Folding Bikes - Lightweight suitcase for folding bike

As the airlines squeeze us more and more, it's getting increasingly hard to carry a bike, folded up or otherwise, on account of the weight. Every kg they shave off the checked bag allowance is a kg that has to come off the bike and gear, as the suitcase still weighs the same. Recently, allowances dropped from 23kg (~50lbs) to 20kg (what a nice, round number!). So maybe it's time to find a suitcase that weighs a kg or two less.

I'm looking for some good suggestions. Right now, I own a Samsonite hardshell. It protects the bike well and takes a beating. However, I'm just certain that there must be some kind of better way to do it. Anyone know of any good, light suitcases out there, or perhaps other intelligent ways of moving bikes around without them falling victim to an airport's baggage throwers?

Pack it in a cardboard box, protected with white foam boards and bubble wrap. It shd do the trick, most times.

Pack it in a cardboard box, protected with white foam boards and bubble wrap. It shd do the trick, most times.

That does sound like an alternative, but how is the cardboard box usually stored at the destination? For tourists like myself, how does one bring the box along?

Or have i got the wrong idea?

That does sound like an alternative, but how is the cardboard box usually stored at the destination? For tourists like myself, how does one bring the box along?

Or have i got the wrong idea?

We use our cardboard boxes to travel too. It's easy to pack & it's light. As for storing, it's also easier too because the boxes can be stacked. One thing that we do is to make sure we have the "FRAGILE" platered all over the box. Like all other suitcases with the same stickers, there is still a change the handlers will throw the box but it reduces the possibility.

To bring the box around is not too be difficult, you can just carry it with both hands or cart it around in a little 2-wheel cart. Most of the time, we cart it to the bus/taxi and it fits into the the trunk.

Pack it in a cardboard box, protected with white foam boards and bubble wrap. It shd do the trick, most times.

One caution on that. We have had the airline make us sign that there were only responsible for loss, but not damage of stuff in cardboard boxes. They then put stickers on the boxes expressing that. It that case the boxes contained our camping gear, panniers, and clothing for our tour, but it may be something to consider when flying with a folding bike as well.

As the airlines squeeze us more and more, it's getting increasingly hard to carry a bike, folded up or otherwise, on account of the weight. Every kg they shave off the checked bag allowance is a kg that has to come off the bike and gear, as the suitcase still weighs the same. Recently, allowances dropped from 23kg (~50lbs) to 20kg (what a nice, round number!). So maybe it's time to find a suitcase that weighs a kg or two less.

Which airlines have a checked base limit below 23 kg (50lb)?
United and Air Canada appear to have a 50lb limit.
David

Which airlines have a checked base limit below 23 kg (50lb)?
United and Air Canada appear to have a 50lb limit.

A lot of the European carriers.

For extra layer of padding/protection, I used my bag within the box. As you can see, there's still some room left for other things e.g. accessories etc.

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss73/AbioBikes/Picture027.jpg

Boxes work well, I use lashing straps that are very cheap (as low as $1/piece @ Harbor Freight) two times vertically, so that the box can be carried with this. Tape the straps to one another and the box so they aren't "lost" in the transit. The "perfect sized suitcase" that you can never find can often be easily constructed in 10 minutes with some duct tape and well reinforced.

For extra layer of padding/protection, I used my bag within the box. As you can see, there's still some room left for other things e.g. accessories etc.

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss73/AbioBikes/Picture027.jpg

that look like a mini dt...is that correct? did you have to remove any parts, or you just fold everything up? and what kinda bag is it? where do u get that bag...links would be great.

that look like a mini dt...is that correct? did you have to remove any parts, or you just fold everything up? and what kinda bag is it? where do u get that bag...links would be great.
What would ChainlessRev be doing with a DT? DTs have chains. The bike is an Abio - an Abio Verdion, I think.

that look like a mini dt...is that correct? did you have to remove any parts, or you just fold everything up? and what kinda bag is it? where do u get that bag...links would be great.

No I didn't remove any parts - just folded and put it in the bag & box.

Sorry I should've specified...it's an Abio Bag (http://www.amazon.com/shops/abiobicycles)

Inside the box is the Abio Verdion (http://abiobikes.com/models.html)

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss73/AbioBikes/abioBag_.jpg

What would ChainlessRev be doing with a DT? DTs have chains. The bike is an Abio - an Abio Verdion, I think.

Good observation JC! Yes, that is the Verdion.