General Cycling Discussion - Bikes off aeroplanes

A question that doesn't see mto fit anywhere else..

I've read all the good advice about packing bikes to put on 'planes, have got the transport bag, packing, drop out spacers etc etc. That's all covered but what about the other end?

What checks do people do once they get their bike off the plane, and how soon do you check? Is is a full rebuild in the bagage hall, or something more discrete or indeed later, when you get to destination.

Help appreciatied for my first bike-on-plane trip end of the week.

I've only done it a couple of times, so others might know more than myself. In Brisbane and Melbourne there was bugger all in the way of checks when I got off. I just grabbed my bike bag the same as my other luggage and went. They did all the checks when I got on the flight.

I think he means more checking over the bike for in-flight damage, not airport security checks etc.

Brendon
:beer:

I try to get my bike together as soon as possible and get out for a ride. I write on the bike boxes "YOU BREAK IT, YOU BUY IT", and I put FRAGILE stickers everywhere, and I have clearly marked that there's a bike in the box. So, if I start riding it, and I see that there are problems, I call the airlines pronto. They broke it, they'll be buying it.

Just be sure to get the bike together asap, and ride it right away, and report any problems as soon as possible. And before you go, clearly mark the box as fragile and a bike, and let the airlines know that there's a bike in the box so they're aware that it's a bike and they can handle it with care.

Good luck!


Koffee

I believe things like bikes, musical instruments and sporting equipment may not be covered by your insurance or the airline’s baggage insurance. I often fly with my guitar and have traveled with my bike and other odd items and I am sure most airlines will not cover these items. One insurance policy I had covered everything you could possible imagine and would only cover my guitar for air transport and nothing else! I did have one guitar case crushed and KLM said they would not reimburse me. So, check with your airline and your travel or house insurance to see if it will be covered. If your bicycle is damaged, I believe they will give you plenty of time to make a claim and I would take some photographs of it and make sure your receipts are in order in case you do have to make a claim.

Welcome to the forum doonster, I lived in Bergen, Norway for a year back in the late eighties and I had a blast. It is the most beautiful and enchanted place that I’ve ever been to, hope to return.
Gordon p
:beer:

Traveling with a bike box would be a pain and a tremendous hassle in assembling a bicycle after a long flight. The simpler solution would be to get a folding bike that fits into a hardcase that you can assemble it in minutes. Furthermore, the hardcase is far more durable than bike box and less costly too. In fact, the bike might actually ride for free.

Originally posted by Koffee Brown
I try to get my bike together as soon as possible and get out for a ride. I write on the bike boxes "YOU BREAK IT, YOU BUY IT", and I put FRAGILE stickers everywhere, and I have clearly marked that there's a bike in the box. So, if I start riding it, and I see that there are problems, I call the airlines pronto. They broke it, they'll be buying it.

Unfortunately, airlines in this country make you sign a waiver basically saying that they won't have to buy it if they break it. They refuse to carry it if this waiver isn't signed.

Unfortunately, airlines in this country make you sign a waiver basically saying that they won't have to buy it if they break it. They refuse to carry it if this waiver isn't signed.


Don't fly Qantas.

I wouldn't even purchase a ticket with an airline that had such a ridiculous waiver. I can't imagine them taking care of your bike after you sign a waiver saying you won't hold them responsible because they're a bunch of boneheads and throw your bike all over the tarmac. :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Koffee Brown
Don't fly Qantas.

Or Virgin Blue for that matter. Since Ansett and Impulse went down the crapper, that doesn't leave us with too many options. Basically all you can do is pack your bike the best you can, either that or don't fly in this country. I'm no happier about it than you are (believe me), but what can you do?

That's too bad. :(

I can't believe Virgin forces you guys to do that, seeing as though they seem to pride themselves as being so progressive and forward thinking. I guess I won't be taking my bike into Australia, unless I'm flying a foreign airline.

Well, just reassemble your bike as soon is possible, the bagage hall is fun :D but look for a quiet spot so you don`t have to watch your parts & stuff all the time...

Unfortunately, airlines in this country make you sign a waiver basically saying that they won't have to buy it if they break it. They refuse to carry it if this waiver isn't signed

Aaargh, and i`m flying out with Quantas on friday, but still my main problem is the weight limit, ever tried to fit a bike + trailer + bag under the 20 kg`s boundery......:rolleyes:

Both Alaska and Northwest charge extra but don't make you sign waivers of any kind. Fortunately, my bike has traveled without incident on both airlines.

also, it only takes 10 minutes to reassemble my bike. Pedals, seatpost, stem and wheels...bottle cages. That's it. Not really a big hassle.

Originally posted by toolfreak
Unfortunately, airlines in this country make you sign a waiver basically saying that they won't have to buy it if they break it. They refuse to carry it if this waiver isn't signed

Aaargh, and i`m flying out with Quantas on friday, but still my main problem is the weight limit, ever tried to fit a bike + trailer + bag under the 20 kg`s boundery......:rolleyes:

I've never flown with my bike on QANTAS, so you might get away with it. Keep me posted on that one. The main reason I flew with Virgin last year is that they don't charge me any of those fascist fees for carrying it.

In saying that, I'd be very surprised if QANTAS don't make you sign the waiver. From what I've heard it's pretty standard practice. If I were you I'd be packing my bike very carefully.

Well, i landed safely in Melbourne last night, but my bike and bag didn`t........aaaaargh!!!! :crash:

Aperently my two items where lost somewhere above the pacific :cry:

Checked with the bagage service and the Quantas guy assured me they would deliver my gear ASAP in Hobart, at the backpackers where i was staying.....

Checked this morning with the reception...nothing, but this afternoon they delivered my bag+ bike, wohoo!!!

The bikebox was pretty smashed and i haven`t assembled it yet, but my bag was allright (apart from the desinfection stuff on my cycling shoes, bweeuh :mad: )

I must give Quantas credits for the fast service and for letting me get away with 45 kg :D



:beer:

That would have given you a few grey hairs Mark, glad it worked out ok .

John :beer:

Remind me to fly Virgin Blue to Tasmania this year. Yeah, so they made me sign a waiver last year, but they didn't smash anything up. Nor did they leave my bike behind for two days (I don't think I would have survived!).

Now back from the trip - thanks for all the advice.

Flew SAS, not a mark on the bike bag. It is a Planet X bag, which is huge and difficult to handle which may have helped. No problems checking it in, or pre-booking it through my agent.

Did a quick check in the baggae hall - couldn't even see signs of shifting in the bag. Assembled no problems a couple of hours later.

Pity about the shoulder dislocation I suffered on the trip but that's a consequence of MTBing I guess.