When I got back to California, it looked like someone may have looked through it but everything was still fine. No problems..

[MM_QFC!]

I have a Bike Friday that fits in a suitcase that I can check in as regular luggage. A few years ago I took it with me on Southwest from California to Maryland. When packing it, I took pictures of each step and a final picture of how it was all packed in at the end. I printed the pictures out and put my name and cell phone number with a note to TSA to contact me in case they had problems getting it all back together. This all went in the suitcase with the bike. The bike made it to Maryland fine and it didn't look like anyone had opened it. When I got back to California, it looked like someone may have looked through it but everything was still fine. No problems..

I have a bike with couplers and use a case that is 62 sq inches/not oversize/not overweight, so it goes as a checked bag. I use a security net http://www.sandsmachine.com/ac_net.htm and add a note - similar to Sylvia - saying that the "bicycle parts" are packed carefully so as not to damage them and that all can be viewed just by lifting the security net. I include details of my itinerary and contact info too and tape this piece of paper to the top of it all; an envelope contains 4 pics of the tube covers on bikes and the packing process...Might be overkill but, while my bike case has been opened (TSA lock), my packing has never been messed up and so I will continue same to avoid them pulling everything apart!

[shootingstar]

I'm intrigued that your suitcase would be opened if checked in. I would have expected that more as carry-on....

I fly Air Canada. And have not used an U.S. airline for over a decade.

[OakLeaf]

I've shipped my bike FedEx in its hard case at least ten times. No problems. Even if safety were equal, there's that whole "not having to schlep an enormous 50# suitcase through an airport and having to hire a van instead of a regular taxi" thing.

Freight haulers may also open containers, though obviously it's less common than it is with the TSA. DH and I have both had situations where our cases have arrived with the fastenings loose - my bike once from FedEx, his camera gear once on the airlines. Thankfully everything was still secure inside, but the lesson there is to pack everything as much as possible so that it won't rattle even if the outer fastenings are loose. After that experience, I sharpie'd arrows on the outside of my case pointing to the straps with the words "Please re-tighten all straps if opened."

(I also sharpie'd my name, cell # and email address on the inside of all my luggage and shipping cases. A piece of paper with that information is just as likely to get lost as anything else inside. What should go on a piece of paper is your destination information if your permanent contact information won't reach you at your destination - if you won't be able to check email, for instance, or if you'll be out of cell phone range.)

It isn't only the USA that opens cases, anyway. That's worldwide.

[Boudicca]

I'm intrigued that your suitcase would be opened if checked in. I would have expected that more as carry-on....

I fly Air Canada. And have not used an U.S. airline for over a decade.

All the airlines can and do open luggage, especially when the x-ray shows a jumble of metallic objects. I also put a note in with my Friday, and while I am pretty sure it's been opened from time to time, it's not been damaged. Touch wood.

[shootingstar]

All the airlines can and do open luggage, especially when the x-ray shows a jumble of metallic objects. I also put a note in with my Friday, and while I am pretty sure it's been opened from time to time, it's not been damaged. Touch wood.

Anyway, I've put my bike in a box. Other times it's been merely in a large plastic bag or soft bag for folding bike.

My partner has dealt with a more expensive bike $4,000 and in a big box...he's flown well over 10 different plane trips. Bike got derailleur damage...once.

[indysteel]

For those that choose to transport the bike via the airline, do you purchase trip insurance to cover the cost of the bike and any tour/trip that you're taking that might be impacted if the bike is damaged, delayed or lost in transit? I certainly would consider that if I opted to fly with my bike.

The other concern I'd note is that there is no guarantee--and I say this from personal experience--that checked baggage will arrive on time and on the same plane. I've had several instances where my checked bags didn't make it on time either at my destination or coming home. So, if timing is a concern for you, I'd lean towards Fed Ex and give yourself enough time for a delay on their end as well.

[gnat23]

I prefer FedEx for a few reasons:

a) reliable tracking
b) has a better chance of actually getting there (sometimes I wish I could ship *myself* via FedEx)
c) better insurance in case something does go terribly wrong

-- gnat!

[Boudicca]

I was in Italy this summer, and had a serious debate with myself on whether to take the Friday, or rent a bike from the tour company. I ended up with the rental, which was a pretty clunky hybrid, but it got me from a to b, which was the main point.

But there again, it took six days for my luggage to show up because of a major airline snafu, so it's just as well I went for the rental. Can you imagine a seven-day bike vacation when you didn't have a bike to ride for the first six of them?

[Sylvia]

For those that choose to transport the bike via the airline, do you purchase trip insurance to cover the cost of the bike and any tour/trip that you're taking that might be impacted if the bike is damaged, delayed or lost in transit? I certainly would consider that if I opted to fly with my bike.

When I took my Bike Friday from California to Maryland, I didn't purchase any insurance. And everything was fine. So I may have been lucky. However, I chose specifically to take Southwest airlines. I had been reading on the internet that some airlines might charge considerably more if I were bringing a bike regardless of what size case it was in. So I decided to go with Southwest since they specifically mentioned Bike Fridays and that as long as the case is within their limits, I would not be charged more. See here (httphttp://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/baggage/special-luggage-pol.html#baggage_special_luggage_pol_tab_list_tab_12://). So if you choose to fly a bike, I'd suggest checking the the specific airline's policies on taking bikes.

I would think for most people, who would fly that distance to do a ride, that renting a bike would make a lot more sense, but in my case, my bike fit is so out of the norm that it really wouldn't make sense.

[indysteel]

I buy trip insurance any time my trip involves a tour of some kind. Otherwise, if either I or my gear are delayed in some way, I have some way to recoup the cost of the tour and/or any out of pockets expenses I might incur because of delayed or damaged baggage.

[ACG]

UPDATE
My riding partner was a little paranoid, so he fed exed the bikes from his company to our hotel. He slow boated it. No problem, hotel held onto the suitcases. Bikes were fine and un desterbed. After talking to several other riders doing the same ride (Seattle to Vancouver), we decided to try and take the bikes with us on the plane ride home. We were flying Alaska. From Seattle to Burbank, Ca.

We got the the airport checked in, the bags were tagged and weighed, we then took the bags to the TSA area where they check in oversize luggage, animals and firearms.
The people at the Alaska baggage desk said they couldn't guarantee that our bags wouldn't be opened and that going directly to the TSA was the only way to go.
The TSA was very helpful! Opened our suitcases in front of us, scanned the bags, put a tag in the bags, locked them up and took them to our airplane.

It was about another 30 minutes but worth it. I didn't pay for an oversize bag because the bag/suitcase weighed under 50lbs.

I don't know if they would be as helpful as other airlines but this was quite easy.

My biggest concern was to have missing peices or a cracked frame.

I hope that this information helps any other TE travelers!!

[Triskeliongirl]

Be very careful with FedEx GROUND. While FedEx ground is certainly cheaper than UPS or FedEx AIR, we learned the hard way that regardless of the declared value, and how much 'insurance' you purchased, they are only liable for $100 if your bike is lost/stolen (with UPS or Fedex AIR it is really insured for the declared value). We also learned the workers are not employed by the company but by various local depots, and are not as well compensated as UPS or FedEx AIR, so there is more corruption. My husband shipped his Bike to boston to ride to vermont for a scientific meeting. It never arrived. Tracking showed it arrive at one location but not leave. All they told us is that it was lost and we are entitled to $100 even though we paid a surcharge to cover the $2000 it was worth. Turned out a good friend of ours knows someone high up at FedexGround management (their kinds are friends), and sent him all the info. including a pic of my husband riding the bike. Turned out a worker at the depot it went missing from was spotted riding the bike to work by the supervisor that got the pics of the bike. He was arrested, and the case and accesories were all recovered from his apartment. He even had the nerve to wear my husbands helmets and shoes to work! But we were lucky. Never again will I use Fedex ground. Regular Fedex is OK, as is UPS. I have an S/S coupled bike and just take it in the S/S case. So far no problems, but I should probably get one of those TSA nets.

[shootingstar]

Wow, triskelion. Good advice.

Just curious: when one ships by FedEx, do you actually have to state that a bike is inside that box/container?

No, I haven't purchased any travel insurance when travelling by plane or air for lost baggage. I fly at least 2-3 times per yr. All these shipping problems, remind me how worthwhile it is for me to keep a bike locally with another family member, in other cities, where I visit family in Canada annually. We have taken bike trips out from those cities when I visit.

But then, when I've flown with my bike, my bike is worth ....ie. under $1,200. Ok by me! I'd rather not obsess over a lot more expensive bike. It's worth it for me to fly with a bike for certain situations if the bike touring vacation is long enough, since renting a bike that fits me with the proper gearing and weight is very difficult for my size. This has been true for even bike friendly cities where there are bike shops, more cycling culture. In Europe it's a drag for me to find a bike that fits. It amuses/amazed me in Copenhagen, I kept on seeing bikes that were way too big for me in bike shops there.

What would be interesting here for TE members, if they are comfortable to leave their bike in a bike train car if ie. they were travelling several hundred km. by train anywhere in Europe. And those train cars aren't necessarily looked after by an train employee during the train ride. People just go and get their bikes, get off the train. Sometimes you can lock up your bike and other times it's not that simple/possible. If you're bike has panniers locked on, of course, it's less of an incentive for anyone to steal an expensive touring bike when it's loaded already with panniers.

[Triskeliongirl]

Fedex does not require you to identify the contents as a bike. I usually ship in a trico iron case, so it would be obvious to a knowledgable person what was inside. ALso, whoever worked for fedex ground knew it had a declared value of $2000, so worth stealing/opening. We were so lucky to get the bike back, and it was fine.

[brigada]

Holy сrap. Gotta love TSA -.-

I can't even fathom something ridiculous like this travelling across Europe.

[OakLeaf]

Holy сrap. Gotta love TSA -.-

I can't even fathom something ridiculous like this travelling across Europe.

Like I said, it was Paris airport security that cut the expensive brass locks off DH's camera case and failed to close the latches. (Though something in the back of my head says that they weren't TSA friendly locks, so it might've been his own fault. Still, even back then they could probably open any padlocks without cutting them off.) European countries' security don't typically engage in as much theater as the USA's, but they're just as attentive IME. If you're talking about trains, then that's apples to oranges (though I do know that security went through the roof on Spanish trains post 3/11, don't know if they've kept that all in place the way the USA did after 9/11).

I still maintain the worst part of flying with a bike is the physical part of it. Security isn't a big deal at all.

Even if you've got a very light bike and you don't put anything but the bike in the case, you're still talking a VERY bulky 45# that will only go through a door in one direction and is a huge PITA getting through a crowd. Some cases are probably easier to maneuver than my Thule case (with its non-rotating wheels on the wide edge), but none of them are going to be easy. Then how many other pieces of luggage are you bringing? Even if it's only one checked bag besides the bike and one rolling carry-on, that's a heck of a lot of sh*t to shove, drag and kick where you're trying to get it.

Aside from my very first car, I've only owned hatchbacks/wagons, so getting the bike to the airport isn't too hard, but many vehicles don't have enough cargo space for a bike case, especially not if you're bringing other luggage. That goes for the taxi on the other end, too ... IME *especially* in Europe where taxis are smaller - on our first trip we had to stand around waiting for a van, because even without a bike, our regular luggage plus DH's camera case wouldn't fit in any of the normal taxis.

Then there's dragging the thing along with your other luggage from the parking lot into the shuttle, from the shuttle to the check-in desk, and then on the other end from baggage claim into the shuttle, into your taxi or rental VAN because you can't count on a rental car having enough room for a bike case, and good luck finding enough room for it in a European hotel elevator or hotel room.

Compare all that to calling FedEx, having them pick it up at your house, and having it waiting for you at your hotel when you arrive. Or even, as I normally do, dropping it off at the FedEx depot and picking it up at the depot at the other end....

[shootingstar]

The other option, is to cycle to and from the airport or bring it onto light rail transit...which is possible for certain major cities in Canada, U.S. and Europe.

I will remind everyone here for Vancouver B.C. You can take the LRT (Canada Line) with your bike direct from the international airport to downtown. Locals are used to seeing bikes on that LRT train line. OR you can bike the bike route into downtown Vancouver (10 kms.) I've done it both modes, ....several different times off of international and domestic flights. This line was built originally for Olympics to take high volume traffic from the airport efficiently.

Toronto, has a transit rapid bus servlce line (the Rocket) that runs between airport and Kipling subway station (but check if there is a bike rack. Not all buses have it). There is a bike route from Toronto that takes you into the park system, then into downtown/waterfront. Dearie has done it several times.

Paris ...my partner has cycled to and from the airport into major part of city. (He's done this several times.) Copenhagen is a dream, I cycled with dearie....it's a flat 10 km. from downtown to airport..through residential streets. It's a weird feeling. :)

Frankfurt's airport is hooked directly to their transit /other interurban train lines. I was with dearie with my bike there. We boarded Germany's interurban train direct from Frankfurt airport. It's interconnected.

If your bike is not $3,000 value (I'm just choosing an higher dollar value for illustration), then I have just put into a box provided by the airport (in the past), or just a plastic bag which Air Canada provides. It's checked in with oversize, skis, golf club cases, etc. I think they want to see that it's a bike, so they know clearly what they're dealing with.

So Seattle, Washington DC would allow bikes but I guess you have to know when bikes are allowed during certain hours. Can't be that impossible to time it.

My biggest pain has not been the bike damage worry but getting the bike pedals on, etc. ...the usual stuff. Here are the aiports with commentary: http://thirdwavecyclingblog.wordpress.com/2010/07/14/cycling-to-airports/ (Calgary screwed up, by ripping up part of their bike path connection to airport. A backward step on the prairies.)

Of course, this only works if your bike is set up for touring...which is all that myself or dearie know when travelling /bringing along our bikes for vacation. The thought of travelling without our bike racks is inconceivable when we go on vacation far with our bikes.

I do know of someone who just used an ordinary suitcase and put in her folding bike. It did the job. She went to France.

[katluvr]

Probably a little late to chime in but I have flown with my bike many times. I feel more comfortable that way. Actually the only time I had damage was the time I shipped it. We always go with our bikes to the place they are either X-rayed (our local airport has a large enough machine to do that and they don't open it). Other airports we stand their while they open it and give them directions if they have any issues putting it back together. We did have an ape of a man do one bike our last trip and we were a bit worried but it was all OK. Oak is correct, bike is big and heavy and I'm usually exhausted by the time I get through hauling it around, but it's worth it to me.
K

[OakLeaf]

One more thing from this afternoon: this wasn't a bike, the contents were fine, but I'm still not happy: "TSA compliant locks" doesn't mean they won't use a crowbar to destroy your hardshell suitcase instead of just using the !@#$#^ master key like they've always done before.

I'm not sure all airports will let you walk your case to the TSA? Not sure they won't, either, I just don't know, and I do know they took their machine out of the ticketing area in Columbus, anyway.