Touring - Air-shipping a trailer

My plan so far is to get a MTB and Bob trailer, but my plan is to also ride there then fly back. Is it possible to air-ship a trailer as I would a bike or would I have to mail it. If I had to mail it, how much do you think it would cost? If I can't do either, I'll have to get a touring bike with panniers because I know I can ship all that with me on the way home.

Shipping a Bob trailer won't be a problem. Just dismantle it - box it up and either send it air freight or take it as an extra bag when you fly. You'll get dinged for some extra baggage charges so I'd confirm what those will be with your airline.

Would it be possible or even wise to put the trailer and bike in the same bag to prevent the extra baggage charge?

Last Feb I Fedexed my bike boxed mtn bike and an extrawheel trailer in seperate boxes from Massachusetts to Calf. ground. It took 5 days and with $2300 insurance it cost about $200. Good luck.
Herb

We shipped our BOB from Connecticut to Idaho via FedEx and it cost something like $45 - I don't remember the exact amount, but it was reasonable. You can also take it on the plane and most likely will not have to pay excess baggage charges. It is slightly oversize, but they probably won't care. that being said, be prepared to pay in case you get someone checking you in who is a stickler on those things.

Last Feb I Fedexed my bike boxed mtn bike and an extrawheel trailer in seperate boxes from Massachusetts to Calf. ground. It took 5 days and with $2300 insurance it cost about $200. Good luck.
Herb



I'm confused. So it cost $2500 in all or it cost $200 because you got the $2300 insurance on it?

The cost was $200. If they lost/damage the item, u get $2300.

U CANNOT take both the bike+trailer in 1 box with u on the plane, there is a size limitation. U must put trailer on separate box and pay the extra luggage fee. Check with your airlines' latest allowance.

Frankly, if u can ship it ground, that's what I'd do. It's probly cheaper and u don't hassle taking it to/from airport, and the box arrive at your home. Why take it wif u.

If u value your bike, u will get a hard case for it. Box from airport guaranteed to be scratched.

Two years ago I flew Ryan Air and checked as luggage a Bob Yak trailer (dismantled, wrapped in plastic), the Bob Yak yellow bag, and the bike itself. There was a surcharge for the bike and for the extra luggage, but otherwise no problem.

It always comes down to the individual airline and their policy. Check with them.

Ryan? Don't they charge u for using the toiley? :D How much was your surcharge? curious.