Folding Bikes - Brompton and Ryanair????

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blank67
08-21-09, 02:32 AM
I'm arranging my flight to london to attend at Brompton world championship.
I have to fly Ryanair and I have B bag for my Brompton, but I don't know if I have to pay like normal suitcase (20 euro), or I have to pay like sport's item (60 euro).

Thanks

LWaB
08-21-09, 05:03 AM
The cost depends on what you tell them it is. To me, a Brompton is a 'mobility aid' (I naturally limp a little).
14R
08-21-09, 05:45 AM
I say Bike parts and pay normal.

bhkyte
08-21-09, 06:55 AM
A Brompton is not a sports bike, it is primaraly for transport. Sport is usually defined as competive disciple, even if that is the intended use on this unusal occasion. It is also not a bike whilst folded? As it is not two wheels in tandem?
I would go for normal. Make sure it does not effect your insurance though.
EvilV
08-22-09, 06:30 AM
Just be careful. Ryanair are famous for getting stroppy with customers. If it were me, I would talk to them about what it is, but I am cautious by nature.
blank67
09-01-09, 12:19 AM
Just be careful. Ryanair are famous for getting stroppy with customers. If it were me, I would talk to them about what it is, but I am cautious by nature.

is not easy to talk with ryanair. You have to call a special and expansive number
EvilV
09-01-09, 02:08 AM
is not easy to talk with ryanair. You have to call a special and expansive number

Ah - OK, not that easy to talk to them then.

If my B was in a hard suitcase, I would say nothing and pay the suitcase fee. You might find you were getting very near the passenger luggage limit if there is one though if there was other baggage going with you. In a softbag, which I am assuming the B bag to be, I'd say they'll spot it isn't ordinary luggage right away.

For myself, the 40 Euro difference between sports equipment and a suitcase would be worth the peace of mind. I can speak from experience with Easyjet - they took my strida copy without demur and I paid £15 each way to take it as sports equipment. I have to say they were great about the bike. I had to take it to a different check in desk for oversized baggage. They did temporarily lose my other bag though on the way back from Barcelona. It was delivered to me by courier the next day.