General Cycling Discussion - Cheapest way to send a bike overseas??

Hi,
Do any of you know the cheapest way to send a bike to another country overseas? E.g From USA to Brazil ?
I will not be on a plane. Just want to send the bike.
I heard that sending by water (ship) might be cheaper?
If I am travelling, do you guys know how much American Airlines charge for the bike?
Thanks.

I posted this link for someone in the Touring Forum, I am sure it will help you. I would contact the baggage department of AA to find out how they want the bike packaged etc. it may be free transport for sporting goods on international flights, but I heard that some airlines are changing this policy. The key is to ask as many people as possible until you get the answer you want. I have found conflicting information from different staff from the same airline so ask ask ask. If you use the sea option make sure the bike is packaged very well. Also, get a few quotes from different shipping companies as they can vary by as much as 50%.

http://www.bikeaccess.net/touring_db.cfm

Thanks.

Gordon, I can't find the message in the Touring website.

I know that taking a bike is free on Air Canada and Air Transat for transoceanic flights. So that is as cheap as it gets! 0$

Aircanada has declared Chapter 11.

The thing is that I will be full of luggage. Moving back to Brazil.
So, probably won't be able to trasnport with me for free. Will have to ship it.

Gordon, I can't find the message in the Touring website.
Oh it was under a post regarding tour operators, nothing in regards to shipping.


Aircanada has declared Chapter 11.

Canada does not have Chapter 11 but I get your point. I have always disliked Air Canada; the customer service was dreadful and the airfares changed by the minute. I sure hope this is not an April fools joke because I have wished for them to go under and I sure hope “Rico” in customer service loses his job.
:mad: (I once spent the better part of a whole day trying to correct a mistake Air Canada made and I still am angry!)

Sorry I got off topic, even if you have extra luggage sporting equipment maybe considered separate. Ask, ask, ask, it may be cheaper to pay the extra kg. charges on your luggage and your bike may go for free. Also, when you put your bike in the box toss in lots of soft stuff for padding and to reduce your luggage weight. :)

Air Canada will most likely get bailed out by the government again. Air Canada has one of the most modern fleets in the world with an average plane age of 6-8 years. Somewhere in there. Every companies airfares change by the minute. Air Canada is more comfortable and I enjoyed flying (despite the delay which isn't a big deal). It would be a terrible loss is Air Canada disappeared.

I just hope the restructuring of Air Canada is for the better. I use KLM for my trans-Atlantic flight now and I like Air France as well. For domestic I use anything but Air Canada.

Originally posted by Spire
I know that taking a bike is free on Air Canada and Air Transat for transoceanic flights. So that is as cheap as it gets! 0$

WOW! That is good! How about a tandem?

2*$0??