Travelling w/bike on planes

[DeniseGoldberg]

For everyone who is getting scared about traveling with their bikes...

Unfortunately, bad stuff happens, but it doesn't happen every time. In fact, we probably hear more stories about the bad stuff than about the normal times - the times your bike arrives safely, and at the right time.

Please don't let the bad stories scare you away from traveling with your bike. Touring - or just riding in new places - is a wonderful experience. And while you can choose to travel with a touring company that provides bikes (either as part of the tour cost or for a rental fee), there are many times when you'll need or want your own bike.

--- Denise (who insists on traveling with her bicycle!)

[shadon]

For everyone who is getting scared about traveling with their bikes...

Unfortunately, bad stuff happens, but it doesn't happen every time. In fact, we probably hear more stories about the bad stuff than about the normal times - the times your bike arrives safely, and at the right time.

Please don't let the bad stories scare you away from traveling with your bike. Touring - or just riding in new places - is a wonderful experience. And while you can choose to travel with a touring company that provides bikes (either as part of the tour cost or for a rental fee), there are many times when you'll need or want your own bike.

--- Denise (who insists on traveling with her bicycle!)

Denise is absolutely right about this. My only point, after watching my friends experience with UPS, is to be careful about how your bike is packed and shipped. Denise is right, most times accidents don't happen, but sometimes they do. Just be really vigilant about how your bike is packed. I know I will be!

[SnappyPix]

Myself and my partner transported our road bikes with us from the UK, via Los Angeles, to NZ. These were transported in the hard bike cases and arrived intact (although they missed the flight and arrived the next morning, via courier). We simply had to turn the handlebars to fit them in the case.
Conversely, we also shipped out two hybrid commuting bikes, which were transported in the standard cardboard bike box - and sent air freight. They were packed very carefully by the shipping company, and wrapped in lots of bubble wrap, but one of the bikes still managed to sustain damage to the rear derailleur and had to be replaced.
The hard cases were worth their weight in gold and I'd only ever consider shipping a bike I love in them from now on.

[Trek420]

I went to the advanced class Thursday night and...the bike was there. So happy ending

[Aint Doody]

I, too, have a hard case and agree that it's worth it. It has wheels and you just drag it along like you would your suitcase. I've only had to pay $25 or $50 (depending on the airline)--and then not even always that! If the airline allows 2 bags and the weight is under the 50 lb mark and you only have the case and 1 other bag, sometimes you can talk them into not charging you. If you've upgraded to 1st class on flyer miles, you don't pay anything for the bike case to go.

[Joan]

It looks ilke I"m probably too late, but....

In Portland-Metro (oregon) you can go to a bike gallery store and they will box it for you in a cardboard box for $50 packing fee. It's WELL worth the money! I had them do that on one trip and then went to a bike shop to have it packed to return home--they did a much inferior job to the Bike Gallery.

Also, You can pick up bike boxes onilne at E-bay and then rent them through bike stores to pay it off or go to the bike store to see if they have rentals or know someone who does.

Be sure to check each airline's rules as they are different!

Joan