Flying with a bike....

[ginny]

I flew across the world with my bike not that long ago. I bought a used hard case from someone advertising on Craig's List. You would be surprised how many people want to sell bike cases (after storing it, I can sort of understand). Anyway, I got one of the performance cases - it was decent - I can't complain and my bike arrived in one piece. As to insurance... I'm sure you can get it, but I can't help you. I also know people who ship them ahead and arrange with some bike shop to accept the bike and maybe put it back together for them. I know people have figured out ways to ship bikes pretty cheaply, but both times I have shipped a bike, it has cost half a fortune... if you are going to pay like that, you may as well take it with you.

[pumpkinpony]

I've shipped mine FedEx in the past. Much cheaper than the $100/segment charges from the airline I was flying. And I didn't have to hassle with it at the airport. You can add insurance on the shipping - mine was only worth a fraction of yours though so I don't know how much that would add to the cost.

I just used a cardboard bike box, which I can usually find out behind the bike stores for free on their delivery days. A hard case would be nice though.