Guess it depends on also the cost of the bike, etc.
I shipped my folding Dahon bike via its soft case. Yes, you heard me. To Europe (Germany). I will be doing it again later this year....to France. Same bike.
My partner has shipped his folding Dahon bike via its soft case ..... 4 different trips to Europe. One time only, his derailleur got a little damaged. So he had to have it repaired there. So yes, it's a risk one takes. He has shipped his bike by cardboard bike box for other types of bikes on 1-2 other trips in the U.S. He has never used Fedex and most likely will not be using them.
I fly by Air Canada when I fly internationally. That's my starting airline preference. Their signage and procedures clearly state bikes....so bike shipment is not a rare thing for them.



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