Flying with Bikes - Should we or shouldn't we?

i've traveled a bit with bikes also, and didn't find it too bad. i usually just use a cardboard box, and the most i've ever been charged on a domestic flight is $80 each way. When i shipped it, i think the total cost (with a lot of extra clothing and camping gear for "padding") was $50.

i took my mtb with me to guatemala in january, and TACA took it for free on the way down (i had one other bag as well).

on the way back, i was told that the US no longer allows cardboard boxes to come in on international flights (i'm thinking something was lost in translation somewhere along the line... that sounds kinda ridiculous!) so i'd have to pack the bike in plastic wrap. yes, plastic wrap.

the bike was fine, probably better than when i shipped it in the cardboard box!!

have to say, though, if i traveled with my road bike (which i plan to, eventually) i'll invest in a case.

It sounds like for YOUR trip, renting is the way to go. But, in general, there are advantages to taking a bike, but there are two ways to do it safely. One is to buy a serious box like the trico iron case. We have done this when having the bikes with us is a major part of the vacation. Then its worth the $200 each airline surcharge. The other way to go is to have bikes that fit into airline legal suitcases so you can bring them with no surcharge. I have experience with both bike fridays and s/s coupled bikes. I will say the packing/unpacking of a bike friday is easier, but I prefer the ride quality of my s/s coupled bike. But, you do need to have some mechanical knowledge for all of these options, the s/s coupled biking being the most complex.

Fun Story about Bikes and Flying!

Years ago, when my hubby was pretty into mountain bike racing, there was a national in New Hampshire that he wanted to go to. One of the reasons he wanted to go was that his sister lives there and he wanted to visit too.

I can't remember why I did not go, but it was probably cause of work or something like that.

Anway, my husband is a small racer type guy (not short but pretty slight and lightweight). I took him and his bike (in a bike box from a bike shop) with his duffle bag to the airport in Oakland, California. We had called about his flight before we left the house and everything was okay, so I just dropped him off at the front door and drove away. So, this is when the saga began. Hubby goes into the terminal with bike box and baggage in toe and when he gets to the desk to check in, they tell him that the flight has been cancelled and that there is nothing else going out of Oakland. However, there is a flight out of San Francisco. There are several other people in the same boat as my hubby (sans bike boxes though) that need to get to San Francisco. So they all get together and grab a taxicab to take the trip over the Bay Bridge to get to the SF airport in time.

So, hubby drags his bike box and luggage out to the curb and much to his dismay, his bike box just won't fit in the trunk. So, the cabbie, just shoves it in and leaves the trunk open, flopping all around with nothing to tie it down:eek: :eek: and Hubby gets shoved into the back of a taxicab between a 350 pound woman and a 200 pound guy! :D I just have this wonderful picture of his sandwiched in the middle, travelling across the bay bridge with his bike box bouncing up and down in the back!

The amazing thing is, he and the bike box got to the airport in one piece and even made it all the way to New Hamphire unscathed! Great memories!:)

I realize the decision has been made not to bring the bikes, but just wanted to pipe in...

1) I find if you call all the shops in the area and tell when you're looking for a good bike to rent, you can normally find one to hook you up. Last time I went to Mississippi, I didn't expect to find a rental, and was pleasantly surprised to get a sweet mountain bike with all top notch componenets (XTR)

2) If you want to take your bike, and don't want to invest in a case, what about calling your local bike shops and seeing if any of them have rental cases? Some shops do this, and it saves you a little bit of money!

I have used my IMBA membership to get around the extra charge for my bike case. hmm just checked. It looks like they stopped/cancelled the program. Anyway, IMBA still has some great deals if you are travelling with your bike. (I'm strictly a roadie but because of benefits and for conservation, I support IMBA).

And if you do get a box, get it with wheels!!! It's a real pain trying to drag a box at the terminal, trust me. And don't just go with two wheels on one edge, trust me!!

After once or twice of disassemblying your bike and puting it back together, it becomes second nature so it isn't that bad. just practice before you have to do it own your OWN. Do it when someone else can show you on how it supposed to go back together for few times.

I used to go to Salt Lake City and train up in Wasatch Mtn. with my tough cat1/2 brother-in-law. He lives there. I think one of the Tour rider came from his club... They are all business. Great for training at altitude and hill climbs in SLC. gasp for air. Anyway, I never had any serious problem tooting back and forth between So. Calif and Ut. And with IMBA deal with airlines, I don't recall having to pay extra. Well that was back then. And before 911. You might want to check out some of the travel benefits from IMBA.

Renting a bike and taking it easy also sounds like a fun option. Less stress and hassle but still go for a fun ride.

smilingcat

I just want to ditto IFJane's comments. And there have been several times that I haven't paid any extra to take my bike. It's under the 50 lb weight limit. I think going on the early early morning flights lets you sorta sneak it through--the agents at the desk aren't fully awake at that time.

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Originally Posted by horsemom

I tried to fly with my bike- it was really fun for a secvond or two but then and boy did I crash big.....:eek:

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Yep, about two weeks ago, I tried as well. That led to my "road rash" posts!:D